If you’re Googling “7 signs of a great real estate agent,” it likely means you’re already in the early stages of selling your home and want to make sure you choose the right person to guide you. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories of agents disappearing after getting the listing, or worse—locking people into months-long contracts without results. You’re cautious, motivated, and you want to avoid making a costly mistake. But you may also be wondering—do you even need an agent at all?

This blog will give you the value you’re looking for by walking you through what separates a great agent from an average one—but also showing you why even a great agent might not be the best solution for your situation. You’ll walk away smarter and more confident in whatever path you choose—whether it’s listing with an agent or exploring a direct, cash sale.

7 Signs of a Great Real Estate Agent

Not all agents are created equal. A great real estate agent can help you navigate complex paperwork, handle negotiations, and attract serious buyers. But how do you know when you’ve found a truly exceptional agent versus someone just going through the motions?

Here are the 7 key signs to look for—and what they might not tell you.

1. They Know the Local Market Inside and Out

A great agent doesn’t just have a license—they have hyperlocal knowledge. They can tell you the average days on market for your neighborhood, recent comps, what buyers are looking for in your zip code, and which school zones push prices up.

Why it matters: Local knowledge helps set the right price. Overpricing leads to sitting on the market. Underpricing leaves money on the table.

But here’s the twist—if you already know your neighborhood well and are realistic about your price, you may not need to pay someone 6% to tell you what you already know. Especially if you’re not trying to squeeze every dollar out of the deal and just want a fast, fair sale.

2. They Communicate Proactively and Often

Great agents don’t disappear after listing your property. They keep you updated at every step—new showings, buyer feedback, and market changes.

What to ask: How often do you check in with clients? How do you communicate (text, phone, email)?

Poor communication is one of the top complaints sellers have. You want someone who respects your time and keeps the process transparent.

That said, a cash sale cuts out the need for constant updates. You get an offer in days and skip the drawn-out feedback loops.

3. They Have a Strong Marketing Strategy

A sign in the yard and a Zillow listing won’t cut it anymore. Top agents invest in professional photography, video walkthroughs, paid online ads, and social media targeting.

Ask for specifics: What platforms will you use? Who pays for staging and photos? What’s the budget?

Keep in mind that even a great agent can’t market a home in poor condition. If your property needs work, it may not matter how strong their strategy is—traditional buyers may still walk away. That’s where a direct sale might be a better fit.

4. They Set Realistic Expectations

A great agent won’t just tell you what you want to hear—they’ll tell you the truth. That includes a realistic listing price, expected timeline, and what repairs or updates may be needed.

Red flag: If an agent promises a sky-high sale price without market data to back it up, they might be “buying the listing” just to lock you into a contract.

Cash buyers, on the other hand, give you a firm offer upfront. No games, no guesswork.

5. They Have a Proven Track Record

Look for agents with real, measurable results. How many homes have they sold in your area in the past 12 months? What’s their average list-to-sale price ratio? How quickly do their listings close?

Bonus: Online reviews can reveal a lot. Watch for consistent praise on communication, professionalism, and negotiation skills.

That said, even top agents face challenges with buyer financing, inspections, and contingencies. Cash buyers avoid all of that—no bank delays, no deal fall-throughs.

6. They’re Full-Time Professionals

You want someone who treats real estate as their career, not a side hustle. Full-time agents are more likely to be responsive, knowledgeable, and available when you need them.

Pro tip: Ask how many active listings they currently manage. Too many? You may get less personal attention. Too few? They may not be experienced.

Of course, with a direct buyer, you only need one conversation—no schedule conflicts, no juggling clients.

7. They Put Your Interests First

The best agents act as fiduciaries, not salespeople. They give honest advice, advocate for you during negotiations, and don’t pressure you to accept an offer just to get a commission.

Key question: “What’s your cancellation policy?” If they’re confident in their value, they’ll let you walk away if it’s not working.

Still, it’s worth asking: if selling your home directly for cash eliminates commissions, headaches, and uncertainty—is the agent still your best option?

The Psychological Burden of Traditional Home Selling

Even with a great agent, selling your home can be emotionally exhausting. Homeowners often underestimate how draining it is to clean, stage, and accommodate multiple showings—especially with children or pets in the house. Feedback from buyers can feel personal, and the uncertainty around offers and contract delays adds even more stress.

With a direct cash sale, you eliminate most of these emotional touchpoints. You sell once, to one buyer, on your timeline.

The Growing Appeal of Cash Sales in 2025

More than 20% of U.S. homeowners are now choosing non-traditional sales methods like cash buyers, according to Redfin. As housing markets become more volatile and interest rates rise, sellers are prioritizing speed and certainty over maximum listing price.

Why this matters: Cash sales eliminate repair costs, financing risk, and buyer negotiations. You avoid agent commissions, saving as much as $15,000 to $30,000 depending on your home’s value.

For example, on a $400,000 home:

Agent fees (6%) = $24,000
Minor repairs = $5,000
Holding costs for 3 months = $3,000 Total savings with a cash sale: Up to $32,000

Resources for Sellers Doing Their Homework

Want more information on selling without a real estate agent? Check out these trusted resources:

For a personalized comparison between listing with an agent and selling directly, visit our full guide: How Do I Sell My House Without an Agent.

What Great Agents Still Can’t Guarantee

Even the best real estate agents operate within a system filled with variables they can’t control—buyer financing, home appraisals, and inspection reports. According to CNBC, approximately 1 in 6 home sales fall through before closing due to failed financing or unfavorable inspection results.

That means no matter how competent your agent is, you could still end up back at square one after weeks of showings and paperwork. A direct cash sale offers certainty upfront and avoids this collapse risk entirely.

The Reality of Time on Market

Even with a great agent, the average time a home stays on the market is about 55 to 70 days, depending on your local area, according to the National Association of Realtors. That doesn’t include the time it takes to prep the property, complete repairs, or wait for a buyer’s financing to go through.

When you need to move quickly—for a job relocation, divorce, or to avoid foreclosure—this timeline simply doesn’t work. Cash buyers can often close in 7–10 days. That means less time waiting and more time moving forward with your life.

Inspection Surprises That Derail Sales

A top agent might do everything right, but no amount of skill can prevent a bad inspection from scaring away buyers. Mold, roofing issues, foundation cracks, or outdated electrical work are common red flags. Most traditional buyers will ask for repairs or credits, reducing your net proceeds.

Cash buyers typically purchase homes “as-is,” eliminating the need for any costly last-minute repairs or negotiations. For homes in older condition or with deferred maintenance, this route can save thousands of dollars and weeks of uncertainty.

Agents Can’t Eliminate Buyer Anxiety

Even seasoned agents face challenges with buyer emotions. A nervous buyer may pull out after inspection, financing delays, or cold feet. In fact, according to Forbes, about 12% of real estate deals fall through at some point before closing.

Cash buyers, especially investment professionals, don’t operate on emotion. They make firm offers based on the numbers and close without hesitation. This predictability can be a lifesaver for homeowners needing certainty.

Are Agents Worth the 6%—Or Is There a Better Option?

Paying a 6% commission sounds fair—until you realize that’s $18,000 on a $300,000 home. Add in seller concessions, closing costs, and possible repair credits, and that agent-supported sale may leave you with far less than expected.

Compare that to a cash offer with no fees, repairs, or delays. For many homeowners, the math just doesn’t support the traditional path anymore.