HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
Buying and selling a home is made more manageable with the guidance of a real estate professional who will be there every step of the way.
Buying and selling a home are multifaceted processes
that often are made much easier with the
help of a qualified real estate professional. Indeed,
the complexity of a housing transaction inspires
the vast majority of buyers and sellers to seek expert
assistance.
Data from the National Association of Realtors 2025
Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers indicates that 88
percent of buyers and 91 percent of sellers use a real
estate agent to facilitate their transactions. However,
one must first navigate the vast landscape of licensed
professionals, and selection of the right professional is
crucial. Here’s how to do just that.
Seek personal referrals
One of the first places to start is with friends, neighbors
or family members. Housingwire says about 40 percent
of people find their agents through a referral. A personal
referral typically offers insight about real estate
pros that can inform if the person is communicative and
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reliable. Superior negotiation skills also might be best
advertised by former clients than online profiles.
Prioritize experience
A professional’s level of experience is important. The
market often is saturated with part-time or inexperienced
intermediaries because the industry typically has
low barriers to entry and relies on fixed commission
structures. Although there are some anomalies, veteran
real estate pros who have been active for many years
tend to close sales more successfully than novices.
HomeLight data suggests top-performing professionals
can sell homes for up to 10 percent more than average.
Look through online platforms
Rely on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com and others
to review sales history, specialties and client feedback.
Also read online biographies to narrow down prospects
who seem like they will be the right fit.
Prepare questions
It’s wise to interview
a couple of
professionals before
settling on one.
The NAR urges individuals
experience, honesty and trustworthiness. When
interviewing, ask about current client load, marketing
strategies, experience, and how a professional handles
challenges like bidding wars or low inventory. Pay attention
to details to determine if a pro has a handle on
local market knowledge, including current trends.
Trust your instincts
Sometimes buyers and sellers ultimately go with what
their gut is telling them. If a professional gives off the
right vibes and seems to gel with your style and goals,
then that may be the person for you.
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