Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial when you're buying or selling a home. So, how can you find the best one? Here are some helpful tips to guide you as you make this important decision and select the right partner for the process.

Check Their Reputation

Start by looking into agents in your area. Once you have a list, try to narrow it down. Reach out to people you trust and see if they have any recommendations. It's important to choose an agent who has a solid online presence, a lot of positive reviews, and a great reputation in the community. As Freddie Mac points out:

““. . . you may want to look for a real estate agent who specializes in the type of home you’re searching for. For example, if you are looking for an energy-efficient home, look for an agent who has experience with finding and negotiating offers for those homes. If you are looking for new construction, you’ll want to find an agent who has experience with new construction and isn’t affiliated with the builder . . .”
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— Freddie Mac

Look for Local Market Expertise

A good agent really knows what’s going on both nationally and locally. This allows them to clarify any misunderstandings that might come from the news. They can also explain how your area stacks up against national trends. Plus, they’ll have insights about the neighborhoods you’re considering and the community amenities available.

““Spend some time talking with prospective agents about the local real estate market and how it could impact your purchase or sale. You want to get an understanding of how knowledgeable they are about local market conditions. Whether they’re helping you sell or buy, their strategy for you should account for those conditions.”
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— Business Insider

Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability

Effective communication plays a crucial role in real estate transactions. Look for an agent who actively listens to your needs, responds promptly to your questions, and keeps you updated at every step. If an agent has too many clients, they may not be able to provide you with the attention you need. It's important to find someone who is accessible and responsive. To gauge their communication style and preferences, consider these recommendations:

““Interviews also give you a chance to find out the agent’s preferred method of communication and their availability. For example, if you’re most comfortable texting and expect to visit homes after work hours during the week, you’ll want an agent who’s happy to do the same.”
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— Bankrate

Trust Your Gut

Trust your gut. If you feel a connection—or don’t—with an agent you’re speaking with, pay attention to that. It’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who instills confidence. The right agent should be someone you can trust to help you navigate one of the biggest transactions you’ll ever make.

““As long as you’ve properly vetted the agents you’re considering and ensured they have the necessary expertise, it’s ok to go with your gut . . . Maybe you have a better rapport with one of the agents you’re considering, or you just feel like they’re easier to approach. You’re going to be working closely with this person, so it’s important to choose an agent you’re comfortable with.”
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— Business Insider

Bottom Line

By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose an agent who will offer the support and knowledge necessary to make the process run smoothly. I would be grateful for the opportunity to apply for that role. Let’s connect and chat to determine if we could work well together.