How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent?

I had a client tell me last week, "I interviewed four agents before I called you." I appreciated that. Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make in a real estate transaction — and it's also one that most people rush through. So here's my honest take on what to look for, what to avoid, and how to know if you've found the right fit.

What Actually Matters

There are a lot of agents out there. Over 1.5 million Realtors nationwide. So what separates a great one from a mediocre one? Here's what I'd focus on:

• Market expertise over personality. You want someone who knows the neighborhoods, the comps, the school zones, the flood zones, the insurance landscape — not just someone who's friendly and available. Personality matters for the relationship, but expertise saves you money and protects your interests.
• Local focus. An agent who works Delray Beach and Boca Raton every day will know things that a generalist covering all of Palm Beach County won't. Which streets flood first. Which buildings have special assessment risk. Which sellers are motivated. That knowledge comes from being in the market, not from a search engine.
• Communication style and responsiveness. This is the #1 complaint I hear from people about their previous agent: "They never called me back." You deserve someone who responds quickly, communicates proactively, and keeps you informed without you having to chase them down.
• Data-driven approach. A great agent backs up every recommendation with numbers. "I think we should list at $650K" should come with comparable sales data, market trend analysis, and a pricing strategy — not a gut feeling.
• Negotiation skill. Real estate transactions involve significant money. Your agent's ability to negotiate terms, contingencies, repairs, and credits directly impacts your bottom line. Ask about specific negotiation wins.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

When you're interviewing agents — and you should interview at least two or three — here are the questions I'd ask:

• How many transactions have you closed in the past 12 months?
• What neighborhoods do you specialize in?
• Can you walk me through your pricing strategy for my property / my home search?
• How do you handle multiple-offer situations?
• What's your communication cadence — how often will I hear from you?
• Can you connect me with past clients for references?
• What happens if I'm not happy with how things are going — can I cancel the agreement?

If an agent can't answer these clearly and specifically, that tells you something.

Red Flags to Watch For

• They promise a specific sale price before seeing the property. A good agent will give you a range based on comps and explain the strategy. Anyone who guarantees a number is either inexperienced or blowing smoke.
• They're hard to reach during the interview phase. If they're slow to respond when they're trying to earn your business, imagine how they'll act after they have your signature.
• They pressure you to sign a long listing agreement without flexibility. Most listing agreements are 3–6 months. If an agent insists on a 12-month term with no exit clause, that's a red flag.
• They don't ask you questions. An agent who talks the entire meeting and never asks about your goals, timeline, budget, or concerns isn't going to be an advocate — they're going to be a salesperson.
• They discourage you from getting inspections or independent advice. A trustworthy agent will encourage you to protect yourself, even if it means the process takes a bit longer.

The Referral Trap

"My friend used this agent" is a great starting point, but it's not a guarantee. Your friend's agent might be great for their situation and terrible for yours. A luxury waterfront transaction requires different expertise than a first-time condo purchase. Always do your own homework — even if the recommendation came from someone you trust.

At the end of the day, you want an agent who gives you honest advice, knows the market inside and out, fights for your interests, and treats your transaction like it matters — because it does. That's what I try to bring to every client relationship.