There are plenty of real estate agents—but few really good ones. How do you spot the difference without wasting time? By these five points:
Start with your goals — not their story
A good agent doesn’t open with bragging. They start by understanding you: goals (top price, speed, discretion), timeline, property specifics, available documents, and the target audience. Only then do they give a grounded valuation with comps and a pricing corridor.
- Why it matters: Your goals shape strategy, timing, and marketing.
- If it’s missing: Price by gut feel, weak launch, long time on market, painful price cuts.
Trust over sales pressure
Real estate decisions are rare and big. A pro gives you room to ask, explains clearly, and stays reachable. They care about your “why” (move, inheritance, divorce, investment) and tailor recommendations accordingly. You feel taken seriously—not pushed.
- Why it matters: Calm decisions reduce mistakes and stress.
- If it’s missing: Pressure, haste, rushed signatures—often the wrong buyer/tenant or bad terms.
Straight talk over wishful thinking
Serious agents don’t sell fantasy prices. They show market reality—comparable sales, demand signals, assumptions—and explain both upside and risk. They’ll push back if expectations don’t match the market.
- Why it matters: Market-fit pricing at the start prevents “burning” the listing and saves weeks.
- If it’s missing: Many clicks, few real buyers, stepwise price drops—and a lower final result.
Lead the process—without rushing you
Pros run a clear plan with milestones (docs, photos, launch, viewings, negotiations, notary/closing), responsibilities, and realistic deadlines. At each decision point, you get options and consequences—and you choose.
- Why it matters: Structure creates speed and safety without trampling your interests.
- If it’s missing: Scheduling chaos, missing documents, last-minute scrambles, contract mistakes.
Lay out services and costs—no surprises
Packages may look similar, billing often doesn’t. A good agent puts it in writing: what’s included (valuation, document check, pro photos, listing, portals, viewings, buyer vetting, negotiations, closing support) and what’s optional (energy certificate, 3D tour, home staging, social ads, drone). Commission, payment timing, and any extras are crystal clear.
- Why it matters: Fair comparisons, no hidden fees, aligned expectations.
- If it’s missing: Add-ons, misunderstandings, and disputes—right when it’s critical.
Real-world contrasts: pro vs. “it’ll do”
- Pricing: Pro uses a corridor and data-driven start; adjusts methodically. “It’ll do” sets a wish price, waits, then cuts under pressure.
- Buyer management: Pro pre-qualifies (financing/credit), batches viewings, tracks feedback. “It’ll do” shows to everyone—max effort, minimal outcome.
- Contract phase: Pro clarifies special clauses early and preps closing. “It’ll do” improvises—delays and errors included.
Quick checklist
- Do they start with your goals and questions—or their highlight reel?
- Do you get a reasoned pricing strategy—not just a number?
- Do you feel led with a plan and options—or pushed?
- Are services and costs written and transparent?
- Do you receive regular updates with metrics and recommendations?
Bottom line
Great agents don’t rely on big promises; they rely on process: listen, analyze precisely, set expectations honestly, lead with structure, and bill transparently. When these traits show up, your sale or purchase becomes predictable, lower-stress, and usually more profitable. If one is missing, you’ll likely pay—in time, nerves, or money. Choose the agent who makes your goals the foundation and organizes the path professionally.