Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent: What You Need to Know

When buying or selling a home, selecting the right real estate agent can make all the difference. A skilled and experienced agent will help you navigate the complex real estate market, negotiate effectively, and ensure a smooth transaction. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the best one for your needs?

How Many Agents Should You Interview and Where?

It’s a good idea to interview at least three agents before making a decision. This allows you to compare different styles, strategies, and personalities to determine who will best meet your needs. Each agent may have different strengths, so it’s important to weigh their experience, communication style, and approach to your specific situation.

Where to Conduct the Interview:

• Your Home – If you’re selling, inviting an agent to your home allows them to assess the property firsthand and provide a more accurate listing strategy.
• A Coffee Shop or Neutral Location – If you’re a buyer, a relaxed setting like a coffee shop can allow for a comfortable discussion without distractions.
• Their Office – Meeting at their real estate office gives you a sense of their professionalism and access to their resources.

Regardless of the location, prepare a list of questions and take notes on their responses to help compare your options later.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent

Finding the right agent starts with knowing where to look. Here are some of the best ways to connect with a qualified real estate professional:

• Referrals from Friends and Family – One of the best ways to find a trustworthy agent is through recommendations from people you know who have had a great experience.
• Online Directories and Reviews – Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google Reviews provide agent profiles, client testimonials, and performance ratings.
• Local Brokerage Websites – Many real estate agencies have online directories of their agents, complete with bios, specialties, and recent transactions.
• Open Houses – Attending open houses in your target area gives you the opportunity to meet agents in person and see how they interact with potential buyers.
• Social Media and Networking Groups – Many agents promote their services on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Real estate networking groups can also provide leads on top-performing agents.
• Professional Organizations – The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and state real estate boards maintain directories of licensed professionals with certifications and specialties.

Once you have a list of potential agents, research their backgrounds, interview them, and ensure they align with your real estate needs.

1. Look for Experience and Local Market Knowledge

A knowledgeable agent who understands the local market trends will provide valuable insights. Ask potential agents about their experience in your desired area, recent sales history, and their understanding of current market conditions. An agent with a strong track record in your location will be better equipped to price homes accurately and negotiate effectively.

Questions to Ask:

• How long have you been in real estate?
• Do you specialize in this area?
• How many homes have you sold in the past year?

What to Look for in a Response: An agent with several years of experience and a strong presence in your target market is ideal. They should confidently discuss recent sales and market trends.

2. Read Reviews and Ask for References

Agents receive reviews in a number of different platforms. Online reviews on platforms like Zillow, Google, Realtor.com, and RealSatisfied can provide valuable insight into an agent’s reputation. Ask the agent for references from past clients and reach out to inquire about their experiences.

Questions to Ask:

• Can you provide references from past clients?
• Where can I find your online reviews?

What to Look for in a Response: A confident agent should readily provide client testimonials and have positive online reviews showcasing their reliability and expertise.

3. Communication and Availability

Clear and consistent communication is the key to any good relationship. Customer service should be high priority. Think about how you want the agent to communicate with you and how often. What information will they send? Receiving market and progress updates in a timely manner will keep you informed in order to make educated decisions during the process.

Questions to Ask:

• How often will we communicate?
• What’s your preferred method of communication?

What to Look for in a Response: The agent should set clear expectations for communication frequency and be flexible about using your preferred method of contact.

Find out how Jared Communicates

4. Negotiation Skills Matter

The art of negotiation is a crucial step in the process that our agents have been trained thoroughly on. Having a professionally trained negotiator at your side can save you tens of thousands of dollars while also reducing the liability that is inherent when selling property. The ability to remove emotion from the equation and make decisive decisions are key!

Questions to Ask:

• How do you negotiate on behalf of your clients?
• Can you share an example of a challenging negotiation you handled?

What to Look for in a Response: An agent should demonstrate strategic thinking and an ability to advocate effectively for their clients, using past examples to illustrate success.

See what Jared Has to say about Negotiations!

5. Consider Their Marketing Plan (For Sellers)

If you’re selling a home, ask about the agent’s marketing strategies. Around 97% home buyers are shopping online and you have about 3-5 seconds to catch their attention. Having professional photos and a strong marketing strategy can get you up to 118% more online views and is key to bringing in buyers. 

Questions to Ask:

• How will you market my home?
• Do you use professional photography and virtual tours?

What to Look for in a Response: A good agent should have a structured marketing plan that includes online listings, professional photos, social media promotions, and open houses.

Check out Jared’s Marketing Plan

6. Personality, Compatibility, and Trust

Buying or selling a home is a personal experience, so you’ll want an agent you feel comfortable with. The more comfortable you are with them, the more likely you will trust them. Trust plays a huge factor when dealing with real estate. An agent is going to be coming into your personal space, negotiating on your behalf, and creating a deal that you are happy with. You must be able to trust that your agent is going to accomplish an end result that you are happy with!

Questions to Ask:

• What is your approach to working with clients?
• How do you handle conflicts or issues that may arise?

What to Look for in a Response: Choose someone whose working style aligns with yours and who listens to your concerns with a problem-solving mindset.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right real estate agent can make the difference between a stressful transaction and a smooth, successful experience. By considering experience, communication skills, marketing strategies, and personal compatibility, you can find an agent who is best suited to help you achieve your real estate goals.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Florida, contact Jared Allison at jared@jdafloridahomes.com or call 386-222-2836 for expert guidance in your real estate journey.