How to Choose the Right Realtor: What to Look for in an Agent
For most people, buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. It’s your biggest investment, and choosing the right realtor to guide you through the process is essential. While agents vary in experience, style, and areas of expertise, one thing remains the same: the best agent for you is the one who will be on your side, No. Matter. What.
This post breaks down the key qualities you should look for in an agent—specifically loyalty and commitment—provides questions to ask during interviews, and highlights red flags to avoid at all costs.
1. Local Market Knowledge
One of the most important qualities to look for in an agent is local market knowledge. How well do they know your neighborhood? Are they familiar with local schools, recent home sales, and pricing trends? Can they recommend good restaurants, coffee shops, or hidden gems? These details matter to potential buyers. The more your agent knows, the better they’ll be at marketing your home—and convincing buyers that it’s a smart investment.
Tip: Ask for recent sales in your area. If your agent can speak confidently about listings, pricing trends, and average days on market, it’s a good sign they know your local market well.
2. Communication Style
Whether you’re buying or selling, a large sum of money is involved, and you’ll want an agent who is there for you every step of the way. Communication is essential. That means responsiveness, clarity, and availability. Look for someone who communicates in the way you prefer, whether that’s by text, phone call, email, or in person, and who makes you feel heard and supported throughout the process.
3. Strategy and Negotiation Skills
If you’re a seller, ask your agent about their marketing strategy:
- Will they use professional photography?
- Will they stage your home?
- Do they host open houses?
- How will they market your listing online and offline?
With so many homes on the market, it’s crucial to know how your agent plans to make your listing stand out.
If you're a buyer, your agent’s negotiation skills matter just as much. Can they handle bidding wars? Do they know how to negotiate for seller credits or price adjustments? A savvy negotiator could save you thousands—or help you win your dream home.
4. Support Network
When choosing a real estate agent, it is a good idea to consider the brokerage they’re affiliated with. Some brokerages offer a strong support network—including lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and specialists—who can step in if unexpected issues arise. Others offer little or no support. While everyone hopes the transaction goes smoothly, it’s far better to be prepared in case it doesn’t.
5. Trust and Loyalty
Finally, and most importantly: do you trust your agent?
They should:
- Be honest and transparent
- Act in your best interest
- Never pressure you
- Make you feel respected and supported
Experience matters, but so does chemistry. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Final Thoughts
Every buyer and seller is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing the right realtor. But if you keep the qualities above in mind—local knowledge, strong communication, strategy, support, and trust—you’ll be well-equipped to make a confident choice. Ultimately, trust your instincts and go with the agent who feels like the right partner for you. This is your home, after all.
If you’re looking for a real estate partner who puts your needs first and knows the Miami market inside and out, I’d love to connect.
