Then you know finding the right real estate agent is critical.
You’re about to make the biggest financial transaction of your life, and this person will either make it a breeze or turn it into a NIGHTMARE.
Here’s the thing:
With over 1.5 million real estate agents in the US, how in the world are you supposed to choose? Most people have no idea what to look for and end up making a $$$$$ mistake.
If you work with the wrong agent, it’ll be a complete and utter disaster.
This guide will show you the step-by-step process of how to choose the best real estate agent for your needs. These are the exact methods that successful home sellers use to find the top performers.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Most People Pick The Wrong Agent
- The 5x Questions You Must Ask
- The Big Red Flags To Watch For
- How To Evaluate Agent Performance Like A Pro
Why Most People Pick The Wrong Agent
First, let’s look at a scary statistic…
According to industry research, 81% of sellers contact only one agent before choosing who to work with.
It’s the equivalent of buying the first car you see off the showroom lot.
The truth is most home sellers choose their agent for all the wrong reasons. It’s based on who they “like” rather than the agent who can actually deliver results.
Think about it:
You wouldn’t hire a doctor without knowing their track record and reputation for success. So why do that with a real estate agent?
But that’s exactly what most people do… They just pick their best friend’s second cousin who “decided to get into real estate.” Or they pick the agent with the highest potential listing price (hint: 9 out of 10 times this number is BS).
And that’s exactly why so many home sellers end up losing money. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to sell a house fast in Omaha, NE or Dallas, TX. Choosing the wrong agent will cost you thousands of dollars and months of unnecessary stress.
The 5x Questions You Must Ask Every Real Estate Agent
Okay, let’s get into the part you’ve been waiting for…
The 5 questions you must ASK every real estate agent you consider working with.
Question #1: “What’s your average days on market?”
This one question will cut through the BS and tell you everything you need to know about an agent. A top performing agent should have no problem telling you their average days on market for the last 12 months. If they can’t answer that question right away, consider that a red flag.
Question #2: “What’s your list-to-sale price ratio?”
This is the metric that shows you how close to asking price your home will actually sell for. The best agents typically have a ratio of 95% or better. If an agent can’t guarantee that they’ll get 90% of list price, that’s another red flag.
Question #3: “How will you market my home?”
This is a BIG one and will easily separate the amateurs from the pros. An experienced agent should have a solid marketing plan that includes professional photos, online advertising, open houses, etc.
If they say something like, “Oh, I’ll just put it on the MLS,” start running for the hills.
Question #4: Can you provide recent client references?
The best agents have no problem providing references from recent clients. 43% of purchasers find their agent through referrals from family and friends. Word of mouth is still the number one form of advertising in real estate.
Question #5: What’s your commission structure?
This might sound counterintuitive, but don’t be afraid to discuss money. Commission rates vary from agent to agent, but you want to be clear on exactly what services you’re getting for that commission.
The Big Red Flags To Watch For
Look out for these warning signs that should automatically eliminate an agent from consideration.
Red Flag #1: Unrealistic Listing Price Guarantee
If an agent promises you they can list your home for way more than other agents you’ve talked to, that’s BS. “Buying the listing” is a common tactic used by unethical agents. 
They quote a higher price just to get your business, then work to lower the price later.
Red Flag #2: Lack of Availability
Communication is EXTREMELY important when selling a home. If an agent is difficult to reach during the interview process, imagine how unavailable they’ll be when you’re in the thick of things.
Red Flag #3: No Recent Sales
This is a biggie. You wouldn’t trust an outdated doctor to perform surgery on you, right? Well, the real estate market is constantly changing, so if your agent hasn’t made a recent sale, they’re not being educated on your dollar.
Red Flag #4: Vague Marketing Plan
Marketing is what sells homes. Period. If an agent can’t clearly explain how they will market your home, they don’t have a real strategy.
How To Evaluate Agent Performance Like A Pro
Alright, now that you know the right questions to ask, let’s talk about evaluating their answers.
Ask for specific numbers
Vague answers like “my homes sell quickly” and “prices go up with XYZ” are meaningless. Real estate agents that are confident in their abilities will provide specific numbers: average days on market, list-to-sale price ratio, homes sold per year, etc.
Check their online presence
In this day and age, an agent’s online presence is EXTREMELY important. Check their website, social media profiles, and online reviews. This will give you a good sense for how they will market your home.
Verify their claims
Don’t just take their word for it. Most states have public record databases that will tell you how many homes an agent has sold in the last few years. Websites like Zillow can also give you a list of their recent listings and sold prices.
Trust your gut
Finally, don’t ignore your intuition. Do they answer your questions honestly and directly? Do they listen when you speak, or are they constantly interrupting you?
Sometimes your gut knows things your conscious mind doesn’t.
Making Your Final Decision
When all is said and done, and you need to make your final decision, you should consider these three factors:
Experience
How long have they been selling homes in your market area?
Performance
What do their numbers tell you about their track record?
Chemistry
Do you feel comfortable working with this person?
The best agent will be a mix of proven performance, excellent communication skills, and someone who makes you feel comfortable. If all else is equal, you want to choose the agent with the BEST numbers.
Final Thoughts
It’s not rocket science to pick a good real estate agent, but you DO have to do your due diligence.
Don’t be like the 81% of sellers who pick the first agent they speak with. Interview at least 3 agents and ask the right questions. Carefully evaluate their answers before making your final decision.
It’s that person’s job to help you sell your house, so make sure they have the skills, experience, and track record to do it.
The perfect real estate agent is out there.
Do the work to find them, and you’ll make a killer team that will make this process as painless as humanly possible.