How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent

If you’re searching for “how to find a good real estate agent” or “top 5 real estate agents,” you’re likely facing a big decision. You’re probably feeling overwhelmed by the stakes involved in selling your house. Maybe you’re not sure if you can trust someone to handle such a major asset, or you’re worried about the process dragging on, eating into your time, energy, and money. You want guidance—reliable, honest, and straightforward. You’re not just looking for names of top agents; you’re trying to figure out whether going through all the hassle is even worth it. You want to make the right move, avoid getting burned, and walk away with the best possible outcome.

This blog speaks to that exact moment. We’re going to break down how to find a good real estate agent, what top agents actually bring to the table, what it might cost you, and whether or not the traditional agent route is the best option. By the end, you’ll be armed with the insights you need—including why selling directly to a cash buyer might be a better choice for your unique situation.

How to Find Good Real Estate Agents: What You Need to Know Before You Commit

Finding a good real estate agent can feel like trying to pick a needle out of a haystack—especially when nearly 1.6 million Realtors are registered in the U.S. according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But the reality is, only a small percentage consistently deliver above-average results. So how do you spot a true professional from someone just looking for a quick commission?

Start by looking at their track record. A good real estate agent should have at least 3-5 years of experience in your local market. Check their average days on market, number of homes sold per year, and their list-to-sale price ratio. For example, a great agent might consistently sell homes within 98% of the asking price while averaging just 20 days on market—compared to the 56-day national average according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Another way to assess a candidate? Ask to speak to past clients. Get specifics: Did they communicate clearly? Were they aggressive in negotiations? Did they go above and beyond to close the deal?

And don’t forget credentials. Look for certifications like CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) or ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative). These designations indicate ongoing education and a commitment to excellence.

Still, even when you do all your homework, results aren’t guaranteed. Some agents promise more than they can deliver, or lack the resources to properly market your home. Which leads many homeowners to rethink the process entirely—especially when time, repairs, or urgency are major concerns.

Top 5 Real Estate Agents: Does a “Top Agent” Actually Serve Your Needs?

The search for the “Top 5 real estate agents” in your area might seem like a shortcut to success. But being “top” doesn’t always equal being right for you. Often, these rankings are based on volume—not client satisfaction, communication, or adaptability. A high-volume agent may juggle 15+ listings at once. Will they have time for your specific needs?

Sure, these agents close deals fast. But they often use a rinse-and-repeat strategy that may not fit your home’s unique features or challenges. You could get lumped in with their generic marketing approach, missing out on specialized attention.

Plus, top agents command higher commission rates, sometimes pushing fees to 6% of your sale price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $24,000 gone right off the top—before repair costs, staging expenses, or holding costs while your home sits on the market.

What’s more? That “top agent” might recommend pre-listing repairs that can cost $5,000-$15,000 or more depending on your home’s condition. And if you’re selling due to financial hardship, job relocation, divorce, or inheritance, that could be an impossible burden.

In these cases, a cash home buyer might be a better fit. We buy houses as-is, with no commissions, no waiting, and no pressure.

Curious about whether skipping the agent might make more sense? Read our full guide on how to sell your house without an agent to weigh all your options.

Characteristics of a Good Real Estate Agent: The Must-Have Traits That Matter

Everyone claims to be a “great” agent. But only a few possess the characteristics that truly make a difference in a home sale. If you’re determined to work with a real estate professional, these are the must-have traits to look for:

Responsiveness: A good agent should return your calls or texts within a few hours, not days. Slow communication can cost you offers or delay important deadlines.
Market Knowledge: They should know your local market inside and out—what homes are selling, what price points are moving, and what buyer trends are driving demand.
Negotiation Skills: According to a 2023 Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report, homes negotiated by experienced agents sell for 5-10% more than those handled by weaker agents. That could mean a difference of $20,000 to $40,000.
Integrity: They should set realistic expectations. If someone guarantees a bidding war in a slow market, that’s a red flag.
Marketing Savvy: Great agents do more than post on Zillow. They use professional photography, social media ads, email marketing, and sometimes even 3D tours.

But again, even the best agents can only do so much if your home has major repair issues or you’re facing tight deadlines. In those situations, selling directly for cash eliminates the stress while offering a fair price—without jumping through hoops.

Real Estate Agent Red Flags: What to Watch Out for Before Signing a Contract

Knowing how to find a good real estate agent is important—but equally crucial is knowing how to avoid a bad one. Some sellers find themselves locked into long-term contracts with agents who overpromise and underdeliver. Understanding the red flags early on could save you from wasted time, lost money, and major regret.

Overpromising on Sale Price: One of the most common tactics used by underperforming agents is promising to sell your home at an unrealistically high price. It’s flattering at first, but dangerous in reality. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, homes priced too high sit on the market an average of 25% longer and often require multiple price reductions. This can make the property seem stale to buyers, leading to lower offers in the end.

Lack of Local Experience: If an agent doesn’t have a firm understanding of your local market—including school districts, property taxes, zoning laws, and buyer demographics—you may miss opportunities to attract the right buyers. A real estate professional should be able to speak fluently about your neighborhood and back up pricing strategies with data.

Poor Communication Habits: If your agent takes more than 24 hours to respond to calls, emails, or texts, this is a red flag. In a competitive market, delayed communication can cause you to lose out on potential offers. You deserve an agent who treats your listing with urgency.

Pushy Contract Terms: Be cautious of agents who insist on long-term contracts (90+ days) without offering a clear plan of action. Flexible terms and transparency are signs of a confident and competent professional. If you’re being pressured into signing quickly, take a step back.

Minimal Marketing Strategy: If their entire plan revolves around listing on the MLS and putting a sign in your yard, you should expect subpar results. A good agent uses multiple channels—digital ads, video tours, and email marketing—to drive buyer interest. A lack of marketing often results in fewer showings and lower offers.

If you’re already seeing some of these red flags, or if you’re just not in a position to wait for an agent to “maybe” get your house sold, there is an alternative. You can sell your house for cash—without fees, open houses, or contract lock-ins. Get a fair offer and close on your terms.

Learn more about your alternatives in our full guide on how to sell your house without an agent.

What Happens When You Choose the Wrong Real Estate Agent?

Making the wrong choice in a real estate agent can have serious financial and emotional consequences. Unfortunately, not every agent lives up to their promises, and the costs of working with the wrong professional can quickly add up.

Prolonged Time on Market: One of the biggest issues is time. If your agent doesn’t price your home correctly or lacks an effective marketing strategy, your property could sit unsold for months. According to Zillow, homes that linger on the market for more than 60 days see a price reduction in over 50% of cases, often leading to final sales prices 10-15% lower than the original list price.

Hidden Costs: A subpar agent might also push for unnecessary upgrades or home staging that won’t generate real ROI. You might spend $5,000 to $10,000 on improvements only to receive a lowball offer months later. Meanwhile, you’re still on the hook for utilities, insurance, property taxes, and your mortgage payment—all adding to your holding costs.

Emotional Stress: Beyond the financials, the emotional toll can be exhausting. Constantly prepping your house for showings, dealing with no-shows, navigating negotiations, and managing the uncertainty of buyer financing can wear down even the most patient homeowners.

Lost Deals: Perhaps the most painful outcome is losing qualified buyers due to poor follow-up, ineffective communication, or scheduling conflicts. A report from the National Association of Realtors showed that 35% of deals fall through due to issues that could have been avoided with better agent coordination.

Choosing the wrong agent doesn’t just cost you time—it can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and months of unnecessary frustration. That’s why many sellers are bypassing traditional listings entirely. They’re working directly with professional homebuyers who offer fair, fast, no-hassle solutions.

Before you commit to a listing agreement, consider whether a direct cash sale may be a better, more reliable alternative. Learn more about that option in our comprehensive guide on how to sell your house without an agent.

Comparing Costs: Agent Commissions vs. Cash Sale Net Proceeds

When selling a home, the bottom line matters most. Many homeowners overlook just how much they’ll spend when using a traditional real estate agent—and how those costs compare to a direct cash offer. Let’s break it down.

Agent Commissions: Most agents charge a standard commission of 5–6% of the sale price. On a $350,000 home, that’s $17,500 to $21,000 off the top. This money goes to both the listing and buyer’s agents, whether or not you felt they earned it.

Repair Costs and Staging: According to HomeAdvisor, the average pre-listing home repair budget is $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the property’s condition. Add in professional cleaning and staging—costing another $2,000 to $3,500—and you’re looking at $6,000 to $12,000 in upfront investment before you even list.

Holding Costs: If your home takes 60–90 days to sell and close (not uncommon), you’re still paying monthly expenses. Mortgage, taxes, utilities, HOA fees, and insurance can run $2,000+ per month, or $6,000–$8,000 total over three months.

Unexpected Buyer Demands: After a home inspection, many buyers request additional repairs or closing credits—sometimes totaling $2,000 to $10,000. Negotiations can turn tense, and if buyers back out, the whole cycle starts over.

Now compare that with a cash home sale:

$0 in commissions
$0 in repairs or staging
No holding costs beyond your closing date
Close in as little as 7 days

Even if a cash offer is slightly below market value, you could actually walk away with more money in your pocket—and without the stress. Want a clearer look at how the numbers stack up? Visit our guide on how to sell your house without an agent for a full breakdown.

Conclusion: Should You Really Trust a Real Estate Agent With the Sale of Your Home?

You came here looking for answers about how to find a good real estate agent, and we hope this helped clear some of the fog. Yes, there are some fantastic agents out there. But even the best can’t control the market, waive financing delays, or guarantee you won’t be stuck paying thousands in commissions, repairs, and holding costs.

Ask yourself: Do you want to spend the next 2-3 months listing your home, prepping it, and showing it to strangers—only to wait for a buyer’s financing to come through?

Or do you want a no-hassle, cash offer, where you can close in as little as 7 days, skip repairs, and keep more of your money?

We buy houses directly from homeowners just like you. And we make the process as smooth, private, and stress-free as possible. Before you sign with any agent, learn how to sell your house without an agent and see if our solution might be the better fit.

It’s your home. Your decision. Just make sure you explore all your options first.