Most people hire the first agent a friend mentions. That's lazy and expensive. You're about to hand over a massive commission — treat it like a job interview, not a favor.
Before You Search
Figure out what you actually need. Selling a house in a hot market is different from buying a fixer-upper in a slow one. Write down your dealbreakers: do you need someone who sells ten houses a year or someone who handles tricky negotiations? Look at recent sales in your area online. See which agents actually close deals, not just list them. Ignore the ones with billboards and bus bench ads.
Vetting Candidates
Interview at least three people. Ask each one how they'd market your property or find you a home. Listen for specifics, not vague promises. Check their license status with your state board — takes two minutes. Call two of their past clients from three years ago, not last month. Ask those clients what went wrong. Every agent has a horror story. The honest ones will tell you theirs.
Getting Quotes
Commission is negotiable. Always. Ask for a flat fee or a lower percentage if you're selling a high-value home. Get the quote in writing before you agree to anything. Some agents will tack on extra fees for photography, staging, or admin work. Ask upfront what's included. If they dodge the question, move on.
Before You Sign
Read the contract. It's usually a standard form, but check the termination clause. If you hate each other after 30 days, can you walk away? Most contracts lock you in for 90 to 180 days. Cross out anything that feels unfair — agents do this all the time. Make sure the start and end dates are clear. Don't sign anything that says "exclusive right to represent" without knowing exactly what that means.
Compare local real estate agents on RatingsNearMe before you commit.