How To Choose A Real Estate Agent For Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a big deal. The right real estate agent can completely change the experience. Securing the best agent can boost your sale price, sell your home faster, and take the stress out of the entire process. But how do you find the one who’s the perfect fit to handle your home sale? Here’s how to choose a seller’s agent who gets your goals and makes your selling journey smooth and successful.

What Are Real Estate Agents?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who assists individuals in buying, selling, or renting properties. Real estate agents facilitate the entire real estate transaction process between buyers and sellers. Their job requires them to know the ins and outs of real estate regulations in your state and market, as well as invaluable knowledge about the local market, current prices, and trends. They serve as guides in the often complex world of real estate. 

Basic Qualifications of a Real Estate Agent

While you can sell your home yourself (a sale known as “For Sale By Owner” or FSBO), real estate agents work on your behalf. They must hold a real estate license and adhere to state laws to assist with a real estate transaction. A license verifies they have completed the necessary coursework for the state’s real estate commission and passed the required licensing exam. 

Each state sets different standards for real estate licensing. Some are rigorous, with over a hundred hours of education, degree requirements, or apprenticeship years. Others require just a few dozen hours of instruction before passing the licensing exam. If you’re interested in what it takes to become a real estate agent near you, check with the state real estate board.

All operating agents must follow a code of ethics. Some choose to become REALTORS, who are certified by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Through the NAR, they can access resources and training to enhance their service quality.

Choosing A Real Estate Agent For Selling Your House

Most agents eventually specialize in an area of real estate. That means some might have additional knowledge to help your home sale. Real estate agents can work with home buyers and sellers, but some prefer working with home sellers. They develop their skill set to represent that target audience best. So how do you find them?

Define Your Selling Goals

Start by asking yourself what you hope to achieve in selling your house. Do you need a quick sale? Are you aiming to snag the highest price possible? Or are you simply looking to minimize the stress and hassle of the process? Perhaps it’s a mixture of all three!

Your goals will greatly influence the type of real estate agent you should hire:

• Quick Sale: Look for a selling agent experienced with aggressive marketing strategies and wide buyer networks.
• Highest Price: Seek an agent with strong negotiation skills and a proven record of securing above-market offers.
• Minimizing Hassle: Opt for a listing agent who is personable, communicative, and detail-oriented.

You can identify a real estate agent who meets your needs by clearly defining your priorities. Part of this process involves interviewing real estate agents to ensure they understand and can meet your specific goals. Plan to speak with at least three agents, so you have enough data to make a fair comparison.

Research Local Experts

Location is everything in real estate. Hiring local agents with deep knowledge of your neighborhood can give you an edge. A smart selling strategy involves setting the right price and attracting home buyers. Local neighborhood experts understand market trends, pricing strategies, and what buyers are looking for in your specific area. We’re not just talking about a city or county-wide view, but down to the blocks of your local community.

Here’s how to start your search:

• Drive Around Your Neighborhood: Note “For Sale” signs with the same agent’s name repeatedly—this indicates local expertise.
• Look Online: Browse realtor profiles on ezHomeSearch to find highly rated agents in your area. Alternatively, search for recently sold properties to see who closed the deal on the house down the street.
• Online Reviews: What are previous clients saying about their sales experience? How many home sellers would work with this one agent again?

Get Referrals from a Trusted Source

Getting referrals from people who know is invaluable when embarking on your real estate agent search. Friends, family, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold a property provide firsthand insights into a selling agent’s work ethic, communication style, and marketing capabilities. 

Additionally, professionals such as real estate attorneys or lenders who have worked with multiple agents may recommend a few agents they frequently work with on home sales. These referrals can help you identify top agents with a proven track record and are well-regarded in the real estate community.

Analyze Their Sales History

A real estate agent’s track record tells you as much about their capabilities as their sales pitch does. Review their history to ensure they have experience selling homes similar to yours. Good agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA) to provide data-backed pricing recommendations for today’s market.

Use tools like Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases or public records to confirm critical details:

• How many homes have they sold in the past year? How about the number of homes sold in your neighborhood?
• What price points do their listings usually sell for?
• What was the average time their listings spent on the market?
• Did the real estate agent’s listings typically sell close to, at, or above the asking price?

The numbers don’t lie—a selling agent with a successful sales history is more likely to get you the desired results.

Assess Their Marketing Reach

Gone are the days when a “For Sale” sign and a flyer were enough to attract potential buyers. Innovating marketing approaches are essential in today’s competitive housing market.

When evaluating an agent’s marketing plan, ask if they utilize:

• Social Media Campaigns: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook expand the potential reach of your listing. Ask if they use social media pushes, what networks they use, and how they do it. Some selling agents are very creative.
• Professional Photography and Video: Quality visuals help your home stand out against the competition. Pick someone who knows the value of an excellent shot and how to get it. Past listings will show you how they capture images for marketing.
• Listings on Major Sites: They use online platforms like ezHomeSearch to get serious buyers to see your home.

An agent who combines traditional outreach with modern technology will maximize your home’s exposure. The more prospective buyers see your home, the better.

Gauge Their Professional Network

Selling a home requires more than just a good real estate agent. Understanding how different agents work, independently or as part of a team, can impact your selling experience. Some handle all aspects of a home sale themselves, while others may need help, such as transaction coordinators or mentor agents who might run an open house.

An agent’s professional network can also be key in the process. Top-tier agents collaborate with:

• Other Agents and Buyers: Experienced agents often have a network of buyers or investor clients actively searching for properties like yours. That includes their colleagues working under the same broker and real estate agents at other agencies who also work in your neighborhood.
• Home Stagers and Contractors: These connections with qualified vendors help prepare your home for showings. A house that presents well sells faster and for a higher list price.
• Photographers, Videographers, and Marketers: Critical for crafting an appealing online presence. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in real estate, a quality photographer is worth thousands of dollars in a successful home sale.

A well-connected selling agent can fast-track your sale by opening doors to resources that aid with a successful sale.

Check Their Professional Certifications and Specialties

Evaluating potential real estate agents involves more than just a quick glance at their resume. It’s crucial to check their professional certifications and specialties to ensure they have the expertise needed for your situation. 

Look for agents with specialized additional training or certifications in residential sales, commercial sales, or property management. Designations like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) indicate a commitment to ongoing education and a higher level of proficiency in their field. 

By choosing a real estate agent with the right credentials, you can be confident in their ability to handle your real estate needs effectively.

Interview Multiple Real Estate Agents

Don’t go with the first agent an online search or ad throws at you. Meet with at least three prospective agents to get a sense of their style and approach. See how the agent responds to your specific questions about their approach to the selling process. Face-to-face meetings or phone calls give you a better idea of how they’d handle your property–much better than a fancy website landing page.

Topics to explore with interviewing multiple candidates include:

• Pricing Strategy: How do they determine a competitive list price for your home based on recent market trends and your selling goals?
• Availability: Are they available for showings and open houses that fit your schedule? Will an assistant or other team member be handling that?
• Negotiation Style: What is their success rate in closing deals? How assertive are they during negotiations? What is their list price-to-sale price ratio?

Don’t just focus on qualifications. Selling your house is a partnership; you must feel comfortable collaborating with your agent. Their communication style must align with your expectations. Throughout the selection process, consider:

• Do they listen to and understand your needs?
• Are they enthusiastic about selling your home?
• Do you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities?

Personality matters. Selling a house can be emotional and stressful, and the right agent will guide and support you every step of the way.

Understand The Real Estate Fee Structure

Real estate commissions typically range between 5% and 6% of the sale price. Under the new commission structure guidelines, it’s essential to clarify the fee structure upfront to avoid surprises.

Ask your prospective selling agent:

• What is included in the commission fee, and are there any hidden charges?
• Do they offer tiered commission models based on the sale price?
• Will they charge additional fees for marketing or professional photography?
• What is their recommendation about compensating the buyer’s agent?

A transparent discussion about fees ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for. Make sure the financial compensation piece is clear before signing any listing agreement paperwork.

Look for Red Flags

Not every real estate agent will fit your home sale well. Some clear warning signs to avoid partnering with a particular person:

• Lack of Transparency: Agents who are vague about pricing strategies, sales histories, or contracts may not be trustworthy.
• Overpromising: Be cautious of agents who guarantee unrealistic outcomes, such as “selling in one day” or “getting above-market prices for every home.” Real estate markets can shift quickly.
• Lowest Commission Focus: While low commissions might sound appealing, they may indicate a lack of investment in marketing or resources.

Trust your instincts—if something feels off during your interactions, it’s best to keep looking.

Finding a Selling Agent

Choosing the best listing agent is one of the most important decisions when selling your home. The right one designs a selling strategy that aligns with your goals, sets realistic expectations based on market data, and then follows through. By defining your goals, researching local experts, and evaluating their track record, you’ll be well-equipped to find a real estate agent who aligns with your vision and delivers results.

Kickstart your home-selling journey today by exploring qualified prospective agents in your area. Contact an ezHomeSearch partner to schedule your first consultation. You’re just steps away from selling faster and with confidence!