How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent: Expert Advice from a 23-Year Licensed Realtor

Are you searching "find real estate agent" or "best realtor near me"? As a licensed realtor with 23 years of experience, I've seen too many buyers and sellers make costly mistakes when choosing their agent. Here's my professional real estate agent advice to help you find the perfect match for your needs.

The Problem: Most People Choose Their Agent Wrong

When I ask new clients how they found their previous agent, the answers are always the same:

• "I saw their sign in a yard"
• "My friend recommended them"
• "They were the first one who called me back"

Here's the truth: Finding a great real estate agent isn't about picking the most popular name or the biggest company. It's about finding someone who specializes in exactly what YOU need.

Real Estate Agent Advice: What Most People Get Wrong

Mistake #1: Not Asking the Right Questions

Most people don't know what questions to ask when interviewing agents. They focus on commission rates instead of asking about:

• How many transactions they handle per year
• Their average days on market
• Whether they work full-time or part-time
• Their specific experience in your area and price range

Mistake #2: Choosing Based on Personality Alone

Yes, you need to like your agent. But being friendly doesn't mean they're the best realtor for your specific situation. A part-time agent might be lovely, but what happens when they're at their day job during a critical negotiation?

Mistake #3: Not Understanding Specializations

Not all agents are created equal. Some excel at luxury homes, others specialize in first-time buyers, and some are investment property experts. The agent who's perfect for selling a $2M waterfront home might not be the best choice for buying your first starter home.

What Makes a Great Agent?

The best real estate agents share these characteristics:

• Local Expertise: Recent sales in YOUR specific area and price range
• Full-Time Commitment: Real estate is their primary profession, not a side hustle
• Manageable Client Load: They're not juggling 20+ transactions at once
• Strong Communication: They respond within hours, not days
• Proven Track Record: Verifiable success with your type of transaction
• Professional Marketing: Goes beyond just "MLS and Zillow"
• Negotiation Skills: Can demonstrate how they've saved/made clients money

The Matching Advantage

Here's what frustrates me: Most people spend more time researching a $30,000 car purchase than choosing the agent for their $300,000+ home transaction.

They Google "best realtor near me," pick someone with good reviews, and hope for the best. But online reviews don't tell you if the agent specializes in your type of property, has time for your transaction, or works well in your specific market.

That's exactly why I created my agent matching service. After 23 years in real estate, I know exactly what questions to ask and what to look for. I use a comprehensive 22-question evaluation system to match clients with agents who truly specialize in their specific needs.

Your Next Steps

Choosing the right real estate agent shouldn't be a guessing game or a time-consuming process of calling dozens of agents hoping to find the right fit.

Remember: Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. The right agent can mean the difference between getting your dream home or losing it, selling quickly or sitting on the market for months, and saving thousands versus making costly mistakes.

Don't leave this choice to chance. Take the time to find an agent who's truly the best fit for your specific needs – your future self will thank you.