Finding A Realtor Shouldn’t Feel Like A Blind Date

You’d think choosing a realtor would be simple. After all, they’re everywhere—on billboards, bus benches, and your aunt’s Facebook feed. But here’s the problem: half of them will tell you exactly what you want to hear until they’ve locked you into a contract. Then poof—your texts get ghosted faster than a bad Tinder match.

The truth? Picking a realtor is a mix of gut instinct, due diligence, and a little detective work. And no, the one who “sold your cousin’s house in three days” isn’t automatically your best option.

Start With Questions (And Not The Boring Kind)

Don’t just ask, “How long have you been in real estate?” That’s the conversational equivalent of asking someone if they like music. Instead, dig deeper. Ask how they handle bidding wars. Ask what their communication style looks like when things get stressful. Ask how they plan to make your listing stand out without overpricing it into oblivion.

If you’re new to the process, it helps to understand where a realtor fits into the bigger picture. Reading through the full home-buying timeline from pre-approval to closing gives you a sense of when and why a good agent matters.

Know What Red Flags Look Like

Some agents talk a big game but deliver zero results. Watch for these warning signs:

– They pressure you to sign an exclusivity contract “just to get started.”
– They can’t explain their marketing plan in plain English.
– They dodge questions about pricing or gloss over commission details.
– Their reviews mention the words “unresponsive,” “unprepared,” or “vanished.”

If any of those sound familiar, walk away. Fast.

And while you’re comparing agents, take a moment to run the math on what you can actually afford with today’s rates. It’s a lot easier to interview realtors confidently once you’ve reviewed how much house you can realistically afford.

Interview Like You’re Hiring A CEO (Because You Are)

When you hire a realtor, you’re basically putting someone in charge of one of your biggest financial moves ever. So treat it like it matters. Ask for specifics:

– How will you market my home in the first 72 hours?
– What’s your plan if the house doesn’t sell in 30 days?
– What’s your negotiation style—and can you give me an example?

If they can’t confidently walk you through those scenarios, they’re not ready to run your deal. It’s not about finding someone with the “nicest smile.” It’s about finding someone who treats your sale or purchase like a business transaction, not a weekend hobby.

Check The Numbers (Not Just The Personality)

You can like your agent and still demand receipts. Ask for their average list-to-sale ratio and days on market. Those numbers tell you whether they price homes correctly or just toss listings into the void.

Also, don’t fall for the “I sold 100 homes last year” line. Some agents handle so many clients that you’ll never hear from them directly again. Look for balance: enough volume to prove competence, but not so much that you become a name on a spreadsheet.

Ask How They Communicate

Some agents live by phone calls; others practically run their business through text messages. The key is matching their style to yours.

If you’re a details person, you need someone who sends structured updates—not “hey, just checking in” texts. If you’re more hands-off, you need someone who can run the show without blowing up your phone every 12 minutes.

A good agent adjusts to your rhythm, not the other way around.

See How They Handle Conflict

Every transaction hits a rough patch. Maybe the inspection reveals a bad roof. Maybe the buyer’s financing starts wobbling. A great agent doesn’t panic—they strategize. Ask them how they’ve solved problems in past deals. Their answer will tell you everything about their professionalism.

You want someone who says, “Here’s what I did,” not, “Well, the deal just fell through.”

Beware Of Overpromisers

If an agent guarantees they can sell your home for more than anyone else, that’s a red flag in neon lights. Overpricing is the fastest way to end up stale on the market. Once your listing starts aging, buyers assume something’s wrong—even if nothing is.

A confident agent sets realistic expectations and has a plan to adjust if the market shifts. You’re hiring them for strategy, not flattery.

Ask For References—And Actually Call Them

It feels awkward, but this step separates the professionals from the pretenders. Call a past client and ask:
– Were you happy with communication?
– Did your agent negotiate effectively?
– Would you hire them again tomorrow?

You’ll learn more from a five-minute conversation with a past client than from hours of agent self-promotion.

Consider Chemistry

You’ll be texting, calling, and occasionally panicking to this person for months. If your personalities clash, it’s going to be painful. The best realtor for you is the one who can explain complex stuff without making you feel dumb—and who listens when you’re stressed.

This isn’t about friendship. It’s about trust. You want someone who’ll tell you the truth, not someone who tells you what you want to hear.

Look For Local Hustle

A great realtor knows the area cold. They can tell you which neighborhoods are about to pop, which ones are already overpriced, and where the next great coffee shop will open.

Local expertise isn’t just trivia—it’s leverage. The right agent uses data and neighborhood gossip to get you a better deal. If they can’t name three upcoming listings in your target area, they’re not as connected as they claim.

Final Check: Do They Actually Care?

The best agents treat your goals as their own. They ask what matters to you—timing, price, peace of mind—and build their strategy around that. The worst ones push for a quick commission and vanish once the deal closes.

If you find someone who listens, plans, communicates, and follows through, you’ve found your person. Buying or selling won’t be stress-free, but with the right realtor, it’ll feel manageable—and even (dare we say it) fun.

Before You Sign Anything

Read the fine print. Make sure you’re clear on how long the contract lasts and how to cancel it if things go sideways. And if you haven’t already, brush up on the hidden costs of buying a home. Knowing those numbers will keep you from overspending when you finally close the deal.

Bottom Line

Choosing a realtor isn’t about luck—it’s about alignment. The right agent has the skills, communication style, and integrity to protect your wallet and your sanity.

Interview a few, trust your gut, and don’t settle for smooth talk over substance. When you find the right fit, you’ll know. They’ll make the process clear, the stress bearable, and the result worth every signature.

Need a recommendation? We’ve worked with dozens of the best of the best, with literal billions in career sales. Shoot us a message at info@corviahome.com and we’ll hook you up with a great agent!