How to Hire a Real Estate Agent

Hiring the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying or selling a home. Your agent will guide you through one of the largest transactions of your life, so choosing well matters tremendously.

Verify Their License and Track Record

Start by confirming that any agent you consider is properly licensed and in good standing. In most states, you can verify this through the real estate licensing board's website. A licensed real estate agent should hold a current, active license with no disciplinary issues on their record. Beyond licensing, look for agents who have actively closed transactions in recent months and years. An agent who closed five deals in the past year has more current experience than one who closed five deals over five years. Ask how many transactions they've completed and in what timeframe. You can often find this information on their website, on public real estate portals, or by asking directly. Don't rely on a single source—check multiple places and confirm what you learn about their activity level.

Ask Detailed Questions About Market Knowledge

An agent who knows their market well provides vastly better guidance than one who doesn't. Ask specific questions about the neighborhoods you're interested in. How much did similar homes sell for last month? How long do homes typically stay on the market in that area? Which neighborhoods are appreciating faster? A knowledgeable agent can discuss local trends, upcoming developments, school district performance, and what drives price differences between neighborhoods.

Questions to Gauge Market Knowledge

• What are recent comparable sales prices in the neighborhoods I'm considering?
• How long do homes typically stay on the market here?
• Which areas have been appreciating fastest recently?
• What local factors affect property values most in this market?

If an agent seems vague or deflects your questions, that's a warning sign. Market knowledge directly affects the advice they give you and the strategies they recommend, whether you're buying or selling. An agent who can answer these questions confidently has done the work to understand their area.

Verify Experience With Your Specific Situation

Are you a first-time buyer navigating your first home purchase? Selling a home you've owned for decades? Looking at new construction properties? Investing as a landlord? Tell the agent your specific situation and ask how many similar transactions they've completed in the past year or two. Experience with one type of transaction doesn't automatically translate to success with another.

An agent experienced with first-time buyers understands loan pre-approval, FHA versus conventional financing, and the entire process from a beginner's perspective. An agent who regularly handles new construction sales knows builder contracts, what warranties to look for, and how those sales differ from existing homes. A home seller's agent should be able to walk you through staging strategy, pricing decisions, and negotiation tactics specific to the current market. Ask the agent for examples of similar deals they've closed recently. Their willingness to provide specifics shows confidence in their track record.

Evaluate Their Communication Style

You'll be in regular contact with your agent over weeks or months. Their communication style and availability directly affect your experience. Ask how they prefer to stay in touch—by phone, email, text, or video call—and what their typical response time is. Some agents are available evenings and weekends; others work standard business hours only. Find out what happens when you need them outside their normal availability.

Be honest about your own preferences. If you're a person who needs quick text updates and the agent prefers email once a day, there will be friction. A responsive agent keeps you informed at each step, explains what's happening and why, and doesn't leave you wondering about the status of your transaction. Ask directly about their process and whether past clients have had any concerns about responsiveness. You should feel comfortable reaching out with questions without feeling like you're being a bother.

Understand How They're Paid

Commission structure varies, and understanding the arrangement before you hire an agent prevents surprises later. Most real estate agents earn commission based on the sale price of the home. The seller typically pays the full commission, which is then divided between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. As a buyer, you don't directly pay commission—it comes from the seller's proceeds. However, understanding that your agent's income is tied to the sale price helps you have realistic conversations about price negotiations and strategy.

Ask your agent to clearly explain their commission percentage, whether that percentage changes under different circumstances, and if there are any additional fees for services. For example, some agents charge extra for home valuations, market analyses, or other services. Get this information in writing so there are no misunderstandings later. Clarity about compensation prevents conflicts of interest from becoming hidden issues during your transaction.

Interview Multiple Agents

Don't hire the first agent you meet. Instead, speak with at least two or three before making a decision. Each conversation teaches you something about what you're looking for and what's available in your area. You'll notice different styles and approaches. One agent might be highly aggressive with strategy; another might be more patient and methodical. One might talk more; another might ask more questions and listen carefully.

By interviewing multiple agents, you'll see which one asks the best questions about your specific needs and priorities. You'll get a sense of who listens versus who pushes a predetermined approach. You'll also receive different perspectives on your situation, which helps sharpen your own thinking about what you want to accomplish. Set up introductory meetings with each agent and use these conversations to evaluate knowledge, communication style, and how comfortable you feel working together.

Trust Your Instincts on Fit

After you've gathered information and met with multiple agents, trust your gut feeling about who to hire. You'll be working closely with this person during an important and sometimes stressful time. If something feels off about an agent—even if you can't pinpoint exactly why—that matters. Conversely, if you meet an agent who listens carefully, answers your questions directly and honestly, and makes you feel confident, that's a strong positive signal.

Look for someone who asks questions about your goals and constraints rather than steering you toward a predetermined path. The right fit is a partnership where you both understand what you're working toward. You should feel comfortable asking this person tough questions and receiving straightforward, honest answers. If you're unsure after your initial interviews, keep meeting with other agents until you find someone who feels right. Walker Bettilyon Real Estate helps buyers and sellers in the area navigate these decisions and find the right agent for their situation. Call (702) 739-4502 or email walker@galindogroupre.com to discuss your specific needs.