If you're buying or selling a home, the agent you choose can make or break your results. The wrong one could cost you your dream home, leave money on the table at closing, or cause months of unnecessary stress.
Key Takeaways
- Never choose an agent out of obligation — hire based on skills, experience, and results, not how you know them.
- Look for a proven track record, and if they're newer, make sure they have a mentor or team backing them up.
- Sellers need a marketing strategy beyond the MLS: professional photos, video, social media, and YouTube.
- Buyers need an agent actively working off-market opportunities and their network, not just sending listings.
- A strong team gives you more resources, faster responses, and specialized support than a solo agent working alone.
How to Choose the Best Realtor: The Direct Answer
Most people think the first step in a real estate move is finding the perfect property. It's not. The most important decision you'll make is who represents you, because your agent can be the reason you get your dream home, or the reason you don't.
Never Choose an Agent Out of Obligation
Hiring a friend or family member because it feels easy can lead to regrets. When you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, hire based on skills, experience, and results, not how you know them.
Your Agent Is Your First Impression in the Market
Sellers, buyers, and other agents notice professionalism, responsiveness, and reputation. Even small things, like your agent's tone of voice or how they handle a conversation, can absolutely affect negotiations or how your home is received.
Look for a Proven Track Record
Don't just take their word for it. If they're newer, make sure they have a mentor or team backing them up, because experience means better market knowledge, stronger negotiation skills, access to off-market opportunities, and smoother transactions.
What a Real Marketing Plan Looks Like
Ask to see their marketing plan. For buyers, your agent should be searching for off-market opportunities and leveraging their network, not just sending you listings. For sellers, your agent should have a strategy beyond the MLS: professional photos, video, social media, and yes, YouTube, all to get your home in front of the right buyers.
Want to see what a proven track record actually looks like? Let's talk about your specific goals.
Communication Has to Be Constant
Real estate moves fast. You need an agent who's accessible, responsive, and proactive seven days a week.
Negotiation Is About More Than Price
It's not just about the number. It's handling inspections, appraisals, and tricky situations that can make or break a deal.
Check the Reviews for Patterns
Look for patterns. Are clients praising smooth transactions and above-and-beyond service? That's a good sign.
Solo Agent or Team? Ask This Before You Hire
Is your agent a solo agent, a part-time agent, or on a strong team that gives you more resources, availability, and specialized help? Do they have a transaction coordinator, a media team, and other agents who step in when needed? If your agent is doing it all alone, it can work, but it comes with risk: slower responses, missed opportunities, and less support overall.
The Bottom Line
This is a business decision. The right agent can mean a faster sale, a better price, and way less stress. Take the time, ask the right questions, and make sure you're working with someone you trust who has the skills to back it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire a friend or family member as my realtor?
Not just because it's easy or comfortable. Hire based on skills, experience, and results, since this is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
What should I ask before hiring a realtor?
Ask for their track record, their marketing plan for buyers or sellers, and how they handle communication and negotiation, including inspections and appraisals, not just price.
Is it better to work with a team or a solo agent?
A strong team gives you more resources, availability, and specialized support, a transaction coordinator, a media team, and backup when needed. A solo agent can work, but it carries more risk of slower response and less support.
What should a seller's marketing plan include?
More than the MLS: professional photography, video, social media, and YouTube, all aimed at getting the home in front of the right buyers.
How important are online reviews when choosing an agent?
Very. Look for patterns across reviews, especially mentions of smooth transactions and above-and-beyond service.
