How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in 2026

Choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. But for most people, it’s also one of the hardest.

In most markets, there are thousands of licensed agents, and many have 4.8-star ratings or higher online. At first glance, they can all look very similar, which makes it difficult to know who is truly exceptional and who just looks good on paper.

I genuinely feel for consumers in this situation. Real estate is something most people only go through a handful of times in their lives, and yet they’re expected to evaluate professionals in a field they may not fully understand.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how working with the wrong agent can:

• Cost clients tens of thousands of dollars in negotiations

• Lead to poor pricing strategies when selling

• Cause buyers to miss out on the right home

• Waste months of time due to lack of communication or strategy

On the flip side, I’ve also seen how the right agent can completely change the outcome—helping clients make smarter financial decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

As an agent who ranked among the Top 100 agents in South Carolina in 2025, I’ve often thought about what I would do if I needed to choose an agent in a city where I didn’t know anyone. Here is the exact process I would follow.

Step 1: Define Your Real Estate Goal First

Before searching for an agent, get clear on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Not every great agent is the right fit for every situation.

For example:

• Buying an investment property requires a different skill set than helping a first-time buyer.

• Relocating to a new city requires an agent who understands the local lifestyle and neighborhoods.

• Selling a luxury home requires different marketing and negotiation strategies than selling an entry-level home.

The best agent for your neighbor may not be the best agent for your specific goal.

Step 2: Look for Specific Proof in Reviews

Online reviews are helpful—but most consumers use them the wrong way.

Instead of focusing only on the star rating, look for:

• Specific outcomes

• Repeated themes

• Clients with similar situations to yours

For example:

• Do multiple reviews mention relocation help?

• Do sellers talk about strong negotiation results?

• Do investors mention finding profitable deals?

You want to see clear evidence that the agent has helped people accomplish the same goal you have.

Step 3: Verify the Agent’s Sales Activity

Next, check platforms like:

• Zillow

• Homes.com

• Realtor.com

These platforms often show:

• Recent sales

• Price ranges

• Neighborhood activity

• Estimated transaction counts

Important disclaimer: These platforms are not always 100% accurate. Some transactions may be missing or misattributed. However, they are still a great starting point.

You’re looking for confirmation that the agent:

• Is actively closing transactions

• Works in your price range

• Is experienced in your target area

Step 4: Understand the Difference Between Years Licensed and Actual Experience

Many consumers assume that an agent with more years in the business is automatically better.

That isn’t always the case.

Industry data shows:

• The average agent sells 6–12 homes per year

• A 2024 study found:

  • Over 70% of agents sold fewer than 5 homes

  • 49% sold one or no homes that year
    

So an agent who has been licensed for 15 years but sells 2 homes annually may have less real-world experience than an agent licensed for 3 years who sells 30 homes a year.

Like any profession, repetition builds skill.

An agent who has completed 200 transactions has significantly more practical knowledge than one who has completed two—regardless of how long they’ve held a license.

Step 5: Narrow Your List to 2–3 Top Candidates

By this point, you should have a shortlist of agents who:

• Specialize in your type of transaction

• Have strong, relevant reviews

• Show consistent sales activity

• Have meaningful transaction experience

Once you have that shortlist, it’s time to go deeper.

Step 6: Interview the Agent Before Hiring Them

Most people don’t realize this, but you should interview your real estate agent just like you would a financial advisor, attorney, or contractor.

Questions to ask:

• How many clients like me have you helped in the past year?

• What is your strategy for someone in my situation?

• How do you communicate with clients?

• What makes your service different?

• Do you work solo or with a team?

You’re not just hiring a person—you’re hiring:

• A strategy

• A communication style

• A level of service

• A support system

Step 7: Evaluate Responsiveness and Communication

The early interactions will tell you a lot.

Ask yourself:

• Did they respond quickly?

• Were their answers clear and confident?

• Did they ask thoughtful questions?

• Did they seem organized and professional?

In real estate, responsiveness and communication often determine the success of the transaction.

Step 8: Make Sure You Trust Them as Your Advisor

Beyond experience and reviews, one of the most important factors is trust.

This person will be your advisor through one of the largest financial and emotional decisions of your life. You should feel confident that:

• They have your best interests at heart
  

• They listen carefully to your goals
  

• They truly understand what you’re trying to accomplish
  

A great agent should spend just as much time asking you questions as you spend asking them. If they jump straight into talking about themselves without first understanding your situation, that can be a red flag.

In my view, a true advisor is not someone who simply tells you what you want to hear.
 A true advisor is someone who is willing to share what you need to hear, even when it’s not the easiest conversation.

Real estate is also an emotional process. People move for all kinds of reasons:

• Exciting ones, like a growing family or a new opportunity
  

• Difficult ones, like a job loss, divorce, or the loss of a loved one
  

There are often highs and lows throughout the process. The best agents help clients:

• Stay focused on their long-term goals
  

• Make rational decisions during emotional moments
  

• Navigate uncertainty with confidence
  

The best Realtors I’ve worked with are also excellent problem solvers. 

In real estate, it’s rarely a question of if a problem will come up—it’s when. Inspections, financing, appraisals, title issues, or unexpected repairs are all common.

You want someone who stays calm under pressure and knows how to find solutions.

Want More Specific Advice for Buyers or Sellers?

This guide covers the general principles for choosing a real estate agent.

But the qualities you should look for in a buyer’s agent can be very different from what matters most in a listing agent.

If you want more specific guidance, check out these articles:

• How to Choose the Right Buyer’s Agent
  

• How to Choose the Right Listing Agent
  

These guides break down:

• The specific skills each type of agent should have
  

• The most important questions to ask
  

• Red flags to watch out for
  

• What actually impacts your bottom line

Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters

A strong real estate agent can:

• Save you thousands—or tens of thousands—of dollars
  

• Help you avoid costly mistakes
  

• Reduce stress during the process
  

• Create a smoother, more predictable experience
  

If I were moving to a new city, I wouldn’t just choose the first agent with a high rating. I would follow this exact process to find someone who truly fits my goals.

And if you take the time to do the same, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of a great experience.