A great agent can make selling your home faster, easier, and more profitable, while the wrong one can turn it into a stressful experience. So how do you choose the right person for the job? Here’s what to look for:
Experience (but not just years in the game)
Experience matters - but it’s not only about how long an agent has been working. You want someone who has a strong track record of selling homes like yours, in your area, at your price point. Ask them how many homes they’ve sold recently and how long their listings usually stay on the market. A newer agent who is enthusiastic, hardworking, and backed by a solid agency can sometimes be a better choice than a veteran who’s lost their spark.
And don’t be shy about asking for recent client references!
Local knowledge
Your agent should know your neighbourhood like the back of their hand. They should be able to talk confidently about local schools, parks, shops, transport links, and even where the best coffee is. Strong local knowledge helps them market your home more effectively and answer buyers’ questions with authority.
Plus, they might already have buyers on their radar looking for a home just like yours.
Marketing savvy
These days, selling a home is as much about smart marketing as it is about open houses. A good agent knows how to create beautiful listings, with professional photos, engaging descriptions, and use online platforms to attract buyers. Find out exactly how they plan to market your home – social media, real estate websites, email newsletters, video tours? The more tools in their toolkit, the better.
Great communication
Selling a home can move fast or sometimes feel like it’s moving at a snail’s pace. Either way, you’ll want an agent who keeps you updated without you constantly having to chase them. You deserve someone who responds promptly, answers your questions clearly, and keeps you in the loop about feedback, offers, and next steps.
Pay attention to how they communicate with you before you sign anything – it’s usually a good indicator of how they’ll be during the process.
A strong negotiator
Getting your home sold for the best price isn’t just about listing it – it’s about negotiating well when offers come in. You want an agent who’s confident but fair, someone who knows how to handle offers, counteroffers, and delicate conversations to get you the best possible outcome. A good agent is calm under pressure and knows when to push and when to be flexible.
The right fees (and clear terms)
Real estate commissions vary, so make sure you’re clear on what your agent charges and what you’re getting for your money. A cheaper agent isn’t always a bargain if they can’t deliver results, but you also don’t want to overpay for average service. Look for transparency in fees, cancellation terms, and any additional costs for marketing or staging.
Sometimes paying a little more for a top agent can result in a significantly higher sale price – it’s all about value, not just cost.
Good personal fit
You’re going to be working closely with your agent for weeks (sometimes months). You don’t need to become best friends, but you should feel comfortable with them. They should listen to you, respect your goals, and make you feel supported – not pressured or brushed aside.
Trust your gut. If something feels “off” during early conversations, it probably won’t get better once the contracts are signed.
