Choosing the right real estate agent can make or break your experience when buying or selling a home. A great agent will not only guide you through the process but also help you avoid costly mistakes, negotiate better deals, and save you time and stress. But with so many agents out there, how do you find the right one—especially one who’s reliable and truly understands your local market?

​Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to finding a reliable realtor near you.

Your search should start online. Use trusted real estate platforms like Young Realty,  Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin to browse agent profiles. These platforms often include:

-Years of experience
-Recent sales history
-Specializations (first-time buyers, luxury homes, investment properties)
-Client reviews and ratings

Also check Google reviews, Yelp, and even social media to see what others are saying about the agents in your area. Look for patterns—consistent praise or recurring complaints can tell you a lot.​

Don’t settle for the first agent you find. Take time to interview at least two or three. This will give you a better sense of who’s a good fit for your personality, goals, and communication style.

Set up short consultations—many agents offer them for free—and prepare to ask direct questions. During these interviews, observe whether the agent is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in your needs.

Red flags to watch for:

-Overpromising (e.g., “I’ll sell your house in 3 days at full price—guaranteed!”)
-Vague or generic answers
-Lack of familiarity with your neighbourhood​

Come prepared with a list of specific questions that go beyond surface-level information. Here are some suggestions:

Clear communication is key. Let the agent know how and when you prefer to be contacted—text, phone, email, or even video calls. Make sure they’re responsive and open to aligning with your preferences.

​Also, talk about how frequently you expect updates. Whether you want a daily check-in or weekly summary, setting expectations early prevents frustration later.  If you want to speak to us now...Click Here.

Be upfront about your goals. Are you relocating for work? Downsizing? Investing? Your motivation affects everything from pricing strategy to timeline, so your agent needs to understand your “why” to serve you effectively.

​The more context your realtor has, the better they can tailor their approach.

If you’re selling, ask how the agent plans to price and market your home. Will they recommend staging? Do they use professional photography or virtual tours? How many showings do they anticipate, and how will they manage scheduling?

​If you’re buying, talk about how property tours will be handled and how flexible the agent is with scheduling. Ask how quickly they can get you into new listings and how they’ll help you stay competitive in a hot market.

Before signing anything, review the agreement thoroughly. Confirm key terms, including:

-Commission rates
-Length of the agreement
-Services included (marketing, staging, open houses, etc.)
-Exit clause: What happens if the relationship isn’t working?

A trustworthy realtor will have no issue walking you through every detail.​

Finding a reliable realtor near you doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By doing your homework, asking the right questions, and being clear about your needs and expectations, you can find a professional who will advocate for you and make the process smoother and more successful.

​Ready to start your search? Head here and begin finding your perfect agent in your area today. Your perfect match might be just a click away.