11 Things to Look For When Choosing an Agent to Sell Your Home

Love Selling Your Home Series: Week 1

This series, Love Selling Your Home: How to Sell With the Least Stress and the Most Profit, walks you through every stage of selling in today's market, from choosing an agent all the way to closing day.

Your very first move is finding the right agent for you and your property. You want someone who can get you a strong price in a reasonable timeframe, and who makes the whole experience one you'll feel good about when it's over.

Here's what to look for:

1. They come highly recommended. Ask friends, family, and coworkers who they've worked with. They'll tell you the unvarnished truth about their experience, and whether they'd hire that agent again is one of the best signals you can get. Browse an agent's website and blog to see whether they're active and genuinely invested in helping sellers. You don't have to hire the first agent you talk to, but once you choose one, you'll sign a listing agreement. These typically run three to six months, sometimes longer in a slow market or for a luxury property.

2. They know your type of home and your neighborhood. An agent who was perfect for your friend may not be the best fit for you, since every seller's situation is different. Focus on agents who regularly sell homes like yours in your area. They'll know how to market your property to buyers drawn to that style and location, and they'll have a sharper sense of pricing, so you can list competitively and start strong.

3. They're well connected with other agents. A good listing agent can spread the word to buyers' agents before your home even hits the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Someone who works closely with local agents and hosts well-attended broker previews can generate early buzz. Getting buyers' agents interested from the start means they can bring qualified buyers straight to your door. Membership in private agent networks, where off-MLS information is shared, is another real advantage.

4. They listen and learn what you want. The right agent asks thoughtful questions to shape a strategy around your goals, such as: "Do you need to sell quickly because of a job move?" "Is getting top dollar the priority so you can move up?" "What makes your home special that buyers should know about?" This conversation takes time, but it matters. It gives your agent clear parameters and helps them understand your deal-breakers when it's time to negotiate.

5. They have a clear marketing plan. Your agent should walk you through exactly how they'll market your home from beginning to end and how they'll attract serious, ready-to-buy prospects rather than just casual foot traffic (we've all wandered into an open house out of curiosity). Ask how they reach buyers online and on social media, and whether they think an open house makes sense for your home, and why.

6. They're honest about how to make your home shine. A good agent will tour your home carefully and advise whether updates, a refresh, or staging would help. Even better, they'll connect you with trusted professionals to get it done. They can also help you weigh whether those upfront costs are likely to pay off in a faster sale or a higher price.

7. They communicate clearly and often. Make sure your agent is easy to reach by phone, text, or email and responds promptly. Just as important, they should check in with you regularly with updates and buyer feedback. What are people saying after showings? A good agent uses that feedback to adjust the marketing or address issues. Few things are more frustrating than feeling out of the loop, so choose an agent who commits to keeping you informed every step of the way.

8. They're skilled negotiators who always have your back. Selling a home is a business transaction, and your agent needs strong negotiating skills. The best agents know when to hold firm to close the deal without being so aggressive they drive buyers away. Ask about their experience at the negotiating table, especially with multiple offers. Find out how many homes they've sold in the past year and how their final sale prices compared to list prices.

9. They make you feel at ease. Trust your gut. Letting strangers into your home can feel personal and even uncomfortable, so you want an agent who's understanding and easy to talk to about questions or concerns. Selling can be stressful and tiring at times. An agent who eases the tension, and has a sense of humor, will make a big difference along the way.

10. They see real estate as a tool to build your future. This is likely one of the largest financial transactions of your life, and mistakes are costly. Your agent should understand how real estate can strengthen your financial stability and open doors. A good agent sees this sale as a stepping stone to your next home and beyond. They'll encourage you to dream big while keeping you grounded in reality.

11. They're in it for the long haul. A great agent values loyalty and may offer perks to repeat clients or those who both sell and buy with them, so ask whether they offer any commission discounts. Either way, your agent should treat this sale as the start of a relationship, not the end. They should be there whenever you're ready for your next move and serve as a trusted resource for any homeownership question that comes up. Think of them as your real estate advisor for life.