[Video] How to choose the right real estate agent?

Most people assume that all real estate agents are the same. The fact is that no two agents do business the same way, even if they work under the same brokerage or brand. Adding to the confusion is that some agents are members of teams or groups, while others are solo agents working under either a locally owned brokerage, regional franchise or international brand. There are even brokerages that now allow agents to have teams that are part of larger groups or networks covering multiple markets and associated with various franchise offices. 

Geez Louise. No wonder people are confused! 

Studies actually reflect that few people actually care about the brand or brokerage an agent associates with if they think they know an agent well. Simply having prior knowledge of an agent creates trust and an expectation or assumption of competence.

Actually, ‘knowing’ an agent personally (or through their advertising), however, doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best person to hire for the job of selling your home or helping you purchase one.

As an example, I spoke with someone a while back who hired an agent I hadn’t heard of previously. We’ll call him Darren.

The person said to me, “I think Darren is an excellent agent. According to the postcards I receive, he sells a lot of homes in my neighborhood, so I feel confident I’m making a good choice. He said he can help me with arranging movers and lining up a handyman for a few repairs I need to make.” 

Being the curious (and somewhat skeptical) person I am, I looked Darren up in my local multiple listing service (MLS) to see how much business he had done.

It turns out that Darren had only been selling homes for less than a year. He had a sum total of two transactions under his belt.

Neither of the sales were in the neighborhood (or proximity) where his new client lived. Those sales actually belonged to other agents associated with Darren’s brokerage, but the way the postcard read, it made it sound like Darren was a neighborhood rock star. 

Another misconception the public makes about real estate agents is that they learn what they need to know about selling homes when they go to real estate school.

This would be the equivalent of assuming a brain surgeon can learn everything they need to know about cutting into your skull after finishing medical school. Thankfully, MD’s who become surgeons complete medical school, an internship, a residency, and a ton of practice with more experienced surgeons before they get to go solo on messing with our minds. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 14-16 years!!! 

Thank goodness, right?

Unlike neurosurgeons, real estate agents have minimal post-classroom training requirements. They can take an online class, pass the state exam, join a brokerage, and go get a client the next day. No supervision required. But what about the broker, you might ask? Well, that’s another video entirely. Suffice it to say that most agents have little to no supervision or support in the beginning and simply rely on asking fellow agents how to complete contracts and take clients through the sales process. 

This may be fine with you if you have bought and sold several homes over the past few years. You may even think you could hire these inexperienced agents cheap. In fact, you might. But what if you haven’t bought and/or sold a house in many years or decades even? And what if you are making a big change with lots of moving parts? 

Wouldn’t you find it important to hire a real estate pro who actually knows what they’re doing? Not only are you putting what is likely your most valuable investment in their hands, you are also relying on them to guide you through a life transition process you probably haven’t navigated before.  

So, back to the original question of “How do you choose the right agent? 

Below are 3 key considerations:

    1. Trustworthiness

The only way to find out if an agent does what he or she says they will do is by checking references. Ask people who have hired them previously. Do these people feel as though the agent cared about them, their homes, and their finances? 

Let’s face it, the agent you choose should care more about you and your goals than simply how fast they can cash their commission check.

    2. Experience (with your market and YOUR type of transaction/move)

This goes beyond simply being a member of the multiple listing service where your property is located or having sold a few houses nearby.  When you’re downsizing or moving from a home you have lived in for decades, you likely have more to think about than just the home selling.

Having an agent who can help you manage all the various moving parts (many with timelines and contractual deadlines) makes all the difference in whether you feel fully supported out out there on your own.

    3. Resourcefulness

Agents who are resourceful can help solve problems before they become crises. Because they have navigated similar terrain many times before, they know what to look for and how to avoid obstacles along the way. They serve as excellent guides, connectors, and mediators when you need them.   

You have permission to do what’s right for YOU! 

If you personally know more than one real estate agent and find yourself in the position of making a choice, it’s OK to be a bit selfish. Yes, your hairdresser may be irritated you didn’t hire her son, or your neighbor may give you the cold shoulder if they didn’t get the job, but it’s more important to get the support you need. 

This can be hard. Both for you and for them. 

Simply be honest and share how you came to your decision. Let them know it was a hard choice. Let them know it wasn’t personal.

You selected the person or team that could best help you with all aspects of your move and real estate needs.

If you have questions about how to choose the best agent to sell your home or help you buy one, just give us a call at 405.708.7010. If you are outside our service area, we can help connect you to a top agent who is experienced with moves and homes most like yours!