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How to Find a Good Realtor

Having a real estate agent represent you means having a knowledgeable advocate who puts your needs first. Real estate agents work hard behind the scenes to simplify the buying or selling process. They spend hours researching, coordinating, and handling tasks so you don’t have to. Much of their work goes unnoticed—but that’s the point. A great agent keeps your experience smooth and stress-free.

They focus entirely on their clients, listening carefully and offering guidance only when it adds value. The best agents shield you from the behind-the-scenes chaos that often arises during negotiations, inspections, financing, or title issues. Many people don’t even realize how much their agent is doing until after the fact.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A knowledgeable advocate who puts your needs first.

Real estate representatives help people navigate a complex transaction. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. A dedicated Realtor provides guidance, protection, and clarity throughout the entire process.

Agents are not just salespeople—they’re problem-solvers, community advocates, and passionate professionals who want the best for their clients. When you find one who truly represents your interests, the value they bring is immeasurable.

Take the time to find someone who is experienced, reliable, and attentive. A great Realtor isn’t just someone who helps you close a deal—they’re someone who helps you feel confident every step of the way.

1. Understanding Your Unique Situation

A great Realtor takes the time to truly understand your goals and circumstances. Whether you’re relocating under tight deadlines or trying to get top dollar for a carefully maintained home, your agent should adapt to your specific needs.

Good agents are driven to earn your trust—not just for this transaction, but for any future business or referrals. They know that every client is different and needs a tailored approach. When your agent understands your situation, they can reduce your stress and guide you more effectively.

2. Protecting Your Best Interests

When you’re represented by a Realtor, you have someone in your corner who is dedicated to protecting your interests. Your personal information stays confidential. If you share your budget or other preferences, your agent will never pass those details along unless you’ve authorized it.

Your Realtor acts as a buffer between you and any potentially pushy sales tactics—especially when dealing with home builders or seller agents. Without representation, it’s easy to give away information that could hurt your negotiating power. A good agent helps you stay in control by educating you and stepping in to handle challenges when they arise.

3. Providing Valuable Local Knowledge

Experienced Realtors have an in-depth understanding of the local market. They’ve seen hundreds of transactions and have insights that go beyond what you’ll find online. They can direct you to accurate public resources for school ratings or crime stats, but their real value lies in what those sources don’t show.

For example, your agent might know about upcoming zoning changes, pending developments, or neighborhood quirks that could affect your investment. They’ll also help you structure competitive, fair offers and negotiate effectively based on real-time market conditions. That kind of insight comes only from years of hands-on experience.

4. Acting as a Skilled Mediator During Negotiations

Having an agent represent you means you can focus on making decisions without getting caught up in the emotional side of negotiations. Your Realtor presents your requests, anticipates potential responses, and advises you on the best strategies. Their experience allows them to craft strong, well-timed proposals that increase your chances of success.

Whether you’re tempted to accept the first offer or struggling with indecision, a skilled Realtor will keep you grounded with facts, not emotion. They’ll advocate for your needs and communicate on your behalf with professionalism. This can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of sleepless nights.

How many transactions have you completed in the last year?

It helps gauge the agent’s experience and activity level in the current market.

Look for an agent with a consistent track record, ideally more than 15 transactions and less than 50 per year.

Are you familiar with the neighborhood I’m interested in?

Local expertise is crucial for understanding market trends, pricing, and neighborhood dynamics.

An agent who has closed multiple transactions in the area and can provide specific insights.

How do you handle communication with your clients?

Ensures the agent’s communication style matches your needs and expectations.

An agent who offers regular updates through your preferred method (e.g., phone, text, email).

Do you work alone or as part of a team?

Knowing whether the agent has a team can help you understand who will handle different aspects of your transaction.

A clear explanation of roles and how the agent remains involved throughout the process.

How many clients are you currently working with?

Helps determine if the agent has the time and bandwidth to give your transaction adequate attention.

An agent who manages a reasonable number of clients (e.g., 5-6 at a time) to avoid being overwhelmed.

What services do you delegate to assistants?

Understanding if the agent delegates can give insight into the level of personal service you’ll receive.

An agent who delegates administrative tasks but remains involved in crucial decisions.

Can you provide references from past clients?

Past client feedback can provide insight into the agent’s professionalism and reliability.

Agents who willingly offer references and have positive testimonials from previous clients.

Are you licensed and in good standing with no violations?

Verifies that the agent is officially recognized and has a clean record.

An agent who provides their license number and confirms a clean, up-to-date status.