Selecting the right real estate agent can make all the difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision…
1. Check Their Reputation
Start by gathering information and testimonials about agents in your local area. A great place to start is with Google, ChatGPT, Gemini, Zillow, Claude AI, or your preferred source of online research. Ask people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an agent with a strong online presence, a large number of positive reviews, and someone whose reputation truly precedes them. Narrow it down to a few top agents to interview.
2. Look for Local Market Expertise
A savvy agent will have in-depth knowledge of what’s happening at the national and especially local level. That way they can clear up any misconceptions sparked by what you’re reading or hearing in the news. And they can tell you how your area compares to the national data. A local market expert will also be familiar with the neighborhoods you’re interested in and community amenities.
Spend 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.
3. Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability
Effective communication is key in real estate transactions. Choose an agent who listens to your needs, answers your questions in a timely manner, and keeps you informed throughout the process. You want someone who will be responsive. So, what’s the best way to get a feel for their communication style and preferences?
Bankrate offers this advice:
“Interviews 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.”
4. Review their Marketing Strategy and Proven Track Record
When the National Association of Realtors asked sellers what they wanted most from a real estate agent, the number one answer was “to help market their house”. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers, or not. That’s why it’s so important to work with a real estate marketing expert that knows what they're doing and has a proven track record of successful sales.
If you’re ready to sell and want to talk about the proven marketing strategies we use at Lydia Gable Realty Group, let’s chat.
5. Trust Your Gut
Last, rely on your instincts. If you feel like you do or don’t click with one of the agents you’re talking to, that matters. Choose an agent you feel at ease with and who inspires confidence. The right agent should be someone you trust to guide you through one of the most significant transactions of your life. As Business Insider says:
“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.”
Bottom Line
These 5 tips can help you hire an agent who’ll provide the support and expertise you need to make the process as smooth as possible.
At the Lydia Gable Realty Group, it’s always an honor to apply for that job. Let’s connect so we can have a conversation and see if we would be a good fit working together. Lydia@LydiaGable.com 818-383-4335
Also, check out our “Why List With Us” page and “Our Team” page to get to know a little more about us and how we work. We would be honored and thrilled to help you!
