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What makes a good real estate agent?
Numbers are just one part of the equation. Other factors also make a top real estate agent the best choice to list your home. Here’s what to look for in a Realtor:
Has relevant professional certifications and experience
An agent who has learned about the market, contracts, and the laws surrounding real estate is the best choice to represent you. Their professional certifications indicate their competence, as do their years of experience. Some agents may have taken extra training in investment properties, waterfront properties, luxury homes — or in how to help specific clientele such as seniors or members of the military.
Dedicated to the profession — not a part-time hobbyist
You want an agent for whom real estate is their bread and butter — not someone who will be working at a day job when you call with questions. Accessibility indicates that they’re dedicated and give it their all. “If you email that agent to set up any sort of time or call them and they don’t answer or email you back promptly, it tells you how your sale is going to go,” says Nikki Lagouros, a full-time agent in Reston, Virginia, who sells properties 39% faster than the average agent in her area. “It’s a huge red flag.”
In-depth knowledge of the local market
A great agent will have an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and the area. They stay informed about upcoming developments that could affect your home’s price. Plans to build a new highway on the other side of your backyard decrease its value; a new playground park increases it.
According to Lillian Montalto, a top listing agent in Andover, Massachusetts, buyers should make sure an agent “knows the marketplace, knows the inventory, is able to provide them with information, like how hot the market is and what homes are about to list.”
Tech-savvy marketing skills
Does an agent post regularly on Instagram, TikTok, or another social media platform? Do they know how to get your home out to a wide circle of interested buyers?
Lagouros leverages social media marketing to target potential buyers. After creating an avatar of an ideal buyer for one of her listings, she builds geo-centers around demographics and areas that target them in her social media marketing.
More and more, buyers are shopping for and purchasing homes online. Two out of the average seven homes buyers visit are viewed online only. Pick an agent that caters to this slice of the market to increase your odds of selling quickly and for top dollar.
Customer-fit communication style
Depending on the situation, some sellers want an agent who gives a high level of personal attention. If you send a text about an offer at 10 p.m., you don’t want to wait until 8 a.m. for a response. Other sellers might prefer to keep it short and sweet or handle everything by email (for example, if you’re selling a vacation home).
Your agent’s communication style should fit your preferences because you’ll be talking to them a lot — before listing, when looking at houses, and when evaluating offers.
In a multiple-offer situation, Mattes says that sellers need an agent who can help them sort it all out in a way that makes sense — helping them narrow it down if they want government financing, a cash deal, or no inspections. It’s an important part of their job to communicate the differences between offers to help you pick the one that’s best for you.
Has a network of professionals
Would staging your home increase its sale price? Maybe the dining room could use a fresh coat of paint. A great agent has a network of professionals that they can call on to get your home ready for sale and also help out during the sale. Buyers often request repairs after the home inspection, but if you have to call around town and get recommendations and quotes, it could delay the closing. A good agent will know the right person for the job.
Integrity, the respect of their peers, and negotiation skills
A good agent will tell you the truth even if you don’t want to hear it. They’ll encourage you to be honest on seller’s disclosures, saving you from potential lawsuits after the sale. This integrity has likely led to a good reputation and the respect of their peers, which might be measured by industry awards.
They’ll bring this integrity to the table during negotiations. Even if you have a great offer or have found a home that you’re thrilled to buy, there’s always something to negotiate. It could be the closing date, repairs, or a rent-back period. A good agent knows how to handle the back-and-forth of negotiations.
Dogged determination and self-motivation
Agents are independent contractors without the security of a regular paycheck of a 9-to-5 job. Successful agents will have the dogged determination to succeed, following up with interested buyers, responding to text messages late at night, and constantly working to get their sellers the best results.
What are the signs of a bad real estate agent?
A bad real estate agent could be one who isn’t a good fit for your needs or one who won’t get the job done. If you see any of these red flags, get another agent.
- Invisible results and vague experience: While we all have to start somewhere, you probably don’t want an inexperienced agent handling your largest asset. If you hear lies and half-truths when asking about their sales record, run! A good agent will be upfront about their past results and experience.
- Real estate is only a side gig: An agent who only sells real estate part-time is unlikely to get you the results you want. Ask if the agent works real estate full-time.
- Unprofessionalism on many levels: Do they show up with unkempt hair and a stained shirt? Is their behavior, such as late or no-show appointments, demonstrating unprofessionalism? Buying and selling real estate is a business transaction, and you want to work with a professional. Beware of arrogance or an abundance of ego, particularly when you ask about past sales. An agent who responds arrogantly will be off-putting to other agents, making it difficult to negotiate, and could be over-inflating their track record and lack of needed experience.
- Unfamiliarity with the market: If an agent can’t answer basic questions about the market, specifically the market in your area, it’s a red flag. Another sign they don’t know your market? Lagouros says that if they “don’t know the guidelines on the HOA, or of the condo association, or the various models or layouts for that neighborhood,” the agent could be misleading you about their expertise.
- Shaky negotiation skills: To close a sale, the agent has to be your best advocate, whether buying or selling. If an agent is over-eager to please, seems to be faking their enthusiasm, or you’re starting to feel like they’re not on your side, they might be the wrong agent for you.
- Pushy with an agenda, too much pressure: Have you ever had the feeling that a salesperson cared less about putting you in the right car and more about their commission? The same can be true for some real estate agents. When an agent is pressuring you to accept an offer that doesn’t fit your most important needs, take a step back. Also, pay attention to signs that your agent is misreading your cues — such as failing to even ask what you want — or not listening to your answers.
- Doesn’t understand contracts: It doesn’t matter if the agent’s a good negotiator if they don’t get it in writing. Buying and selling real estate are legal transactions, and you need the protection of strong contracts. According to Lagouros, good agents know the contract and all the implications and loopholes to protect their buyers. She points out that in a real estate transaction, “people are putting down earnest money deposits of $100,000. If the agent flubs something in the contract, they could lose that money for them.” A good property agent should go over the contract to list or represent you as a buyer and be able to explain confusing terms and clauses.
- You’re getting nowhere: Has your home been on the market for longer than normal? If there isn’t an identifiable reason — such as your home’s condition or poor location — it could be a sign that your agent isn’t doing their job. Consider canceling your contract with them and finding someone else.
Differences between agents for buyers and sellers
Agents may specialize in helping clients buy or sell homes. Most agents provide both services, but it’s common for agents to start their career helping buyers, and then graduate into becoming a more regular listing agent. As you search for your perfect agent match, look for agents who work primarily on your side of the transaction and are passionate about their job.
Mattes thinks that the advantage of working with an agent who exclusively handles either buying or selling is that you get somebody 24/7. If it’s a buyer’s agent, “They’re super focused on finding people a home and then learning the tactics to help their buyers get a home over somebody else,” he says.
Now, go find a great agent!
Buying or selling a home is no easy task, but the right real estate agent can make all the difference. According to our internal data, the top 5% of real estate agents across the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent. If you’re overwhelmed with how to find a Realtor and sort through their qualifications, HomeLight would be happy to introduce you to a few top candidates in your area and get the ball rolling.
