Finding the best real estate agent can make or break your home buying or selling experience. The right agent will help you navigate pricing, negotiations, paperwork, and market trends with confidence. The wrong one can cost you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current one, or doing both at the same time, here’s how to choose a real estate agent who truly has your back.
Why the Right Real Estate Agent Matters
A great real estate agent isn’t just someone who unlocks doors or posts your home online. They’re your strategist, negotiator, market analyst, and guide through every step of the largest transaction most people make in their lifetime. The best agents help you:
- Price your home correctly
- Win competitive offers
- Avoid common pitfalls
- Navigate inspections, repairs, and contracts
- Close with fewer headaches
In a fast-moving real estate market, having the right agent on your team makes all the difference.
Ask for Referrals from People You Trust
Word of mouth is still one of the most reliable ways to find the best real estate agent. Ask friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors about their recent experiences, especially if they bought or sold in your same area.
When asking for recommendations, get details like:
- What did you like most about working with them?
- Were they responsive and proactive?
- Did the agent help you get the price you wanted?
- Would you use them again?
Personal referrals often reveal more than online reviews ever could.
Research Agents Online
After gathering recommendations, look up agents online to get a feel for their experience and style.
Check:
- Google reviews
- Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin profiles
- Social media presence
- Local brokerage websites
Look for agents with:
- Strong reviews
- Recent transactions in your neighborhood
- Professional marketing (photos, videos, descriptions)
- Expertise in your specific type of home or price range
Agents with a consistent online presence often invest more in marketing, communication, and client experience.
Look for Local Market Expertise
The best real estate agent for you is one who knows your local market inside and out. Markets can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next, so local experience matters.
Look for an agent who understands:
- Current home values
- Local school districts
- Neighborhood trends
- Inventory levels
- Buyer demand
- What makes your area unique
A hyper-local agent can help you price strategically, spot opportunities early, and negotiate with confidence.
Interview Multiple Agents
Most people hire the first agent they meet, but interviewing at least two or three gives you a better comparison.
Ask questions like:
- How many homes have you sold in this area?
- How will you market my home?
- What’s your strategy for helping buyers win competitive offers?
- How quickly do you respond to messages?
- Are you a solo agent or part of a team?
- What sets you apart from other agents?
You’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, transparent, confident, and genuinely interested in your goals.
Check Their Communication Style
Real estate moves fast. Your agent should communicate quickly and clearly, whether by text, email, or phone.
Red flags include:
- Slow or inconsistent responses
- Vague answers
- Hard-to-reach agents
- Poor communication among team members
A responsive agent can make the difference between landing your dream home and missing out.
Review Their Track Record and Experience
Experience matters, but it’s not just about years in the industry. It’s ultimately about results.
Look for:
- Number of transactions per year
- List-to-sale price ratios
- Average days on market
- Special certifications (e.g., ABR, SRS, CRS)
- Experience with your type of property (condos, historic homes, luxury, new construction, etc.)
An impressive track record is a strong sign that the agent consistently delivers results.
Understand Their Marketing Strategy (for Sellers)
If you’re selling, your agent’s marketing plan can dramatically affect your final sale price.
Ask how they market a home, including:
- Professional photography
- 3D tours or video walkthroughs
- Social media advertising
- Email campaigns
- Open houses
- MLS and syndication exposure
Homes with high-quality marketing get more views, more showings, and better offers.
Understand Their Negotiation Style (for Buyers)
In a competitive market, you need an agent who knows how to negotiate with confidence.
They should be able to walk you through:
- How to structure a strong offer
- How to negotiate contingencies
- When to push and when to compromise
- How to win in multiple-offer situations
A great negotiator can save you thousands and put you in a better position during the entire transaction.
Confirm Fees and Commission Structure
Most real estate agents work on commission, typically 5–6% for sellers, which is usually split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent. Buyers generally “don’t pay” their agent directly, but the fee is baked into the transaction.
Make sure you understand:
- The listing agreement terms
- The commission rate
- What services are included
- Cancellation policies
Transparent fees build trust from the start.
Trust Your Gut
Experience, data, and reviews matter, but so does your intuition. You’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with your agent, so pick someone who:
- Listens to your needs
- Makes you feel comfortable
- Shows genuine interest in helping
- Is supportive, not pushy
The best real estate agent is someone you trust and feel confident representing you.
Final Thoughts: How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent
Finding the best real estate agent doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start with referrals, do your research, interview a few agents, and look closely at communication, experience, and local expertise. Find someone who checks all your boxes and feels like a good fit for your needs.
With the right agent by your side, the entire buying or selling process becomes smoother, less stressful, and much more successful.
