Wondering how to pick the right real estate agent? 

When it comes to buying or selling a home, there’s a lot at stake. That’s why you need a quality Realtor with the right kind of expertise and personality to get you the deal you deserve. 

Whether you are selling your home or looking to buy a new property, your real estate agent should have your best interest at heart.  

But how can you tell? 

Let’s dive in!

A realtor showing a couple a potential home.

How to Choose the the Right Realtor

  1. Conduct on-the-ground research. If you plan to buy a new home, play detective and drive around the neighborhoods you're most interested in. Take note of houses with “For Sale” signs, and research agents that list those properties. It’s one of the best ways to find out which realtors know the area well. 

  2. Google them! Scope out Google and Yelp reviews for honest assessments of the agent’s work, experience, and character. Check out LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms for more information about the Realtor’s personality and professional qualifications. You can also reference your state’s real estate commission to make sure they have a valid real estate license. 

  3. Pay close attention to their marketing. From a simple assessment of an agency’s website, brochure, and listing materials, you’ll be able to get a good sense of the company’s character. A good agency/agent should convey passion, transparency, generosity, and a strong work ethic. 

  4. Get those referrals. What better way to assess a Realtor’s character than to seek a referral from a trusted friend or family member? More often than not, sellers and buyers who find real estate agents through referrals are far from disappointed. A couple interviewing a realtor.

  5. Interview at least 3 real estate agents. Choosing a Realtor is like picking the perfect candidate for a job. Even if you are buying a new home and don’t have to pay Realtor fees, finding the right agent will still save you money down the road. During your interview, you should keep a few things in mind: 

    • Neighborhood expertise — How well do they know the area?

    • Transparency — Are they honest? Realistic?

    • Core values — What attitude do they bring to their work? What drives them?

    • Track record — What kind of experience do they have? What’s their work history? Have their former clients been pleased with their results?

    • Strategy — How much money will they save you? How are their negotiation skills? Do they seem knowledgeable?

    • Patience — Do they answer your questions completely and patiently? 

  6. Pick a Realtor you click with. You are going to spend substantial time with your real estate agent, so you need to actually like them. Finding an agent who is trustworthy and truly understands your goals can be quite the challenge. Steer clear of Realtors who are overly aggressive or vague about their level of experience. Your agent should be relatable, honest, easy to talk to, patient, and have solid negotiation skills. 

  7. Find an agent who’ll make YOUR interests their top priority. If you’re buying, be upfront and transparent with your real estate agent about the specific qualities you’re looking for in your new home. If the Realtor continually points you toward homes that just don’t fit your criteria, they’re probably not looking for houses for you. Instead, the agent is suggesting homes that will bring them a greater profit. And never be afraid to switch Realtors if the relationship feels off. Ultimately, finding the right real estate agent will save you money and help you achieve your buying or selling goals in the long run.

  8. Take note of how the agent speaks & listens to you. It should be clear that your Realtor is honestly trying to understand and achieve your goals. Your real estate agent should spend more time asking you questions and listening to your answers than telling you what they think you should do (at least in the initial stages of the home buying or selling process).

  9. Ultimately, trust your gut! At the end of the day, only you can tell whether a real estate agent is a good fit for you and your goals. If it seems that you and your agent can’t get on the same page, it’s probably time to look elsewhere.

At Network Real Estate, our agents know the Wilmington area like the back of their hands. We have agents specializing in neighborhoods and properties across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. 

We don’t rest until our clients have sold their home for the best possible price or have moved safely into the home of their dreams. And once you’re in your new home, we want to make sure you have all the resources you need to succeed as a Wilmington area homeowner. 

Looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach? 

We are here to help! Give us a call at 910-395-4100.