How to Choose the Best Real Estate Agent for You

Okay, so you’re ready to buy a home or sell your home. That’s a big decision—life-changing in so many ways. But your next decision in the buying or selling process could be just as important: finding a good real estate agent. After all, they can make or break your whole experience!

You really can’t afford to hire an agent who’s winging it. You’ll want to choose a seasoned professional who’ll do the job right. So, let’s go over exactly what to look for in a real estate agent and how to find one.

What Should You Look for in a Real Estate Agent?

Great real estate agents bring three things to the table: experience in your local market, strong client reviews and professional credentials. Before you start your search, here are the key things you need to understand about how agents work:

What Do Real Estate Agents Do?

Real estate agents handle every step of a home transaction—from finding listings and scheduling showings to negotiating contracts and getting you to closing. Yep, they do a lot. Think of them first and foremost as your guide through all the complicated tasks that lead up to closing day. Plus, research from the National Association of REALTORS^® says you’ll sell your house for more money with an agent than by selling it solo.¹

Many real estate agents will help anyone buy or sell a home, but some agents specialize in either buying or selling. Either way, a quality agent will help you out.

For example, a good buyer’s agent will help you . . .

• Find a home for sale in your price range
• Research neighborhoods to find the best fit
• Attend open houses and showings
• Make a competitive offer within your budget
• Negotiate the contract and handle the home inspection
• Gather all the paperwork that’s due on closing day

And a good seller’s agent (or listing agent) will . . .

• Help you pick the right price for your home
• Arrange for a home inspection
• Plan how to stage your home for buyers
• Create a marketing strategy to find buyers
• Help you pick the right offer
• Negotiate the best deal
• Walk you through the closing paperwork

REALTORS^® vs. Real Estate Agents

The word REALTOR^® is often mistakenly used to refer to any real estate agent. But not all real estate agents are REALTORS^®. REALTORS^® are real estate agents who join a professional group called the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR), which gives them extra training and tools to do their jobs.

If your real estate agent isn’t a REALTOR^®, there’s no reason to freak out. All licensed real estate agents have to complete hours of coursework and pass an exam to legally help you buy or sell a home.

The Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Broker

A real estate broker is the next level up from an agent. After an agent gets their real estate license, they’re required by the state to work under a broker. A broker (also called an associate broker in some states) manages and mentors new real estate agents—who, in return, pay the broker a fee. Whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll probably communicate mostly with an agent rather than a broker.

How Do Real Estate Agent Commissions Work?

Real estate agent commissions are fully negotiable between you and your agent. They’re not set in stone. Traditionally, home sellers paid a commission to both their listing agent and the buyer’s agent—typically 3% of the home’s purchase price. And agent commissions are fully negotiable.

Here’s what that means for you:

If you’re a buyer: Before you tour homes with an agent, you’ll be required to sign a written buyer’s agent agreement. This document spells out exactly what services your agent provides and how they get paid—whether by you, the seller or a combination of both. Don’t be thrown off by this. It’s actually a good thing because it creates transparency, so everyone knows the deal up front.

If you’re a seller: You’re not required to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent through the multiple listing service (MLS). That doesn’t mean you can’t offer it—many sellers still choose to—but it’s now a separate negotiation. Talk to your agent about what makes sense in your local market.

One more thing: Always ask up front what your agent charges and get it in writing before you sign anything.

How Do You Choose the Right Real Estate Agent?

Choose a real estate agent based on five things: years of full-time experience, local market knowledge, number of closings, professional credentials and strong client reviews. These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re the difference between a top-notch agent and one who leaves you stressed and second-guessing.

• Experience: Tons of new agents enter the real estate world each year. And while some of them get the hang of it quickly, that’s not a risk you want to take. That’s why I recommend looking for an agent with at least two years of full-time experience. You don’t want an agent who’s doing this as a side hustle in their spare time.
• Number of closings: What comes with experience should be results. And with an agent, that means closings. I recommend finding an someone with at least 50 closings under their belt. That way, you’ll know they’re serious and successful in getting clients over the finish line, whether they’re buying or selling.
• Credentials: Certifications and professional memberships signal that an agent works hard to be the best. You may want to look for an agent with credentials like CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), ABR^® (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), SRS^® (Seller Representative Specialist), SRES^® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), or REALTOR^®.
• Familiarity with the local market: General real estate experience is good, but your agent also needs experience in your area. If you’re moving to Los Angeles, hiring someone who knows all about real estate in San Diego won’t do you much good. So, look for an agent who has closed a lot of homes in your area.
• Good customer reviews: A real estate agent’s track record of helping previous clients can give you an idea of how well they’re likely to perform for you. You want to make sure the agent you choose has a reputation for being excellent—and no, that’s not too much to ask!

Here’s how high-performing agents compare to amateurs:

How Do You Get Referrals for a Real Estate Agent?

Start by asking people you trust who’ve recently bought or sold a home, “Who did you use? Would you use them again?” Personal referrals from people who've had a great experience are one of the strongest signals you can get. But you’ve got more options than just your personal network.

Not too long ago, that meant asking friends, neighbors or relatives for their recommendations. These days, though, you can use the internet to expand your search for referrals. By searching for local agents online, you can get great referrals and learn a ton about the pros in your area.

And no, this isn’t the time to hand over one of the biggest purchases of your life to your cousin who just got their license.

Another great option is using a referral program that vets agents for you. But don’t just use the first program that pops up on a Google search—that’s a recipe for winding up with an amateur agent who simply paid for a spot on an online list. Instead, make sure you use a service that holds the agents they send you to a super high standard.

For example, the pros in our RamseyTrusted^® referral program didn’t get to join our network just by filling out a form and paying a fee. Nope, they’ve earned the right to be called RamseyTrusted by meeting qualifications like multiple years of full-time experience, a strong track record of successful home sales, and deep knowledge of their local market.

What Questions Should You Ask a Real Estate Agent?

Ask about experience, local track record, communication style and fees—and don’t skip the references. Interviewing agents might feel a little outside your comfort zone, but it’s how you make sure whoever you hire can actually do the job. Here are some interview questions to bring to get you started:

• How long have you been a full-time agent in this market?
• How many home deals have you closed in your career?
• Who will be my primary point of contact?
• What certifications set you apart from other agents?
• How will you help me sell and/or buy a home in this market?
• How much do you charge for your services?
• Do I have to sign a contract with you? If so, can I cancel without a penalty?
• How will you communicate with me?
• What are your realistic expectations for house hunting or getting offers in this market?
• Who can I contact for a reference? (Be sure to get previous clients on this list.)

What Are the Red Flags of a Bad Real Estate Agent?

A bad real estate agent shows up in predictable ways: poor communication, a lack of follow-through, and a track record of deals that don’t close. Even if an agent talks a good game in the interview, some agents care more about the commission than serving your needs.

Here are some telltale signs of a bad real estate agent:

• Poor (or nonexistent) communication
• Overbearing or weak leadership
• Dishonesty
• A rude or unprofessional attitude toward you or potential buyers
• Lack of experience
• No clear marketing plan

If you’re seeing signs like these, it might be time to switch agents. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—so you need someone who keeps your best interests in mind.

One more thing: A real estate agent can’t legally answer questions about things like race, religion, gender or disability when it comes to cities or neighborhoods. That’s called real estate steering, and it’s illegal.

Why Does Finding the Right Agent Matter?

The right agent doesn’t just get you to closing. They get you there on your terms, without regret—and that’s worth every hour you spend finding them.

Chances are, you already know a few real estate agents who’d be happy to help you buy or sell a home. But with so much money on the line, it’s important to find the best agent for you.

That’s why you want to put in the work it takes to get the best of the best on your side. It’ll take more time and effort, but it’ll be so worth it! Don’t settle when choosing an agent. Find a RamseyTrusted agent in your area. They're the only agents we recommend because we know they'll truly take care of you.

Best of all, connecting with a RamseyTrusted pro is free!