Choosing the right real estate agent can make a notable difference in your buying or selling experience. Whether you're trying to sell a home quickly, get the best deal on your dream property, or navigate a competitive market, the right guidance is essential. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for you?
You need someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and knows how to get top-notch results. In this guide, you’ll find out how to identify a standout professional.
Understand Your Goals First
Before you start your search, take a moment to define exactly what you want. Are you buying your first home, selling a high-end property, or relocating to a new area? Do you need someone who specializes in a specific neighborhood or property type? When you know what matters most, it’s easier to recognize the real estate agent who’s best equipped to support your goals.
Think about the kind of communication you prefer. Do you want someone who checks in daily, or are weekly updates enough? Are you looking for someone who can explain every step in detail, or do you already feel comfortable with the process? Understanding your preferences will help you match with someone who works the way you do.
Think about the kind of communication you prefer. Do you want someone who checks in daily, or are weekly updates enough? Are you looking for someone who can explain every step in detail, or do you already feel comfortable with the process? Understanding your preferences will help you match with someone who works the way you do.
Look For Experience That Aligns With Your Needs
Experience matters — but not all experience is the same. A knowledgeable professional doesn’t just have years in the business. They’ve worked in your target market, navigated deals like yours, and know how to overcome common obstacles.
If you're buying, look for someone who has a track record of winning bids without overpaying. If you’re selling, find someone who consistently closes deals above the asking price. Ask for examples of past successes that are similar to what you’re trying to accomplish.
If you're buying, look for someone who has a track record of winning bids without overpaying. If you’re selling, find someone who consistently closes deals above the asking price. Ask for examples of past successes that are similar to what you’re trying to accomplish.
Prioritize Communication And Responsiveness
A great real estate agent keeps you in the loop and is easy to reach when it matters most. You shouldn’t have to wait days for a callback or feel like you’re chasing them for updates. Fast, clear communication is one of the most important qualities of a successful agent.
During your initial conversations, take note of how quickly they respond and how clearly they answer your questions. Do they explain things in a way that makes sense to you? Are they willing to adapt to your preferred method of communication — whether that’s email, phone calls, or text messages?
You should always feel like your concerns are being heard and that your time is respected. That’s the kind of service an exceptional agent provides.
During your initial conversations, take note of how quickly they respond and how clearly they answer your questions. Do they explain things in a way that makes sense to you? Are they willing to adapt to your preferred method of communication — whether that’s email, phone calls, or text messages?
You should always feel like your concerns are being heard and that your time is respected. That’s the kind of service an exceptional agent provides.
Choose Someone With Strong Negotiation Skills
Buying or selling a home is a negotiation-heavy process. From making offers to requesting repairs or closing concessions, there are plenty of moments where the outcome depends on how well your real estate agent advocates for you.
Ask your agent how they typically approach negotiations. Can they share a recent situation where their strategy led to a successful outcome? How do they handle pushback? You want someone who’s assertive, strategic, and focused on results — without being overly aggressive or causing deals to fall apart.
Your real estate agent should also be prepared to protect your best interests, especially when emotions run high. Buying and selling property can be stressful at times, and a strong negotiator brings a steady hand to every step.
Ask your agent how they typically approach negotiations. Can they share a recent situation where their strategy led to a successful outcome? How do they handle pushback? You want someone who’s assertive, strategic, and focused on results — without being overly aggressive or causing deals to fall apart.
Your real estate agent should also be prepared to protect your best interests, especially when emotions run high. Buying and selling property can be stressful at times, and a strong negotiator brings a steady hand to every step.
Look For Marketing Expertise
If you’re selling a home, your real estate agent’s marketing skills are crucial. This goes beyond listing your home on the MLS. A highly skilled agent knows how to present your home in a way that generates interest, highlights its best features, and reaches serious buyers.
They should be able to craft compelling listing descriptions, coordinate high-quality photography, and promote your home across multiple platforms — including social media, real estate sites, and direct outreach. Some agents even use video tours, staging consultations, or digital ads to attract more eyes to your listing.
Ask about their marketing strategy and what sets them apart. The right real estate agent doesn’t just list homes — they launch them with purpose.
They should be able to craft compelling listing descriptions, coordinate high-quality photography, and promote your home across multiple platforms — including social media, real estate sites, and direct outreach. Some agents even use video tours, staging consultations, or digital ads to attract more eyes to your listing.
Ask about their marketing strategy and what sets them apart. The right real estate agent doesn’t just list homes — they launch them with purpose.
A Smart Match Starts With The Right Agent
Finding a great real estate agent isn’t just about credentials or years of experience. It’s about choosing someone who listens to you, knows your market well, communicates clearly, and brings expert strategy to the table. The right person helps you feel confident, informed, and ready to take the next step — whether you’re buying or selling.
Take your time, ask questions, and focus on what matters most to you. A great partnership with your real estate agent is the foundation of a successful move. Reach out to the Brick & Corbett team when you’re ready to achieve all your real estate goals in Traverse City, MI.
Take your time, ask questions, and focus on what matters most to you. A great partnership with your real estate agent is the foundation of a successful move. Reach out to the Brick & Corbett team when you’re ready to achieve all your real estate goals in Traverse City, MI.