How to Know If You’re Hiring the Right Realtor: Don’t Get Caught in the Hype

Choosing the right realtor can make or break your home-buying or selling experience. With so many agents marketing themselves as the "best" in the business, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype—flashy marketing, promises of quick sales, or grand displays of success. But how do you know if you're truly hiring the right realtor? It’s important to separate the sales pitch from the actual skills and experience that can make your real estate transaction a success.

Here’s a guide to help you avoid getting caught in the hype and choose a realtor who’s truly the right fit for your needs.

Evaluate Their Experience, Not Just Their Flashy Listings

It’s easy to be impressed by a realtor who showcases luxury homes and boasts a long list of high-dollar properties. While these can be signs of experience, they don’t necessarily indicate that the realtor is the right fit for you—especially if you’re buying or selling a more modest property.

Instead of focusing solely on their flashy listings, dig deeper into their overall experience:

Do they have experience in your specific neighborhood or market? A realtor who specializes in your area will have a better understanding of local market trends, schools, and hidden gems that could be important to you.
Have they worked with clients in your situation? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, downsizing, or selling an investment property, a realtor with experience in your specific situation can help navigate the challenges unique to your goals.

Look for Strong Communication Skills

Buying or selling a home is a significant emotional and financial undertaking, and you need a realtor who communicates clearly and regularly. A flashy website or social media presence might seem appealing, but a realtor’s true value comes from their ability to listen to your needs, keep you informed, and guide you through every step of the process.

Are they responsive? Pay attention to how quickly they respond to your emails, calls, and questions. A good realtor should be accessible and communicative.
Do they explain things clearly? Real estate can be complicated, but your realtor should be able to explain things in a way you understand. If they throw around jargon or fail to make things clear, that’s a red flag.

Pay Attention to Their Listening Skills

One of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make is hiring a realtor who talks too much and doesn’t listen enough. A great realtor should focus on understanding your goals, preferences, and concerns before jumping into recommendations.

Do they take the time to ask you about your goals? The right realtor will want to know what’s most important to you, whether it's budget, location, or a specific timeline.
Do they actively listen? Watch how they respond to your concerns. A realtor who listens attentively is more likely to find you a home that fits your needs or help you sell your current one efficiently.

Don’t Get Distracted by Flashy Sales Pitches

Real estate agents are experts in marketing, and it’s not unusual for a realtor to use a polished pitch, professional photos, and an eye-catching website to reel in potential clients. While these things may be impressive, they don’t necessarily reflect the realtor’s ability to provide value.

Instead of being dazzled by a flashy sales pitch, focus on the realtor’s track record and how they plan to help you achieve your specific real estate goals.

Ask about their process. A good realtor will be able to walk you through their plan, whether it’s for marketing your home, negotiating with buyers, or helping you find the best deal.
Look at their history. Reviews, client testimonials, and references should give you an honest picture of the realtor’s past successes, but also their challenges and how they overcame them.

Check Their References and Reputation

While online reviews can be helpful, nothing beats hearing firsthand from someone who has worked with the realtor before. Ask for references or contact their past clients to get an honest assessment of their performance.

What was their experience like? Ask clients about the realtor’s communication, professionalism, and how they handled challenges during the transaction.
How did they help throughout the process? Was the realtor proactive in guiding their clients through the home buying or selling process, or did they only step in when problems arose?

If the realtor is truly committed to providing excellent service, they'll have happy clients who can speak to their ability to deliver results.

Assess Their Market Knowledge

Your realtor should be an expert in the local market—whether that means knowing the ins and outs of a specific neighborhood or having an understanding of market trends. Realtors who are deeply familiar with the area can offer insight into what homes are really worth, which neighborhoods are up-and-coming, and where the best deals can be found.

Do they know the area? A realtor who knows the local market can provide critical advice, such as how much to offer on a home or whether a listing price is reasonable.
Do they understand market trends? Are they up-to-date on whether the market is hot or slow, and what strategies will help you buy or sell effectively in your current conditions?

Evaluate Their Professionalism and Integrity

A great realtor has a high level of professionalism and integrity. Buying or selling a home is an emotional process, and you need a realtor who will always act in your best interest, even if it’s not the easiest path.

Do they offer honest advice? Look for a realtor who isn’t just trying to close a deal but who offers advice that aligns with your best interests, even if it means walking away from a property or waiting for a better deal.
Are they transparent? The right realtor will be upfront about any potential issues with a property, the local market conditions, or the challenges you might face during negotiations.

Evaluate Their Negotiation Skills

One of the most important roles of a realtor is negotiating on your behalf. A great realtor should be a skilled negotiator who can help you get the best deal, whether you’re buying or selling.

Are they able to negotiate well? A good realtor should have a solid strategy for negotiation, which could include everything from price and contingencies to repairs and closing dates.
Do they act in your best interest? Ensure the realtor is negotiating to achieve your specific goals—not just their commission.

Conclusion: Trust Your Gut and Take Your Time

At the end of the day, the right realtor will make you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t rush into hiring someone just because they have an impressive sales pitch or an attractive social media presence. Instead, take the time to evaluate their experience, communication skills, and track record. Trust your instincts and choose a realtor who listens to your needs, offers honest advice, and provides a plan that aligns with your goals.

By focusing on these key factors, you’ll be well-equipped to find a realtor who isn’t just a great salesperson—but one who is genuinely dedicated to guiding you through the process and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.