Click here to browse our Real Estate Agent Directory and contact top-rated agents in your area!

There are over 3 million active real estate licensees in the United States. That could make the idea of selecting a real estate agent to sell your house feel a little daunting.

A successful home sale depends on choosing the right agent who understands your priorities and can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Of course, only some of those agents work in your area. But if you want the best agent for your needs, you need to know how to choose a real estate agent for selling your home. For home sellers, it’s important to note that 89% of sellers choose to list with a real estate agent, and sellers typically prefer to work with seller’s agents who specialize in representing their interests.

The right real estate agent can expedite the selling process, ensure a fair selling price, and make the entire experience seamless. The best realtors are experts in your area, are trustworthy, easy to work with, and they’ll provide you with the best experience while helping you sell your property. A perfect real estate agent is highly skilled, motivated, and communicates effectively—qualities that can significantly impact the outcome of your home sale.

Making the wrong choice could mean a longer time on the market, a selling price below your expectations, or a real estate transaction filled with challenges and frustrations.

With the right know-how, you can uncover the best tactics to find the right agent for your needs. In fact, 59% of sellers only ever contact one agent when selling their home. In this guide, we’ll outline the essential factors to consider when selecting a realtor to sell your home.

Let’s get started…

1. Find Real Estate Agents from a Reputable Source Like Fast Expert

The first step is to use a reputable platform like FastExpert to search for an experienced, high-quality real estate agent that aligns with your priorities.

What’s most important to you? Excellent communication and local market expertise? An aggressive negotiator who will work tirelessly to maximize your sale price? Defining your priorities will guide your research.

On FastExpert, you can:

Read Reviews

• Read verified reviews to evaluate agents’ skills in your key priority areas.
• Assess a realtor’s reputation and see how the agent responds to feedback from previous clients.

View Records & References

• Filter by specific traits to find an agent that fits your ideal profile.
• View track records and closings to assess their experience. Request references from at least three previous clients to evaluate the agent’s past performance and how they handled challenges.
• Learn specialties to find an agent experienced with your property type.

Scan Statistics

• Check use of professional photography and marketing abilities.
• See average days on market to gauge effectiveness.
• Research availability based on popularity and listings.
• Check closed deals to avoid inactive agents.

Evaluate an agent’s online presence, including their profiles and reviews on platforms like FastExpert, to assess their credibility and professionalism.

Thoroughly vetting agents on FastExpert allows you to find the one that closest matches your priorities and ideal profile. Look for agents who have a positive reputation in the community and online, as indicated by client testimonials and reviews.

Considering speaking with at least three agents. A Zillow study found that 56% of sellers consult only one agent.

Interview multiple agents as you would in a job interview. Even if an agent comes highly recommended, vetting multiple candidates ensures you make an informed decision based on consistent criteria, such as marketing strategies, experience, and professionalism.

2. Conduct Thorough Due Diligence on Realtors

Before entrusting a realtor with your property, you must be sure of their credentials, experience, and reputation. Take the following approach to make sure that you are making an informed choice:

Evaluate Experience and Track Record

Look for an experienced agent with a proven history of successful home sales, especially in selling homes similar to yours. This demonstrates their expertise, local market knowledge, and ability to achieve optimal results.

• Review their recent sales: Ask for a list of homes they’ve sold in your area, including sale prices and how long each property was on the market.
• Check their average days on market: Agents with a low average days on market typically have effective marketing and negotiation skills.
• Aim for agents who have a list-to-sale price ratio of 95% or higher and a low average days on market, as this indicates strong performance and the ability to maximize your profit.
• Consider the type of properties they specialize in: Some agents focus on condos, luxury homes, or specific neighborhoods.
• Limited sales experience can indicate a lack of commitment to real estate and may result in poor outcomes for sellers.

Verify Credentials and Licensing

• Confirm the agent holds an active real estate license in your state.
• Verify a realtor’s license status through your state’s real estate commission or relevant databases, and ensure you are working with a licensed professional who adheres to industry standards and ethical conduct.
• Check for relevant certifications, such as Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), which indicate advanced expertise and specialized training in residential transactions. Relevant certifications demonstrate an agent’s additional qualifications and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Evaluation of the Realtor’s Track Record

• Area of Specialization: Assess whether they predominantly operate within your neighborhood or the broader market. This can provide insights into their depth of knowledge about local property trends and price points.
• Type of Properties: Examine their past listings to see if they frequently deal with homes similar to yours, be it luxury properties, condos, or fixer-uppers. An agent familiar with your type of property can position it effectively in the market.
• Average Days on Market: This metric provides a glimpse into how efficiently they handle listings. A lower number typically indicates their ability to sell homes quickly.
• List-to-Sell Ratio: A pivotal determinant of their negotiation skills. The higher the ratio, the better they are at securing favorable deals for their clients. To derive this, take the sale price of properties they’ve handled and divide it by the original list price.

License & Disciplinary History Check:

• Licensing: Real estate agents must be licensed as per state regulations. It’s crucial to verify the current status of their license through the respective state’s regulatory board.
• Disciplinary Actions: Scrutinize for any disciplinary actions or complaints lodged against them. This information can usually be found online and gives a clearer picture of their professional conduct.

Differentiate Among Professional Titles

Real estate professionals can operate under various titles, with each carrying distinct implications. It’s crucial to understand these differences.

If someone claims to be a ‘realtor,’ cross-check their membership with the National Association of Realtors. Members of this association are bound by a stringent code of ethics, ensuring a higher standard of professionalism.

Incorporate this comprehensive due diligence into your selection process to minimize risks and position yourself for a more favorable selling experience.

3. Interviewing Real Estate Agents

You’ve done your homework and selected a few Realtors that really seem to be a great fit. Now comes the most important part: the interview. Treat this process like a job interview —ask consistent, specific questions about each agent’s marketing strategy, pricing methods, and communication style to compare their suitability. Be sure to clarify your motivation to sell with your agent at the beginning of the interview process.

Some agents will want to meet in person while others may be happy to chat over the phone or through video call. Regardless of how you conduct the interview, there are some key real estate agent interview questions you should ask:

Commitment Level:

Are you a full-time or part-time agent? This helps ascertain the time they can allocate to your listing.

Experience in the Field

How long have you been in real estate? Although tenure doesn’t always equate to proficiency, understanding their journey can provide context.

Team Dynamics:

Do you operate solo or with a team? If they are part of a team, understanding the roles and number of people dedicated to your listing is essential.

Marketing Insights:

What is your marketing strategy for selling homes? Can you describe your agent’s marketing strategy and specific agent plans for my property, such as online listings, professional photos, virtual tours, and targeted advertising? Understanding their comprehensive plan will help you gauge how effectively they can attract the right buyers.

Pricing Perspectives:

How do you determine the asking price for my home, and do you conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) before advising? Setting a realistic asking price is crucial—overpricing can lead to your home lingering on the market and potentially selling for less.

Communication Nuances:

What is your communication style, and how often and through which modes do you communicate with clients? Evaluating the agent’s communication style and ensuring it aligns with your preferences is essential for a harmonious partnership.

Client Load:

How many clients are you currently handling? Do you have too many clients or active clients at once? An agent with too many active clients may not be able to prioritize your home sale, while too few could be a red flag.

Local Success Stories:

Could you cite some properties you’ve successfully sold in my vicinity? Can I speak with your past clients? Talking to past clients provides honest feedback about the agent’s performance, negotiation skills, marketing strategies, and overall client satisfaction.

Current Commitments:

Are you currently acting as a dual agent or have you handled dual agency situations before? Do you represent both buyers and sellers in the same transaction? Understanding the agent’s dual agency history and whether they act as a dual agent or buyer’s agent is important, as dual agency can create conflicts of interest and may impact your sale.

Fee Structure:

How is your commission structure set up? Have there been any recent changes in how commissions are paid, especially regarding the buyer’s agent? Make sure the commission structure is clearly outlined in the listing agreement.

A good agent or good real estate agent is honest, transparent, knowledgeable about the local market, and provides evidence-based advice. Many agents may not be transparent about their faults, so it’s wise to speak with multiple past clients to get a full picture of their professionalism and effectiveness.

4. Evaluate their professional network

In the competitive realm of real estate, an agent’s network can often make the difference between a swift, lucrative sale and a prolonged, less profitable one.

The breadth and depth of a listing agent’s professional connections offer a critical advantage:

Connections with Fellow Agents

A seasoned estate agent frequently collaborates with other agents, both buyer’s agents and listing agents. These alliances provide insights into prospective buyers, upcoming listings, and shifts in local market trends. Moreover, they can quickly spread the word about your property to potential buyers within their network. Agents who have sold in the area for a while usually have connections that can benefit your sale, such as reputable inspectors and contractors.

Relationships with Service Providers

A well-rounded agent maintains close ties with professionals such as home inspectors, title companies, mortgage brokers, and real estate attorneys. These affiliations can not only streamline the selling process but also offer preferred rates or services. It’s not just about selling; it’s about facilitating a smooth real estate transaction from start to finish.

Engagement in Local Community

The most effective agents are deeply embedded within their communities. Their local market knowledge is unrivaled, offering insights into buyer preferences, neighborhood development, and property values. A knowledgeable agent will have insights into neighborhood amenities, school districts, and market demand, helping you make informed decisions throughout the selling process. They can benchmark your property against those recently sold, ensuring your listing price aligns with market expectations.

Effective Marketing Tools and Strategy

Marketing is paramount in real estate. Top agents demonstrate their ability through a comprehensive marketing strategy and selling strategy that includes professional photography, compelling online listings, and a strong online presence. They utilize virtual tours to create a high-quality, immersive experience for interested buyers, allowing them to get a better feel for the home before visiting. Virtual tours and online listings are essential for reaching a broader pool of interested buyers, including out-of-area prospects, and can significantly increase your property’s visibility. A well-rounded marketing approach that combines high-quality online and offline efforts can facilitate a quicker and more profitable sale. In 2026, combining traditional methods with innovative marketing strategies such as AI and social media is critical for selecting an effective realtor.

When interviewing prospective agents, don’t just skim the surface. Dig deep into the scope of their professional associations and tools. A well-networked agent can expedite sales, negotiate better deals, and navigate challenges with greater agility.

5. Carefully Review the Listing Agreement

The listing agreement is a legally binding contract between you and the agent, so it’s essential to understand all terms before signing. Here are some tips for reviewing the agreement: listing agreement

• Check the length – Listing agreements typically last 6 months but can range from 30 days to a year. Ensure the duration aligns with what you discussed with the agent. A shorter term can motivate quicker sales.
• Review the commission structure – Standard commissions are 5-6%, but rates are negotiable. Make sure you understand how the commission is paid, who is responsible for payment under recent guidelines, and that the commission structure is clearly outlined in the agreement.
• Look for an exit clause – Seek a cancellation policy or exit clause allowing you to terminate the contract if needed. This motivates an agent to prioritize your listing. A cancellable listing agreement allows sellers to terminate their contract without owing a commission.
• Confirm listing details – Ensure the listing price, included appliances/fixtures, and other details match your expectations.
• Ask about unclear terms – Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any vague or concerning provisions. A reputable agent will explain.
• Consider legal review – You may wish to have a real estate lawyer review the agreement to ensure it protects your interests.
• Take time making a decision – Don’t feel pressured into signing quickly. Review the agreement carefully over several days if needed.
• Get copies – Obtain copies of the signed agreement for your records before listing the property.

Sign the listing agreement only when all questions are answered satisfactorily, and you feel fully confident doing so. If an agent hesitates to clarify or modify reasonable concerns, that’s a red flag.

Do I Need a Realtor to Sell My Home? 

Having a real estate agent help you sell your house is not a requirement. The option to sell a home yourself is always available to you. However, working with a licensed professional in the real estate industry ensures you have someone with the proper credentials, legal authority, and industry knowledge guiding your transaction.

Keep in mind, there is a lot that goes into the sale of a home that you might not be experienced in doing. A real estate agent can bring a lot to the table in terms of experience, marketing, and negotiation.

A good real estate agent will make recommendations to help you sell based on what buyers are looking for and can guide you through the entire home sale process. They do this before you even put your home on the market. They have connections and information that someone not in the industry usually doesn’t. Understanding the home sale process and your priorities is essential to ensure a successful transaction.

So, while anyone is able to sell their home, choosing to hire a listing agent to help with the heavy lifting usually pays the seller back with the trouble they save and possibly a higher listing price. This is why we recommend finding the best listing agent because it will likely lead to a quicker, more profitable sale.

But it’s important to know how to pick a real estate agent that’s right for you. Otherwise, you might find that your agent isn’t as helpful as you’d hoped.

The Bottom Line

After you’ve interviewed all your favorite real estate agents and brokers, review your options and consider who will be the best fit for you. While you reflect on your interviews with each realtor, ask yourself: 

• Was this realtor friendly? Approachable? 
• Did they seem to really listen to my needs? 
• Are they easy to work with? 
• Are they creative and effective negotiators?
• Do I trust this Realtor? 

If a realtor has checked all of your boxes on your background check, they seem easy to work with, and you feel they’ll get you a good deal, then you’ve found a great partner! Let your new agent know you’re ready to commit to partnering with them so they can get your property listed! If you followed this guide, you can go forward knowing your investment is in good hands. 

If you’re ready to start researching and interviewing your next realtor, find everything you need here on FastExpert.