Looking for the best real estate agent but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Picking the correct real estate agent matters, as it often determines how your home buying or selling process goes. Since 88% of buyers work with a real estate agent, choosing the right agent is almost necessary to do well in the modern market.
This deeply researched insight walks you through why working with a professional matters, how to research and interview agents, what questions to ask, and how to understand commission changes. It also offers tips on building strong communication, checking credentials, and finalizing your choice with confidence.

Why choosing a professional Real estate agent is important?
Although you are legally allowed to handle your real estate transactions on your own, the dangers usually make it better to use a professional. Dealing with real estate documents, important deadlines and complicated negotiations is necessary and you could pay thousands if done incorrectly. A skilled agent is familiar with the market, confident at negotiating and can suggest experts such as inspectors and lenders to simplify your home-buying process.
As finances can cause emotional responses, they help you think calmly and take actions that are best for your future finances. A competent agent can most importantly ensure that you don’t make expensive mistakes such as pricing your place too high, missing important dates or neglecting noticeable issues that may cost you later.
Learning about the different titles you might see beforehand helps a lot when doing your research. If someone has a state license to practice real estate, that person is considered a real estate agent; a licensed real estate salesperson also needs a license but is a title found more in New York City and other areas. Those in the real estate field must be members of the National Association of Realtors to call themselves Realtors and with so many members, you’ll undoubtedly run into many. An associate broker is needed to have extra knowledge and experience, but a broker is expected to have an even greater background and also demonstrate leadership qualities.
Methods to choose the best Real estate agents
Talking to friends, family, neighbors and colleagues is best for finding a good moving company. These recommendations are helpful because the agents have had the service themselves. However, consider that a highly positive reference is a good first step, though it should not stop you from reaching out to several agents.
You can expand your search using several effective methods:
- Local real estate association websites and area magazines
- For-sale signs in your target neighborhoods
- Online platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com
- Recent buyers or sellers in your area
- Specialized services like military relocation or senior downsizing experts
Consider whether you need specialized expertise based on your unique circumstances. Some agents focus on luxury homes, others specialize in first-time buyers, and some offer bilingual services or have particular expertise in certain neighborhoods.
Essential Questions to Ask Potential Agents
Do not rush into hiring the very first agent you talk to. Interview at least three people to judge their ways of working, how much experience they have and what their personalities are like. Your interview questions will help you find out if a place suits your requirements.
Have the first questions relate to a person’s background. Inquire about the agent’s total work experience as a real estate agent and how many properties they have managed in the past few years. You can see how long the agent has been active and how many deals they handle yearly, as having a high number of transactions usually gives the agent a better understanding of the market.
Ask about the number of people an agent helps at any one time, because you want it to be enough for them to be active and efficient, yet still have time for you when you need them. It’s very important to know what countries or regions a law firm focuses on, as local knowledge is very valuable. An agent who does not know your target neighborhoods cannot give you the important market info you need.
Communication and Marketing Strategies
Communication style and availability are critical factors in your agent selection. Ask about their preferred communication method and how quickly they typically respond. In today’s fast-moving market, communication speed can make or break a deal, so ensure your agent’s communication style matches your preferences and expectations. Also inquire whether they have backup coverage when they’re unavailable, since real estate doesn’t pause for vacations or personal emergencies.
For sellers, understanding an agent’s marketing strategy is essential. In an era where most buyers start their search online, your agent’s digital marketing strategy is crucial. Look for agents who leverage professional photography, social media, virtual tours, and multiple listing platforms to maximize your home’s exposure.
If you’re buying, ask what questions they use to help buyers find the right home. The best buyer’s agents have a systematic approach to understanding your needs, preferences, and long-term goals. They should ask about lifestyle factors, commute requirements, and must-have versus nice-to-have features to narrow down options effectively.
Checking References and Credentials
Don’t forget to ask about their professional network and resources. A well-connected agent can streamline your transaction by recommending trusted professionals for inspections, financing, and closing who deliver quality service and meet deadlines consistently.
During your interviews and research, be alert for warning signs including poor communication skills or delayed responses, lack of availability or excessive client load, unfamiliarity with your target areas, negative patterns in online reviews, reluctance to provide references, overly aggressive behavior, and inability to explain their strategy clearly.
With so much business conducted online, it’s wise to verify your agent’s credentials:
- Request to see their real estate license
- Verify their association with a reputable brokerage
- Check state licensing board records and online reviews
- Contact provided references directly
Follow up the initial meeting by checking references and reviews on sites like Zillow or realtor.com. Positive reviews are valuable, but look out for patterns mentioned in negative reviews that could reveal red flags about communication skills, availability, or professionalism.
Understanding Today’s Commission Structure
There have been plenty of changes in the real estate industry and these have led to big changes in how real estate agents are paid. Before, sellers generally had to pay all commissions, about 5-6% of the sale price and the listing agent would divide the money with the buyer’s agent.
Nowadays, home buyers have to sign agreements for how the agent will be paid before stepping foot in any homes. Sellers do not automatically agree to cover fees for the buyer agent any longer and may negotiate away from that rule.
Sellers might pay lower costs at around 2.5-3%, which could mean buyers have to pay more out-of-pocket at closing. A number of companies and agents introduce changes like flat fees or hourly charges or have brokers pay their agents a salary rather than commission, which makes transactions less expensive.
Talk about the fees you will be charged beforehand and explore all of the available plans. Make certain any contract you sign contains every topic you agreed on with your agent, for instance, your own marketing arrangements as a seller and the way buyers want to be updated. For any deal, as either buyer or seller, always review what is covered, how long the contract lasts and the cost for cancelling or terminating.
Finalising Your Choice
After the interviews and reference checks are done, rely on your own judgment. Ideally, the agent who is right for you is experienced in the market, responsive to your needs, makes successful transactions, and upholds ethical principles and you have a good relationship with them.
Remember, you’ll be working closely with this person during one of your life’s most significant financial transactions, so choose someone you trust completely and feel comfortable communicating with openly. Beyond qualifications, a good personal connection with your agent can significantly improve your overall buying or selling experience.
Consider asking some fun, personal questions during your interview to get to know your agent on a more personal level. After all, buying or selling a house is a major financial decision, so you’ll want to find some common ground and build rapport with the agent representing you.
Setting Up for Success
With your agent selected, make certain arrangements about when to communicate, which methods to use, key points in the process, who will take charge of which activities, procedures for making choices, and the solutions to problems. A good agent and client relationship depends on being respectful, communicating well and making a shared effort to accomplish your real estate aims.
Your agent ought to help you set your next course of action; this can include looking at listings for an upcoming sale or instructing the seller on what should be done to make their property attractive. For someone selling a home, possible steps may be to paint walls, tidy up the garden, do light renovations, clear away clutter, clean all surfaces and stage the home.
How your agent collaborates with local realtors and brokers plays a big role in your outcome. If your agent is known as difficult, you can expect that during the tour and negotiation the process will not be pleasant. Request details on how they cope with working beside agents from the opposite side of a negotiation. You hope you can negotiate with someone who has a respectful manner, not someone who is only thinking of winning.
Final thoughts
Picking the best real estate agent is not just recommended—it’s very important. Today, having a reliable, informative and communicative agent can decide whether your transaction is a rewarding one or an expensive headache.
You have now learned the steps needed to discover, evaluate and collaborate with an agent who is right for your situation. From recognizing what commission means to you to putting together meaningful interview questions, everything plays a role. Go with your gut, respect openness and put importance on connection, because you need someone who cares about the things you care about.
Making sure you pick the right agent will support a successful selling or buying journey in 2025 and the coming years.