10 Things to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

Whether it is your first time buying a home, or you have purchased several properties over the years, finding the best real estate agent can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of time.

A great agent who gets to know you and knows the local market can pinpoint the houses that suit your needs and will not waste your time on things you know you do not want. More importantly, when it comes time to negotiate the selling price, a good agent will know the market, know the comps (recently sold homes and values), and possess the negotiation skills required to get you the best possible deal.

Who you choose as your real estate agent can have a big impact on your overall homebuying experience. That is why we have compiled a list of the top qualities you need to look for in a real estate agent.

What makes a good real estate agent?

When you start on your buying journey, one of the key members you will need on your homebuying dream team is a real estate agent. In your case, they will be referred to as a buyer’s agent. From researching the local real estate market to compiling a list of potential homes that fit your unique needs, your agent will be by your side all the way to closing day. It is important that you hire someone you get along with and trust to have your best interests in mind.

Some lenders may have connections or entire networks of real estate agents who have worked with their borrowers in the past. So, be sure to consult with your lender to see if they have any insight or recommendations. Because your real estate agent is critical to your success when finding a home, we have laid out the top 10 qualities you should look for when choosing a real estate agent.

1. They are experienced.

There are a lot of real estate agents out there. Someone who has been doing this for some time will understand the potential challenges, both in finding the right home and in negotiating with sellers. However, they should also be able to provide information about neighborhoods, schools, and various other considerations that may be important to you. It is also vital that they have experience with borrowers who have used the same type of mortgage you have chosen. Veterans Affairs (VA) loans and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans both have distinct minimum property requirements (MPRs). So, you do not want to hire an agent who does not understand them and wastes time showing you homes that do not meet the MPRs.

Just as you would probably want to find someone with a good amount of experience to fix the plumbing or electrical in your home, finding someone with years of real estate experience will make your search and eventual purchase that much easier.

2. They are knowledgeable about the local market.

This goes hand in hand with experience. Your agent should have the insights you need to determine the overall market temperature. However, you may know of an agent who has been selling homes successfully for years, but in a new and unfamiliar area, will not be able to help you as much as someone who knows the neighborhood well. Here are some characteristics to look for in an agent with local knowledge:

• Has a strong understanding of the local market and pricing

• Knows the local school ratings and comparisons

• Understands the local traffic patterns

• Can provide insight on local public transportation

• Able to recommend the best shopping spots

• Can inform you if the neighborhood has been improving or declining lately, as well as any future changes scheduled for the area

• Has connections to the seller’s agents and understands their negotiation skills

• Knows the best restaurants and parks

A real estate agent with strong local market knowledge should also be able to provide insight into the following:

• Local market price trends

• Local school ratings and comparisons

• Locations of nearby places of worship

• Local crime statistics

• Physician and hospital recommendations

• Utility provider options

3. They are proactive. 

After you have interviewed and decided on your agent, you will spend time explaining your needs, wants, and things you would like in your new home. Your agent should be quick to respond with suggestions, feedback, and an ongoing list of homes with possible factors to think about in your decision-making process.

4. They are someone you have good comradery with.

You are probably going to be seeing a good number of homes together on weekends and evenings. So, it makes sense that you want to feel comfortable with this person. It is also essential that you feel that they understand you and your needs. Remember, your agent is there to help you through questions and concerns, so they should not make you feel embarrassed to reach out. The will guide you when determining how much to offer, so trust is important, as well.

5. They are honest and trustworthy.

Finding someone you trust is critical on several fronts. First, you need to know that when your agent talks about area characteristics involving schools, crime, and neighborhoods, that they are not just trying to sell you on their services. Additionally, when it comes time to negotiate, your agent earns their money based on a percentage of the sale. While a buyer's agent (the agent that works for you, the buyer), is supposed to have your financial interests as their guide, they do earn more money if the home sells for a larger amount. That is where trust can come into play. Almost any agent out there would like your business in the future if you end up selling and buying again, as well as a reference, so they should have your best interests in mind.

6. They have a history of great referrals.

The best place to start for real estate agent referrals is by reaching out to your lender. Many lenders have entire networks of agents at their disposal, so they may be able to help you find one they have a history with. You can also ask friends and family who worked with the agent previously. Here are some questions you could ask:

• What did you like most about your agent?

• What area(s) could they have improved from your perspective?

• How good was the agent about finding the right home for you and not showing a lot of homes that did not fit your needs and requests?

• How was their knowledge of the neighborhood and comps?

• How were their negotiation skills?

• Did you trust them?

• Would you hire that agent again?

7. They can confidently answer all of your interview questions.

Remember that you are not simply searching for a buyer’s agent and choosing the first name you come across. You are interviewing potential hires, so it is important to treat initial correspondence with them as such. Find someone who can answer these interview questions to your satisfaction, along with any questions of your own:

• How long have you been a real estate agent, and what did you do prior to that?

• How many active clients are you currently working with?

• Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers?

• How familiar are you with the area(s) in which I am looking to find a home?

• How have you been able to work with a buyer to save them money?

• What is your specialty?

• Can you provide me with references?

8. They are willing and able to adapt.

Often when you are looking for a house, your needs change once you start to understand the market, the prices, and what you need versus what you want in a home. A good real estate agent is willing to adapt to changes, and if they are proactive, may actually pivot and provide expanding options before you even think of them.

9. They are professional.

You want to work with an agent that represents you professionally, understands the market, and knows how to work with buyers and sellers effectively.

10. They stand out from other agents you are interviewing.

You do not want to meet with just one agent and immediately sign an agreement. Take your time interviewing multiple agents. That way, you will have several real estate agents to compare one another against and be better able to determine who you can see yourself working with for the foreseeable future. Using the tips and tools in this article, you can assess which agent most closely fits your needs.

How do you pick a real estate agent?

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. That is why it is important to surround yourself with professionals who can help you navigate the journey and handle any challenges with confidence. If you have already found a lender you want to borrow from, then be sure to reach out to them for their agent recommendations and connections.

You will also know you have found a great agent if there is a good chance you will want to work with them again should you need to buy or sell in the future. It really is amazing how a qualified real estate agent can make the homebuying process so much easier and more enjoyable.