How to Choose a Realtor When Selling

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a home seller. The agent you hire will price your home competitively, market it to the right buyers, and help you navigate negotiations and closing. A strong fit can make the process smoother — and help you avoid costly mistakes.

But not every agent will be the right match for your goals, budget, or communication style. Taking time to compare your options and ask the right questions can help you find someone who understands your priorities and knows how to compete in your local market.

Here’s how to evaluate potential agents, what to look for beyond basic credentials, and how to choose someone who will represent your interests effectively from pre-listing to closing day.

How to choose a realtor when selling

1. Define what you need in a realtor

Before searching for a realtor, it's smart to assess your specific needs and desires. Understanding what's most important to you in the selling process will guide your choice of agent.

For example, maybe you aren't in a rush to sell and want to maximize the value of your home sale. Or perhaps you're relocating for work and need to sell ASAP. These factors will influence the type of agent you want to hire. 

Ask yourself these kinds of questions:

• What communication style meshes well with mine?
• Do I prefer the personalized service of an independent agent or the resources of a larger team?
• What level of availability do I expect from my agent?
• Are there specific skills I need in a realtor, such as experience with military moves, divorce sales, or transitioning to retirement?

This strategy not only helps you pinpoint the right agent but also prepares you to pose insightful questions during your interviews with potential realtors.

2.  Find the best realtors to compare

While many people trust real estate referrals from family, friends, or neighbors to find an agent, these referrals might not always align with their specific needs. 

For example, the experience of a realtor who helped a friend in a different neighborhood or price range may not be relevant to your situation. It could also become awkward to fire a real estate agent recommended by someone you know if things don’t work out.

Though conducting an online search on platforms like Zillow can quickly yield numerous potential agents, the process of vetting each one can be daunting and time-intensive. Also, online reviews are often overwhelmingly positive, which can obscure a clear picture of an agent’s performance.

That's why we recommend using a free agent finding tool to help you find and vet realtors.

3. Research agents online

After compiling a list of potential realtors, the next step is to conduct detailed online research to further refine your choices, ensuring that you only consider agents who meet your specific criteria. Begin by exploring their websites, social media profiles, and customer reviews for additional insights.

Important aspects to verify include the agent's active real estate license and any disciplinary records, which can be checked through your state’s real estate commission with a simple Google search.

As you evaluate each agent, consider the following:

• Recent sales performance: Verify that the agent has experience selling homes in your area. Look at the average number of days their listings remain on the market compared to the average, as this can indicate how swiftly they can close sales.
• Customer reviews: While many agents will have positive testimonials, note any multiple or recurring negative feedback. Recent reviews are particularly valuable as they reflect the agent’s current market performance.
• Experience level: Ideally, choose an agent who is committed full-time to real estate and has a minimum of 2–3 years of experience with at least 12 transactions annually.

These steps will help you select a realtor who is best suited to help you achieve your goals.

4. Interview multiple agents

Before settling on a realtor, make sure to interview at least three candidates. These initial meetings, often held in your home, typically include presenting a comparative market analysis (CMA) report.

During the interview, expect the agent to inquire about:

• Your ideal selling timeline (e.g., ASAP, within 3–6 months, or longer than 6 months)
• Your expectations as a seller when it comes to the sales price
• Any home repairs or upgrades you’ve made since buying
• The findings from any pre-listing home inspections you've conducted
• Details about your property that may not be available online
• Any unique selling circumstances you might be facing

You'll also want to prepare a list of questions to ask each agent, which can help you gauge their expertise and suitability for your specific needs.

5. Review and sign the listing agreement 

Once you choose your agent, you'll sign a listing agreement. This contract authorizes the realtor to sell your home. Carefully review the contract, and have the agent explain each section.

Common information in a listing agreement includes:

• Type of agreement (e.g., exclusive right to sell, open listing, or agency agreement)
• Length of the agreement
• The agent's responsibilities
• Your responsibilities
• Which MLS your home will be listed on
• How to resolve any disputes over the contract, including how to terminate the contract
• The listing fee

Before signing, look for red flags, like a lengthy contract term with no way to cancel the contract. Be wary if your realtor tries to rush when explaining the contract or gives vague answers to your questions.

Also remember that you can negotiate the real estate commission.

What makes a good seller’s agent?

Good listing agents have qualities that make them successful at selling homes efficiently and for top dollar. Here are key traits to look for.

1. They're transparent about their process and fees

Your realtor should be able to clearly explain their home-selling process, including: 

• Their commission rate, so you know exactly how much you are paying
• The specific services they provide, from listing to closing
• Their recommended marketing and negotiation strategies, including photography, 3D tours, and open houses
• An estimated timeline for getting your home listed and sold

2. They understand your local market

A good real estate agent can easily tell you:

• How much homes are selling for in your neighborhood
• How long properties are staying on the market
• What buyers are demanding in terms of contingencies and concessions
• How much leverage sellers have compared to buyers
• What your home is worth relative to comparable homes in the neighborhood

They'll know what your home will realistically sell for in the current market based on their comparative market analysis. And they can back up their suggested listing price with data.

3. They have relevant experience

You want an agent who has recently sold homes in your area and price range. And if you have an unusual situation, like a pending foreclosure or an inherited home, you want a listing agent with the skills to help with that specific circumstance.

4. Their communication style fits yours

You want to find a real estate agent whose communication style fits well with yours, since you’ll be working closely with them throughout the home-selling process.

An agent with a good communication style will:

• Clearly explain complex real estate information
• Use your preferred method of communication (phone, email, or text)
• Respond within 24 hours
• Listen attentively
• Provide clear answers to your questions
• Make you feel comfortable

5. They have a marketing plan designed for your situation

A good real estate agent will personalize a marketing strategy for your home. The marketing plan should include:

• An explanation of why they think the plan will work for your property
• Where they’ll list your property
• An open house strategy, including frequency and staging
• How they'll incorporate social media or other technology, like virtual showings, 360-degree tours, and video calls

6. They have a reliable network of professionals

A good seller’s agent can recommend reliable professionals to help sell your home, including:

• Skilled home repair workers.
• Talented real estate photographers.
• Experienced home stagers.
• Professional cleaners.
• A local title company and/or an attorney

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