TL;DR
Finding a good realtor is the single most important decision you will make when buying or selling a home. Homes sold with agent representation sell for a median of $435,000 compared to just $360,000 for FSBO sales, an 18% difference that far exceeds typical commission costs. The best agents have verifiable track records with strong sale-to-list price ratios, local market expertise, proven marketing strategies, and excellent communication skills. Interview at least three agents, verify their recent sales history, and prioritize performance data over personal referrals alone.
Why Your Choice of Realtor Matters More Than Ever
Selling or buying a home represents one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make. With median home prices exceeding $400,000 in many markets, the difference between working with an exceptional agent versus an average one can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket or left on the table.
According to the National Association of Realtors' 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record-high 91% of home sellers now work with a real estate agent. Meanwhile, For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions have dropped to just 5% of all home sales, the lowest level ever recorded. This shift reflects a growing understanding among homeowners that professional representation delivers measurable financial benefits.
The challenge lies in the numbers: with approximately 1.5 million Realtors operating across the United States, finding the right agent for your specific situation requires careful evaluation. Not all agents deliver equal results. Research from HomeLight shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for as much as 10% more than average agents, highlighting the importance of selecting a top performer rather than settling for whoever happens to be available.
Find a Top-Performing Realtor Based on Actual Performance Data
EffectiveAgents analyzes over 50,000 vetted agents nationwide, matching you with proven performers who have helped clients save over $2.1 billion.
Get Matched With Top AgentsAgent-Assisted Sales vs. FSBO: What the Data Shows
Before diving into how to find a good realtor, it is worth understanding exactly what value professional representation provides. The data consistently demonstrates that agent-assisted transactions outperform FSBO sales across virtually every metric that matters to sellers.
Sale Price Comparison: Agent-Assisted vs. FSBO
The National Association of Realtors reports that the median price for FSBO sales was $360,000 over the past year, compared to $425,000 for agent-assisted transactions. That represents an 18% gap in favor of homes sold with professional representation. Even after accounting for commission costs, sellers working with agents typically net significantly more than those who go it alone.
Why FSBO Sellers Struggle
The challenges facing FSBO sellers extend beyond just achieving optimal pricing. According to recent industry research:
Common FSBO Challenges
- 17% struggle with pricing correctly
- 13% cannot sell within desired timeframe
- 10% have difficulty with paperwork and legal requirements
- 43% report making legal mistakes during the process
- 64% fail to achieve their desired sales price
Agent-Assisted Advantages
- Access to MLS and broader buyer pool
- Professional pricing through comparative market analysis
- Expert negotiation skills and contract management
- Marketing resources including professional photography
- Legal compliance and disclosure guidance
Perhaps most telling, 87% of non-traditional sellers (including FSBO) say they would be willing to switch to an agent at some point, with 51% indicating they would hire an agent within two months if they failed to receive reasonable offers.
Essential Qualities of a Good Realtor
Understanding what separates exceptional agents from mediocre ones requires looking beyond surface-level credentials. While every licensed agent has passed state examinations, performance varies dramatically based on experience, local expertise, and business practices.
Proven Track Record With Verifiable Results
The most reliable indicator of future performance is past results. When evaluating agents, focus on metrics that demonstrate actual selling ability:
Key Performance Metrics to Evaluate
Sale-to-List Price Ratio: Top agents consistently achieve 98% or higher, meaning homes sell at or near asking price. Agents with ratios below 95% may be overpricing listings or lacking negotiation skills.
Average Days on Market: Exceptional agents sell homes faster than the market average. Extended time on market often indicates pricing issues or insufficient marketing.
Transaction Volume: Look for agents completing at least 20-50 transactions annually. This volume indicates active market engagement and established systems.
Recent Activity: Market conditions change rapidly. Prioritize agents with strong results within the past 12 months over those resting on older accomplishments.
Deep Local Market Knowledge
Real estate is fundamentally local. An agent who excels in one neighborhood may be completely unfamiliar with pricing dynamics, buyer preferences, and competitive factors just a few miles away. The right agent for your transaction should demonstrate:
Intimate familiarity with your specific neighborhood, including recent sales, pending transactions, and properties that failed to sell. They should understand local school districts, community amenities, and factors that influence property values in your area.
Knowledge of buyer demographics and what motivates purchases in your market. Different neighborhoods attract different buyer profiles, and effective marketing requires understanding who is most likely to purchase your home.
Relationships with other local agents who may have qualified buyers. The agent network often determines how quickly quality offers materialize.
Strong Communication and Availability
The home selling process requires frequent communication, quick decision-making, and responsive action when opportunities arise. Before committing to an agent, establish clear expectations around:
Response Time
How quickly will the agent respond to calls, texts, and emails? In competitive markets, delays can cost opportunities.
Update Frequency
How often will you receive updates on showings, market feedback, and listing activity?
Communication Style
Does the agent's preferred communication method align with yours? Mismatched styles create friction.
Comprehensive Marketing Capabilities
Today's home marketing extends far beyond placing a sign in the yard and listing on the MLS. Top-performing agents invest in professional marketing that maximizes exposure and attracts qualified buyers.
Professional photography is now table stakes. According to industry research, homes with high-quality photos sell faster and for more money than those with amateur images. The best agents invest in professional photographers who understand how to showcase properties effectively.
Virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs have become increasingly important, with nearly half of buyers indicating they would make an offer after viewing only a virtual tour. Ask potential agents about their technology capabilities and digital marketing strategies.
How to Find Potential Agents
Building your initial list of agent candidates requires casting a reasonably wide net before narrowing down to serious contenders. Multiple sourcing strategies help ensure you identify the strongest performers in your market.
Performance-Based Agent Matching Services
Traditional agent selection often relies on personal referrals or random online searches, methods that may not identify the best performers. Performance-based matching services analyze actual transaction data to identify agents with proven track records.
These platforms evaluate agents based on objective metrics including sales volume, price achievement, transaction speed, and client satisfaction. Rather than relying on self-reported claims or paid advertising placement, data-driven matching connects you with agents whose results speak for themselves.
Pro Tip: Look Beyond Marketing to Actual Performance
Many agents invest heavily in advertising and personal branding while delivering mediocre results. The most effective way to identify top performers is through verified transaction data rather than marketing claims. Services that analyze MLS data can reveal which agents consistently outperform their peers on metrics that matter to sellers.
Personal Referrals With Verification
Recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues remain valuable, but should not be your only consideration. The National Association of Realtors reports that 66% of sellers found their agent through referrals or previous relationships, yet this approach has limitations.
When receiving referrals, dig deeper than general satisfaction. Ask specific questions about the transaction: What was the original asking price versus final sale price? How long was the home on market? Were there any challenges, and how did the agent handle them?
Remember that real estate needs vary significantly. An agent who excelled selling a $200,000 starter home may lack experience with $800,000 luxury properties. An agent specializing in buyer representation may not deliver optimal results when listing a home for sale.
Neighborhood Observation
Pay attention to "For Sale" and "Sold" signs in your neighborhood. Agents with multiple successful transactions in your immediate area have demonstrated ability to market and sell homes like yours to buyers interested in your location.
Take note of how long listings remain on market and whether prices appear to be achieving full value. Agents who consistently move properties quickly at strong prices have earned their reputation through results.
Questions to Ask When Interviewing Agents
Interviewing multiple agents is essential for making an informed decision. Plan to speak with at least three candidates, asking consistent questions that allow meaningful comparison. The right interview questions reveal not just what agents claim, but how they think and operate.
Experience and Track Record Questions
Essential Questions About Experience
- How many homes have you sold in the past 12 months? What is your average sale-to-list price ratio?
- How many transactions have you completed in my specific neighborhood or price range?
- What percentage of your business comes from listings versus buyer representation?
- Can you provide contact information for three recent clients with similar properties?
- What is your average days on market compared to the overall market average?
Marketing and Strategy Questions
Understanding an agent's marketing approach helps predict how effectively they will expose your home to qualified buyers:
How will you determine the optimal listing price for my home? Look for agents who describe a comprehensive comparative market analysis process rather than simply suggesting a number. The best agents can explain their pricing methodology and support recommendations with data.
What does your marketing plan include? Professional photography, virtual tours, social media promotion, email marketing to buyer agents, and open house strategy should all be discussed. Agents who cannot articulate a clear marketing plan may rely too heavily on the MLS alone.
How will you handle showings and buyer feedback? Understanding the showing process, lockbox policies, and feedback collection helps set expectations for the selling period.
Communication and Process Questions
Clear communication expectations prevent frustration during the transaction:
How will you keep me informed throughout the process? Establish whether you will receive weekly updates, real-time showing notifications, or periodic check-ins. Understand who you will communicate with directly if the agent works with a team.
What happens if my home does not sell within the expected timeframe? Listen for agents who have contingency plans including price adjustment strategies, marketing pivots, and honest assessments of when changes become necessary.
How do you handle multiple offers? In competitive markets, skilled handling of multiple offers can significantly impact your final sale price. Experienced agents should describe a clear process for evaluating and negotiating competing bids.
Red Flags to Watch For
Just as certain qualities indicate a strong agent, warning signs suggest an agent may not deliver optimal results. Pay attention to these red flags during your evaluation process.
Warning Signs of a Problematic Agent
Overpricing to Win the Listing: Some agents suggest unrealistically high prices to secure your business, knowing they will later pressure you to reduce. Compare recommended prices across multiple agents and question outliers.
Vague or Outdated Statistics: Agents who cannot provide specific, recent performance data may be hiding mediocre results. Demand current numbers, not historical accomplishments.
Part-Time Status: Agents juggling real estate with other careers may lack availability when opportunities arise. Full-time dedication typically correlates with better results.
Pressure Tactics: Agents who push for immediate commitment or make you uncomfortable likely will not improve as the relationship progresses.
Poor Communication During the Interview: If an agent is slow to respond or difficult to reach before they have your listing, expect the same treatment afterward.
Understanding Commission Structures
Real estate commission has changed significantly following the 2024 NAR settlement. Understanding current practices helps you evaluate agent proposals appropriately.
The average total real estate commission currently stands at approximately 5.44% of the sale price, with listing agents typically receiving around 2.77% and buyer's agents receiving approximately 2.67%. However, these rates vary by market and are negotiable.
Following the NAR settlement, sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to buyer's agents through the MLS. However, many sellers continue offering buyer agent compensation as a strategy to attract more potential purchasers. Your agent should explain the implications of different commission approaches for your specific situation.
Commission Considerations
While commission rate matters, it should not be your primary selection criterion. An agent charging 3% who achieves a sale price 5% higher than a discount agent provides far better value. Focus on net proceeds after all costs rather than commission percentages in isolation.
Finding a Good Realtor as a Buyer
While much of the guidance above applies to both buying and selling, homebuyers face unique considerations when selecting representation. The 2024 NAR settlement introduced new requirements for buyer agency agreements, making agent selection even more important.
Buyer Agency Agreement Requirements
Buyers must now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes together. This agreement specifies the services the agent will provide and their compensation. Understanding these agreements before committing helps ensure you receive appropriate representation.
Key elements to review include the duration of the agreement, the geographic area covered, whether the agent will represent you exclusively, and how compensation will be handled. Some buyer's agents negotiate their fees directly with buyers, while others receive compensation through seller concessions or other arrangements.
What Buyers Should Look For
Buyer's agents serve different functions than listing agents. When evaluating buyer representation, prioritize:
Negotiation Skills: Your agent will negotiate on your behalf for price, repairs, contingencies, and closing terms. Ask about their approach to negotiations and examples of how they have secured favorable terms for past clients.
Local Inventory Knowledge: The best buyer's agents know about properties before they hit the market and can alert you to opportunities quickly. Ask how they stay informed about upcoming listings.
Transaction Management: From initial offer through closing, buyer's agents coordinate inspections, appraisals, financing contingencies, and closing preparation. Experience managing these processes smoothly prevents costly delays.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Agent Match?
Whether buying or selling, EffectiveAgents connects you with top-performing agents based on actual transaction data. Our matching process evaluates agents on the metrics that matter most to your success.
Find Your Agent NowMaking Your Final Decision
After interviewing candidates and evaluating their qualifications, making your final selection requires weighing multiple factors. The best choice balances proven performance with personal compatibility and alignment on strategy.
Comparing Your Options
Create a systematic comparison of your top candidates across the factors that matter most:
Final Selection Checklist
- Verified recent transaction history with strong sale-to-list ratios
- Specific experience in your neighborhood and price range
- Clear, comprehensive marketing plan for your property
- Communication style and availability that matches your preferences
- Realistic pricing recommendation supported by data
- Positive references from recent clients with similar transactions
- Professional demeanor and trustworthy presentation
- Clear explanation of commission structure and services included
Trust Your Instincts
While data and credentials matter enormously, the agent-client relationship also requires personal trust and compatibility. You will work closely with this person during a significant financial transaction, potentially for several months. If something feels wrong during the interview process, trust that instinct.
The best agent for you combines proven professional capability with a working style that matches your preferences. Both elements matter for a successful outcome.
After Hiring Your Agent
Selecting a good realtor is just the beginning. Maximizing the value of professional representation requires active engagement throughout the process.
Setting Clear Expectations
Before signing a listing agreement or buyer agency contract, confirm understanding on key terms including listing duration, pricing strategy, marketing activities, and communication frequency. Document these expectations in writing to prevent misunderstandings.
Review the listing agreement or buyer agency agreement carefully before signing. Understand the terms for termination if the relationship does not work as expected. Most agreements include provisions for ending the relationship under specified circumstances.
Staying Engaged
While your agent handles most transaction details, remain engaged in the process. Review showing feedback, monitor market activity, and communicate promptly when decisions are needed. The best outcomes result from collaborative effort between agents and clients.
If concerns arise during the transaction, address them directly with your agent rather than letting frustration build. Most issues can be resolved through open communication. If problems persist despite honest attempts to resolve them, understand your options for changing representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interview at least three agents before making your decision. This provides enough perspective to compare qualifications, marketing approaches, and communication styles. Speaking with multiple candidates also helps you recognize what distinguishes top performers from average agents in your market.
The average total real estate commission is approximately 5.44% of the home sale price, typically split between the listing agent (around 2.77%) and the buyer's agent (around 2.67%). However, commission rates are negotiable and vary by market. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, sellers are no longer required to offer buyer agent compensation through the MLS, though many continue to do so as a marketing strategy.
Working with friends or family members requires careful consideration. While trust and comfort may be established, personal relationships can complicate professional transactions. Evaluate their actual performance metrics as you would any agent. If their track record does not match top performers in your market, a professional relationship with a more qualified agent may serve your financial interests better. Be honest about expectations if you choose to work together.
Local experience is extremely important. Real estate markets vary significantly by neighborhood, and agents who regularly work in your specific area understand local pricing dynamics, buyer preferences, and competitive factors that influence transactions. An agent with a strong track record in your neighborhood will price your home more accurately and market it more effectively than an agent unfamiliar with local conditions.
All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. A real estate agent is any licensed professional who facilitates property transactions. A Realtor is a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and agrees to abide by its Code of Ethics. Realtor membership indicates commitment to professional standards, though actual performance varies among both Realtors and non-member agents.
Yes, though the process depends on your listing agreement or buyer agency contract terms. Most agreements include provisions for termination under specified circumstances. Review your contract to understand requirements for ending the relationship, which may include written notice periods or other conditions. If you are unsatisfied, communicate concerns directly with your agent first. If issues persist, speak with the agent's broker about your options for terminating the agreement.
Request a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) that shows recent sales of similar properties in your area. The analysis should include homes with comparable size, condition, features, and location that sold within the past three to six months. Compare recommendations from multiple agents. Be wary of agents who suggest prices significantly higher than others without clear justification, as this may indicate they are trying to win your listing with an unrealistic price they will later pressure you to reduce.
Both individual agents and teams can deliver excellent results. Teams offer potential advantages including greater availability and specialized roles, while individual agents provide consistent personal attention. The key is understanding exactly who will handle your transaction. If considering a team, ask which team member will be your primary contact and what their specific qualifications are. Evaluate the actual person handling your transaction, not just the team leader's credentials.
Finding the Right Realtor Makes All the Difference
The data is clear: working with a skilled real estate agent delivers measurably better financial outcomes than going it alone. With agent-assisted sales commanding median prices 18% higher than FSBO transactions, the investment in professional representation pays for itself many times over.
But not all agents deliver equal results. Taking time to identify top performers through verifiable transaction data, thorough interviews, and careful reference checking positions you for the best possible outcome. The difference between an exceptional agent and an average one can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket.
Focus on performance metrics over marketing claims. Prioritize local expertise and recent results. Establish clear communication expectations. And trust your instincts when something does not feel right.
Your home is likely your largest financial asset. Choosing the right realtor to represent you in its sale or your next purchase deserves careful attention and thorough evaluation. The effort you invest in finding a good realtor will reward you throughout the transaction and in your final results.
Get Matched With Top-Performing Agents Today
EffectiveAgents uses performance data to connect you with proven agents who consistently deliver exceptional results. Join the thousands of homeowners who have saved over $2.1 billion by working with our vetted network of top performers.
Find Your Perfect Agent MatchDisclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional real estate advice. Real estate transactions involve significant financial decisions that should be made in consultation with qualified professionals. Statistics and market data referenced are current as of publication date and may change. Individual results vary based on market conditions, property characteristics, and other factors. EffectiveAgents.com is a licensed real estate referral service that connects consumers with vetted real estate professionals.
