What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is an important part of your homebuying (and home selling) dream team. A great agent is the person who will act as your guide throughout the homebuying process; they may be able to acquire exclusive deals and shield you from wasting time on potential homes that do not meet your requirements.

Your agent can also connect you with other professionals you will need along the way to closing day, including home inspectors and mortgage brokers. On the other hand, if you pick the wrong agent, your experience may be wrought with miscommunications, unexpected fees, and ultimately, a fruitless search. In this article, we will provide you with a list of key things to look for when you are on the hunt to find an agent you trust.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor^®?

First, it is important to understand the three basic types of agents involved in real estate transactions: real estate agents, brokers, and Realtors^®. Agents have passed all necessary state qualifications, hold an active license, and work for a broker. Brokers manage real estate agencies, employing these agents. A Realtor^® is a certified real estate agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which means they adhere to a specific code of conduct and ethics. They also have access to listings that real estate agents cannot see through NAR’s internal system.

Agents are also defined as seller’s agents (working on behalf of the seller); listing agents or buyer’s agents (working on behalf of the buyer); or dual agents (acting on behalf of both the buyer and seller).

If you are concerned with who to choose, it can be beneficial to ask your lender for recommendations. Some lenders can even provide you with access to nationwide networks of qualified real estate agents.

Questions to ask when choosing a real estate agent

Even if your lender is able to provide a handy list of qualified professionals, it is likely you will still have to interview a few agents before you find the right one for your needs. Here is a list of questions and qualities to keep in mind as you search:

What kind of agent is best suited for your homebuying needs?

The first thing to look for when vetting an agent is someone who is qualified to take on your case. For example, if you are looking to buy a home, then it is likely in your best interest to choose someone with a lot of experience as a buyer’s agent. The same goes if you are listing your home on the market, as a dedicated seller’s agent will have in-depth knowledge on local pricing and have more connections to other professionals who can help you prepare your house for selling.

Does your agent work in real estate full time?

Another detail to consider before choosing who you want to work with is an agent who is experienced, available, and committed to finding you the best deal. It is not entirely uncommon for real estate agents to work part-time or sell real estate on the side, but a full-time agent is more likely to be up-to-date with properties and trends in your area. You may find that a full-time real estate agent has a wider range of availability to join you for home tours and answer any questions that may arise throughout your homebuying or selling experience.

Are there great reviews for the agent online and from the local real estate network?

Some agents have billboard ads, but many more have a robust online presence that you can take advantage of as you research. Whether you have compiled your own list of potential real estate agents, or your lender provides one to you, be sure to look at their professional profiles and pay attention to client reviews.

Not only is it important to use the Internet to find agent reviews left by their previous clients, but you can also get a sense of their level of professionalism and prior home sale experiences. Ideally, your agent will have positive reviews across multiple websites.

Can your agent listen to your needs?

A real estate agent who displays sincere curiosity about your needs and preferences is an agent you can trust to keep your best interests in mind throughout the hunt for your dream home or the ideal homebuyer. If you feel like an agent is pushing you toward certain properties or buyers, it may be a sign that they are in a rush to close the deal and move on. Take note of whether they respect your concerns and if they are asking you plenty of questions to build a clear picture of your wants and needs.

Does your agent have experience working on other home transactions similar to yours?

Experience alone is not necessarily a predictor of success when it comes to picking an agent. Focus on those who have worked recently in your target neighborhood, bought or sold properties in your price range, closed deals in the timeline you are aiming for, and worked on behalf of clients like you, depending on whether you are buying or selling.

This is especially important if you are using a VA loan or an FHA loan for a home purchase. Since these types of mortgages have specific property requirements that you must adhere to, you may want to narrow your search to agents who have experience working with similar homebuyers.

Is your agent discussing expectations up front?

Do you want to close in two weeks, one month, or three months? How would you like your property to be marketed if you are selling your home? How long will the contract with the agent last, and who on their team will you be working with?

These kinds of questions should be addressed up front so you can enter into an agreement with a clear picture of what the process will, and will not, entail. Whether you are buying or selling, it is important to choose an agent who is willing to sit down with you, discuss the fine print, and answer all of your questions before you sign a contract.

Will the agent you choose make you feel comfortable?

Real estate transactions are often a lengthy process involving many logistics and a lot of paperwork. It can become stressful and the last thing you need is another person adding to that. Choosing an agent who makes you feel comfortable can go a long way in reducing your anxiety. You will want an agent who matches your communication preferences (in platform, frequency, and style) and whose personality meshes well with yours. You may end up spending a lot of time together throughout your search, so pick a person who you feel good around and trust to work on your behalf.

If you have already found a trusted mortgage lender, they may be able to assist you in your search for the right real estate agent for your needs. Choosing to work with an agent preferred by your lender may even open doors to great deals that save you money on closing costs or expedites the home selling process.