Finding a good real estate agent can make all the difference in the success of your transaction. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the right professional offers guidance, insight, and strategy. If you're entering the market, knowing how to identify the best agent for your needs can help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and close with confidence.
Understand What You Need
Before you begin your search, it helps to define your goals. Are you relocating and need area knowledge? Are you buying your first home and want step-by-step guidance? Do you need someone who can market a luxury listing effectively?
Agents have different areas of expertise, so knowing what kind of help you need allows you to focus on professionals who are well-equipped to support you. Be clear about your priorities, whether that includes negotiation skills, local experience, or communication style.
Agents have different areas of expertise, so knowing what kind of help you need allows you to focus on professionals who are well-equipped to support you. Be clear about your priorities, whether that includes negotiation skills, local experience, or communication style.
Look for Local Market Experience
A real estate agent with in-depth knowledge of the area you’re focused on can offer more accurate pricing advice, faster identification of opportunities, and stronger positioning in negotiations. For sellers, this means better pricing and marketing strategies. For buyers, it can mean access to properties that may not yet be widely advertised.
Look for agents who regularly work in the same neighborhoods or regions you’re targeting. Ask about recent sales and active listings in the area. Local experience also means having connections to other professionals like inspectors, appraisers, and lenders, which streamlines the process for you.
Look for agents who regularly work in the same neighborhoods or regions you’re targeting. Ask about recent sales and active listings in the area. Local experience also means having connections to other professionals like inspectors, appraisers, and lenders, which streamlines the process for you.
Ask the Right Questions
When interviewing agents, focus your questions on their process and communication habits. A strong working relationship depends on responsiveness and clarity.
Here are some key questions to ask:
- How do you typically communicate with clients, and how often?
- How many clients do you currently represent?
- Can you walk me through your strategy for buying or selling in today’s market?
- What experience do you have with transactions like mine?
Evaluate Marketing and Negotiation Skills
For sellers, it’s essential that your agent has a thoughtful approach to property marketing. Ask to see examples of how they present listings—both online and in print. High-quality photos, accurate descriptions, and strategic pricing all contribute to better results.
For buyers, negotiation is often where a skilled agent proves their value. In a competitive market, you need someone who knows how to strengthen your offer and identify terms that appeal to sellers without exposing you to unnecessary risk.
In either case, your agent should be able to describe recent deals where their strategy made a measurable impact. This helps you gauge their ability to advocate for your interests.
For buyers, negotiation is often where a skilled agent proves their value. In a competitive market, you need someone who knows how to strengthen your offer and identify terms that appeal to sellers without exposing you to unnecessary risk.
In either case, your agent should be able to describe recent deals where their strategy made a measurable impact. This helps you gauge their ability to advocate for your interests.
Check Credentials and Reviews
Make sure the agent is licensed in your state and in good standing. While credentials are the foundation, experience and reputation carry just as much weight. Look at online reviews or ask for references from past clients. Pay attention to patterns—consistent feedback about responsiveness, honesty, and professionalism is a strong sign.
While one or two poor reviews shouldn’t necessarily disqualify someone, they should prompt thoughtful questions. A high number of positive experiences is typically a good indication that the agent delivers consistent results.
While one or two poor reviews shouldn’t necessarily disqualify someone, they should prompt thoughtful questions. A high number of positive experiences is typically a good indication that the agent delivers consistent results.
Make Sure You Feel Comfortable
Buying or selling a home is a personal and often emotional process. You should feel that your agent is approachable, respectful, and attentive. They should listen to your concerns, answer questions clearly, and make you feel confident in each decision.
Even if an agent has excellent credentials, it’s important that the communication style fits your expectations. Trust and comfort will play a big role as you navigate showings, offers, paperwork, and deadlines.
Even if an agent has excellent credentials, it’s important that the communication style fits your expectations. Trust and comfort will play a big role as you navigate showings, offers, paperwork, and deadlines.
Signs You’ve Found the Right Agent
Once you begin working with an agent, several signs indicate that you’ve made a good choice:
- They respond promptly and keep you informed without being prompted.
- They offer recommendations based on your goals rather than pushing a quick sale.
- They’re honest about trade-offs in each property or offer.
- They remain calm and professional, even when complications arise.
Contact Diana Geremia Real Estate
Reach out to Diana Geremia Real Estate to begin your search with a trusted local expert. Their team brings market knowledge, strategic insight, and personalized service to every transaction. Whether you’re buying or selling, they take the time to understand your goals and offer guidance you can rely on.
Contact Diana Geremia Real Estate today to schedule a consultation. With their professional support, you can move forward confidently, knowing you have the right team by your side.
Contact Diana Geremia Real Estate today to schedule a consultation. With their professional support, you can move forward confidently, knowing you have the right team by your side.
