How to Find a Good Realtor

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. A good realtor brings local knowledge, honest advice, and steady guidance from first showing to closing — here’s how to find one worth trusting.

What to Look For at a Glance

The quick-reference version of everything below.

Why Local Expertise Matters

A good realtor knows the area the way only a local can. They understand which neighborhoods are appreciating, where new development is planned, how school zones affect value, and what homes on a given street actually sell for — not just what they list for.

That local knowledge translates into real advantages. An experienced local agent often hears about off-market opportunities before they ever appear online, and can tell you which blocks have tricky flood zones, HOA quirks, or upcoming road projects that a listing description won’t mention.

It also shows in pricing. An agent who has closed deals in your target area recently can spot an overpriced listing — or an underpriced gem — far better than someone working from generic data. When you interview agents, weigh neighborhood-specific experience at least as heavily as overall years in the business.

Where to Look

Start with referrals from people you trust. Ask friends, family members, and coworkers who bought or sold recently about their experience — what their agent did well, what frustrated them, and whether they’d hire that agent again. A candid answer from someone you know beats any advertisement.

Talk to recent buyers in the area you’re interested in, if you can. Neighbors, community groups, and local social media groups can point you toward agents who are genuinely active in those neighborhoods right now.

Don’t rely only on the big listing portals. Visit local offices and attend open houses — you’ll see agents in action, get a feel for how they talk about homes, and meet people who live and work in the community every day. Online reviews can help narrow a shortlist, but look for patterns across many reviews rather than reacting to a single glowing or angry one.

Interview at Least 2–3 Agents

Never hire the first agent you meet. Talk to at least two or three so you can compare experience, approach, and personality. You’ll be working closely with this person during a stressful process — fit matters.

Good questions to ask every candidate:

• How long have you worked in this area? You’re looking for someone active in your target neighborhoods, not just licensed in the state.
• How many homes did you help buy or sell last year? Recent, relevant volume shows they know the current market.
• For sellers: what’s your marketing plan? Ask about pricing strategy, photography, listing descriptions, showings, and how they’ll get your home in front of buyers.
• How do you communicate? Find out whether they prefer calls, texts, or email — and how quickly they typically respond. Make sure it matches your expectations.

Pay attention to how they answer. The best agents ask you questions too — about your goals, timeline, and concerns — rather than launching straight into a sales pitch.

If You’re Buying

Choose an agent who is responsive. In a competitive market, a delayed reply can mean missing out on a showing or a home. During the interview stage, note how quickly they get back to you — that’s the best they’ll ever be.

Look for honesty about a home’s flaws. A good buyer’s agent points out the aging roof, the dated electrical panel, or the noisy road nearby — even when it risks the sale. An agent who only talks up every property is working for the commission, not for you.

They should explain the process, not push you through it. Expect clear guidance on offers, inspections, contingencies, and closing costs — without pressure to bid on a home you’re unsure about or to stretch past your budget. A patient agent who respects your “no” is worth their weight in gold.

If You’re Selling

Ask about pricing strategy. A strong listing agent backs their suggested price with recent comparable sales and explains the reasoning — not just a number designed to win your business. Be cautious of the agent who promises the highest price with the least evidence.

Review their photography and marketing plan. Most buyers form their first impression online, so professional photography, a compelling listing description, and a plan for showings and online exposure matter enormously. Ask to see examples of their recent listings.

Check their track record in your price range. An agent who mostly sells starter condos may not be the best fit for a luxury listing, and vice versa. Ask how many homes they’ve sold near your price point in the past year, and how their average days on market compares to the area average.

Red Flags to Watch For

Trust your instincts — and walk away when you see these warning signs.

• Guarantees about the sale price. No honest agent can promise your home will sell for a specific amount — the market decides.
• Pressure to decide fast. “Sign today or I’ll be too busy for you” is a sales tactic, not professionalism.
• Poor communication. If they take days to return your calls before you’ve even signed, imagine how it will feel mid-transaction.
• No local sales history. An agent who can’t point to recent closings in your area is learning on your dime.
• Pushing you past your comfort zone. Whether it’s bidding over budget or accepting a low offer, an agent should advise — never pressure.
• Asking for money upfront. Legitimate agents earn their pay through commission at closing, not through advance fees.

Commissions and Contracts

Understand how commission works before you sign anything. Traditionally, the seller pays a commission that is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent — but structures vary, and in some cases buyers pay their agent directly. Ask each agent exactly who pays them, how much, and when.

Read the listing agreement carefully. It sets the commission rate, the length of the contract (the listing period), and what happens if you sell to someone you found yourself. Note the cancellation terms: how long you’re locked in, and what it costs to walk away if the relationship isn’t working.

You can negotiate. Commission rates, contract length, and marketing commitments aren’t set in stone — especially if your home is in a desirable area or price range. A professional agent will discuss terms openly rather than treating them as take-it-or-leave-it. Get every agreement in writing, and never sign a blank or incomplete contract.

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