6 Qualities to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, there are 106,548 real estate brokerage firms operating in the United States. Buyers and sellers looking for the right real estate agent to assist in their purchase or sale of a property should choose wisely to find the optimum match for them.

Since real estate agents play a crucial role in the unfolding of a real estate transaction, working with top agents can streamline your buying or selling experience.

Here are six key qualities to keep in mind while you’re looking for the best real estate agent in your area.

#1. A Real Estate Agent with Experience in Your Local Market

Local expertise is a critical quality to search for in a real estate agent.

You’ll want an agent that understands the nuances of your target community’s market, as well as one that maintains an awareness of the trends impacting the local buying or selling scene in real-time. These skills will enable your agent to guide your transaction toward success at every stage.

Agents with ample experience working in the area that you’re interested in may also have a network of connections that can empower your deal. An agent that’s plugged into their community likely has built relationships with other agents, municipal leaders, development agencies, and other helpful resources. One of the best ways to spot a successful, local agent is by which agents are listing homes in your area. Local listing agents are likely some of the most successful in your area since they have the latest pulse of the local market. If you commonly see an agent's yard signs in your area, there is a good chance that agent is a local expert.

#2. An Agent Who Curates Client Experiences

Agents that curate an enjoyable experience for their clients are typically easy and pleasant to work with.

One way to gauge the experience you may have working with a specific real estate agent is by reading reviews left by past clients. Find online client reviews posted on their website, social media pages, or on their Google business page.

Referencing a variety of locations with online reviews is the best way to search for reviews as agents will likely highlight their best feedback in place of critical reviews.

#3. An Agent With a Technology-Enabled Process

Real estate agents that strengthen their workflows with technology are best suited to provide an accessible, convenient, and comfortable transaction experience. One of the most important aspects of picking an agent is to ensure that your agent can communicate with you the way you want to communicate - whether it be text, email, phone call, or in-person. Make sure you're on the same page with your chosen agent.

Digital real estate technologies allow agents to streamline the transaction’s multiple steps, transforming a complicated process into a simple set of organized tasks.

For example, choosing an agent that leverages online real estate portals and secure digital documents means that you can sign, submit, and review paperwork anytime from any device.

This makes it easier for you to keep up on your responsibilities and stay in touch with your agent to prevent delays in your deal.

#4. A Real Estate Agent with Designations and Certifications Relevant to Your Deal

Many real estate agents continue their professional education to expand their expertise into a niche market. Of the 1.4 million active REALTORS®, over 200,000 hold subject matter expertise designations and certifications.

For example, your agent may be a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®). A real estate agent that has been certified in listing-specific services will be best apt to provide premier services for those specific transactions.

Finding an agent that specializes in working with clients that match your circumstances is another way to strategize your deal.

A simple place to start your search for top agents with designations and certifications is by looking for a real estate agent that is a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®).

#5. A Real Estate Agent with National Association of REALTORS® Membership

Active membership with the National Association of REALTORS® is one of the best criteria to maintain when looking for an agent. For over a century, the NAR® has been training real estate agents in protecting and advocating the rights of buyers and sellers.

As the largest trade’s association in the country, the NAR® maintains a strict code of ethics that holds its members to the utmost quality and performance standards. Besides the guarantee that your certified REALTOR® will operate based on the association’s ethical code, NAR® members typically hold higher levels of training and market experience.

#6. An Agent With Communication Practices That Match Your Preferences

The transaction process is made up of multiple phases — all of which require strategy and troubleshooting. The real estate agent that you work with should be able to seamlessly collaborate with you to make the most out of the deal.

An agent with communication practices that match your preferences is more likely to result in an enjoyable experience.

For example, if you’re the type of client that prefers receiving a text from your agent but instead they always call you, it’s not ideal. Or, if your agent emails you but you never review your inbox, your deal will fall behind because of communication-based issues.

Be sure to discuss communication practices whenever you are interviewing agents.

If you’re ready to find the best real estate agent in your area, click here.