Signs you’re working with the right real estate agent

By Mary Beth Eastman

Almost all homebuyers and sellers — about 90% — work with a real estate professional when it’s time to change homes, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.¹ Working with an experienced real estate agent means you’ll have a better chance of a smooth transaction, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy the experience. 

Talking about common concerns among today’s homebuyers, Paul Huntsman, president of addressUSA, explained that the best real estate agents have deep market knowledge, a wide breadth of experience and know exactly how to manage the real estate transaction from start to finish.

“They are process managers,” he said. “They’re not sales people. They’re not counselors. People come to them wanting to buy or sell … and the real estate agent (provides) a tool kit that allows them to manage that process, from talking through values to negotiating contracts and all the other things in between.”

At addressUSA, you’ll find experienced real estate professionals who are intimately familiar with individual markets and have a long history of success. But, how do you know if you’re working with the right agent for your needs? Here are some of the most important signs that you’ve found the right partner for your real estate journey.

Credentials to look for

Before you begin interviewing potential Realtors and other professional real estate agents, it helps to have a checklist of credentials to look for. The criteria below will help you identify reputable professionals who have the qualifications necessary for a successful relationship.

• They’re licensed: Real estate agents must be licensed to do business in your state. You can check an individual’s real estate license by visiting your state’s official government website for real estate licensing.
• They’re professionally designated: To be known as a licensed Realtor, agents must complete training and join an association at the state and local level. Real estate agents who take these extra steps also must agree to the National Association of Realtors code of ethics.
• They’re experienced in your market: These agents know the ins and outs of your particular area, which helps them to have a more granular understanding of home values and pricing.
• They have a strong track record: Ideally, your real estate agent has a proven history of serving their clients successfully, not only closing deals, but providing service that goes above and beyond.
• They’re excellent communicators: Look for agents who are not only good at listening to your needs, but are also capable of explaining the process of buying or selling a home.

In fact, addressUSA only works with agents who are skilled communicators, Huntsman said.

“For us, it is the communication skill set,” he said, speaking about what matters most. “The biggest complaint against every real estate agent on the planet, for most people, is ‘I don't hear enough from them.’ So, we make sure that the people that we are sending clients towards are people who are good communicators.”

That means buyers and sellers should be confident that they will be heard by their agent, and that their agent will be responsive to their needs.

Questions to ask your real estate agent

As you’re navigating the journey of finding the right agent for your situation, you may wish to ask each potential candidate the following questions:

• What is your experience with this neighborhood?
• What is your experience with this price range?
• What is your networking system like?
• Are you active in the market? (It’s good to know that many real estate agents only work part-time.)
• Are you performing above the market average for the areas you represent?

Agents who work with addressUSA perform above market average, noted Huntsman, and also offer a very holistic approach. As a buyer, you’ll know that the person you talk to has been a successful real estate agent, he emphasized, and they have the market and lifestyle knowledge necessary to be successful in your particular market.

Potential red flags to watch out for

Now that you know what to look for to find the right agent, you should also consider some potential red flags that could signal an agent won’t be the right fit:

• They use high-pressure tactics
• They offer poor communication
• They refuse transparency

If an agent is too pushy (or not pushy enough), it could mean they don’t have your best interests at heart. It’s all about how they interact with you.

“If it’s not a smooth, comfortable situation when you’re talking to them, and it doesn’t feel like you’re getting what you need, they’re almost certainly not the right agent for you,” Huntsman said. “It’s really about your gut feeling as much as anything.”

Final Thoughts
You’re working with the right real estate agent if they’re licensed, experienced in your market, communicate clearly, and have a strong track record of successful transactions and happy clients. These qualities ensure you’ll have the guidance and support you need to buy or sell with confidence.