Posted on
March 20, 2025
by
Nicole Labarge
Hiring a real estate agent isn’t like picking a random coffee shop for your morning caffeine fix. This is the person who’s going to help you navigate one of the biggest financial moves of your life. You need someone who knows their stuff, has your back, and—let’s be honest—doesn’t make you want to roll your eyes every five minutes.
So, how do you find the one? Here’s how to separate the pros from the, well… let’s just say, “not-so-pros.”
Step 1: Stalk Them (The Legal Way, Of Course)
Before you even set up a meeting, do a little digging. Check out their website, social media, and reviews. Are they actively helping buyers and sellers in your area? Do they seem knowledgeable, engaged, and like a person you’d actually enjoy working with?
Red flag: If their last Instagram post was in 2019 and it’s a blurry photo of a “SOLD” sign, they might not be as active in today’s market as you’d like.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve found a few potential agents, it’s time to grill them (nicely). Here are some key questions to ask before you commit:
For Buyers:
✅ How well do you know this market?
You need someone who understands pricing trends, neighborhoods, and what’s really going on beyond what’s listed online.
✅ How do you handle competitive offers?
In a hot market, it’s not just about throwing money at a house—it’s about strategy. Your agent should have a game plan to make your offer stand out.
✅ What’s your availability like?
If houses are selling fast and your agent is MIA for days at a time, that’s a problem. You need someone who responds faster than your mom when she hears you’re dating someone new.
✅ What’s your negotiation style?
Are they aggressive? Strategic? A good agent knows how to push just enough without scaring off sellers.
✅ Can you connect me with trusted mortgage brokers, inspectors, and lawyers?
A well-connected agent is priceless. They’ll hook you up with professionals who won’t leave you hanging.
For Sellers:
✅ How will you market my home?
A top agent won’t just slap your listing online and hope for the best. They should have a plan that includes professional photos, social media promotion, and possibly even video tours.
✅ How do you determine the right listing price?
Overpricing scares off buyers. Underpricing leaves money on the table. Your agent should have a solid pricing strategy based on real data.
✅ What’s your track record in selling homes like mine?
If they’ve only sold downtown condos and you’re selling a farmhouse, that might not be the best fit.
✅ How do you handle negotiations and multiple offers?
The way your agent handles offers can mean the difference between a bidding war and a house that sits on the market too long.
✅ What’s your commission, and what does it cover?
Get clear on fees upfront so there are no surprises later. A good agent will happily break it down for you.
Step 3: Trust Your Gut
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your agent, so make sure you actually like them. If they make you feel pressured, confused, or like they’d ghost you the second you sign a contract—run.
A great agent will be:
✔️ Responsive and communicative
✔️ Honest (even if it’s not what you want to hear)
✔️ A strong negotiator
✔️ Experienced in your type of sale
✔️ Someone who genuinely cares about you and not just their commission
Final Thought: Don’t Settle
Buying or selling a home is a huge deal, and you deserve an agent who’s going to hustle for you like it’s their own house on the line. Ask the right questions, do your research, and make sure they’re the right fit—because the only surprises you want in this process are good ones.
Looking for an agent who actually gives a damn? Let’s chat. I’d love to help you find your perfect home—or the perfect buyer for yours.
