How to Choose a Listing Agent

Selling your home is no small feat. Picking the right listing agent could make or break your experience. A great agent doesn’t just slap a “For Sale” sign in the yard—they maximize your home’s value and easily handle complex processes. Hiccups happen during a home sale; the listing agent ensures everything goes smoothly from listing to closing. If you’re gearing up to sell your home, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for choosing the best listing agent to fit your needs, including why you should interview multiple agents to find the perfect match.

Understanding Real Estate Agents

What is a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps individuals buy, sell, or rent properties. As intermediaries between buyers and sellers, real estate agents facilitate the transaction process and provide valuable guidance and expertise. 

They can specialize in various areas, such as residential, commercial, or industrial properties, and may work independently or as part of a brokerage firm. Each state has set up guidelines for what a real estate agent can and can’t do, as well as the process to earn a real estate license. 

Whether buying your first home or selling a commercial property, a real estate agent’s knowledge and skills can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the real estate market.

Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent

While “Realtor” and “real estate agent” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. A Realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a professional organization that promotes ethics and standards in the industry. Realtors must adhere to a strict code of ethics and have access to exclusive resources and training. This membership signifies a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity. 

Not all real estate agents are Realtors, but all Realtors are real estate agents. This distinction can be important in choosing the right agent for your needs.

Real Estate Agent Certifications and Specialties

Real estate agents can obtain various certifications and specialties to demonstrate their expertise and enhance their skills. Some common certifications include:

• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS): This certification indicates advanced training and experience in residential real estate. They work with home sellers and buyers.
• Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR): This designation shows that the agent has specialized training in representing buyers.
• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM): This certification is for agents specializing in commercial real estate and investment properties.
• Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES): This designation is for agents who have expertise in meeting the needs of home buyers and sellers aged 50 and older.

These certifications indicate that the agent has completed specialized training and has a deeper understanding of specific areas of real estate. When interviewing real estate agents, asking about their certifications can help you find someone with the right expertise for your particular needs.

Understand the Role of a Listing Agent

First things first: What exactly does a listing agent do? Not all real estate agents are created equal. Think of the listing agent as your home-selling MVP. Choose a real estate agent with the right experience, communication style, and local market knowledge to ensure a smooth and financially beneficial transaction. 

The skill set you need is slightly different between buying a home and selling a home. Sure, real estate agents may dabble in both. Still, some specialize in working with buyers, while others hone their skills in representing homes for sale. 

A listing agent will:

• Market your property with flair and precision, from creating a buzz online to hosting open houses.
• Provide expert guidance on setting the right price, staging your home, and navigating market trends.
• Handle offers and counteroffers like a seasoned negotiator.
• Work with the entire team to see the transaction through to the closing table.

A skilled listing agent has their finger on the pulse of your local market. A good real estate agent ensures your home isn’t just sold but sells for its maximum potential.

How to Choose A Listing Agent

Evaluate Experience and Credentials

Would you hire an inexperienced chef to cater your wedding? Probably not. The same logic applies to selling your home. In your real estate agent search, look for listing agents who:

• Hold relevant certifications, like REALTOR®, from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), or specialist titles such as Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Seller Representative Specialist (SRS).
• Have an impressive track record in your neighborhood. Someone with years of experience is more likely to understand your market’s quirks (like why that mid-century modern home down the street sold for $50K over asking).

Additionally, consult with other agents when preparing to list. Make a decision on who will help you sell your property based on consistent criteria and thorough vetting. An experienced agent will have a well-tuned strategy and the know-how to handle any curveballs that come your way.

Check Their Local Market Knowledge

What good is an agent if they don’t know the ins and outs of your area? Local expertise is key. Ask them questions like:

• What’s the average time homes in my neighborhood spend on the market?
• How do recent comparable sales (comps) impact my home’s pricing?
• What trends are driving buyer interest right now?

Most agents utilize their knowledge of market trends and pricing strategies to provide accurate comparative market analyses and suggest competitive listing prices.

Agents familiar with your market can craft a pricing strategy that positions your home competitively.

Real estate markets are both cyclical and hyper-local by nature. Even if you’re the kind of person who has been reading about recent home sales or caught headlines like “Housing Inventory Drops Nationwide,” it doesn’t always mean that’s what is happening in your specific neighborhood.

They can tell you what local market factors matter for your pricing strategy. For instance, if you need to sell quickly, you’ll want to price it quickly to draw buyer interest. That might mean slightly less per square foot for your market average.

Assess Their Marketing Strategy

Selling a home in today’s world isn’t just about sticking it on a multiple listing service (MLS) and hoping for the best. A robust marketing plan can make all the difference in reaching the target audience. Here’s what to look for:

• Professional Media: Does the agent use standout professional photography, virtual tours, or videos to showcase your property? (Pro tip: Potential buyers love virtual walkthroughs and tour videos because it helps them better understand layout and space.)
• Online Presence: Are they active on social media? How does the agent’s marketing plan leverage social and email to get eyes on your home? Do they market through high-traffic platforms?
• Strategic Open Houses: Do they have creative ideas to attract serious buyers? Not every home or market needs an open house, but if they’re proposing one, why? Understand their reasoning. They may wish just to hold broker tours, or to host an event open to the local community.
• Agent’s Listings: Seeing how they’re marketing their current portfolio tells you how they’ll work to sell your home.

Other agents might approach marketing differently, sometimes focusing less on professional media or online presence. Both can impact the visibility and appeal of your property with local buyers.

A great listing agent understands your home needs the spotlight—and knows where and how to shine it.

Consider Communication and Compatibility

The selling process can be nerve-wracking, but working with someone who keeps you in the loop makes it much smoother. That boils down to how they communicate with you. Observing how the agent responds to both positive and negative feedback is crucial, as this can be a strong indicator of their professionalism and reliability.

• Communication Style: Do they respond quickly to calls, texts, or emails? Will updates be regular and thorough?
• Compatibility: Selling a home is personal. You want someone you feel comfortable with and trust. That’s why it’s great to meet in person. Seeing how they engage with you is a hint at how they will represent you as a seller’s agent.
• Team Setup: Some prospective agents work with a team, such as transaction coordinators. Determine who your troubleshooter and main point of contact are. 

Test their responsiveness early on. They’ll likely be even less available later if they’re difficult to pin down during the interview stage.

Look at Reviews and References

Want to know how effective an agent really is? Hear it straight from people who’ve worked with them.

• Check online reviews on sites like Google or Facebook.
• Ask for references from people you trust or have sold their homes recently. Then, reach out to a few past clients to get an honest perspective on what it’s like working with that agent.
• Verify the licensure of a particular agent by checking the relevant state Real Estate Commission website.

Questions to ask their references include:

• How was the overall experience?
• Was the agent proactive in solving problems?
• Did the home sell for the price they were targeting?

These insights can give you a good sense of the agent’s strengths—and if there are any red flags to watch out for.

Compare Commission Rates and Fees

Real estate agents typically charge a commission of 5–6% of your home’s sale price. In the past, this was typically split between the listing and buyer’s agents, but new guidelines make this part more negotiable on the seller’s end. Each state and real estate market handles the commission approach differently.

Either way, real estate professionals earn their living helping you market and close the sale. While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, remember—you often get what you pay for.

A higher commission could mean more comprehensive marketing, better negotiation skills, and a faster sale at a higher price. Discuss what’s included upfront to avoid surprises later.

Conduct Interviews With Interview Multiple Agents

Your future listing agent doesn’t just appear magically—you must find them! Make a shortlist of finalists and schedule interviews with at least three agents. Given the overwhelming number of licensed agents available, finding a competent agent is the real challenge. Don’t just hire the first agent you’re recommended to; speak with multiple candidates. 

Come ready with questions such as:

• How would you price my home, and why?
• What’s your plan for showings?
• Why should I choose you over another agent?
• How often do you sell homes in this neighborhood?
• What would you consider your strengths?

Interviews give you a chance to compare personalities, strategies, and approaches. You’ll figure out if you prefer the team approach or want someone who’s hands-on from the initial meeting to the closing day. The right agent will leave you feeling confident and supported.

If you have a chance, talk to some of their recent clients to find out how they handled the transaction. You’ll learn if they have the right skills to sell homes.

Listing Price and Contract

How Do I Determine the Listing Price for My House?

Determining the listing price for your house is a crucial step in the selling strategy. While ultimately, the decision is yours, a good listing agent can provide valuable guidance and support. Here are some factors to consider when determining your asking price:

• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): A CMA is a report that compares your property to recent sales of similar properties in the area. This information aids in setting a fair and competitive price for your home. A good listing agent will prepare a detailed CMA to guide your pricing strategy.
• Current Market Conditions: The state of the local real estate market impacts the price of your home. A knowledgeable agent shares how current market trends may affect your listing price and days on the market. For example, in a seller’s market, you might be able to price your home higher due to high demand and low inventory.
• Improvements and Upgrades: Significant improvements or upgrades to your home can increase its value and impact the suggested list price. A good agent will help you highlight these features to prospective buyers.
• Agent’s Expertise: A good listing agent can provide valuable insights and guidance on pricing your home. They can help you determine a price to attract the right buyers and maximize your return on investment. Their experience in the local market can be crucial in setting a competitive and realistic price.

By considering these factors and working with a knowledgeable agent, you’ll have an effective strategy to help you achieve your selling goals quickly and for maximum value.

Listing Agreement

Once you think you’ve landed on your diamond in the rough, you’ll be asked to sign a listing agreement. This outlines the services the real estate agent and its brokerage will provide and the compensation model for those services. As always, read the fine print and ask questions. You want this to be an informed decision with no surprises.

How to Choose The Best Listing Agent

Remember, a great agent isn’t just here to sell your home—they’re here to make the experience seamless and enjoyable. Selecting the right listing agent may seem like a lot of work, but by following these steps, you’ll be equipped to make a confident choice. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts.

Start your search today—find top-rated agents in your area and schedule interviews with vetted ezHomeSearch partners to discover the perfect fit for your home-selling needs.