Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying or selling a home. The right agent can save you thousands of dollars, guide you through complex negotiations, and make the entire process smoother and less stressful. The wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. After more than 20 years in the real estate industry — first behind the scenes in administration and marketing, and for the past decade as a licensed REALTOR® — I've seen what separates great agents from the rest. Here's how to make the right choice.

What to Look For in an Agent

Not all agents are created equal, and the differences go far beyond commission rates or advertising budgets. Here are the qualities that matter most:

Local market knowledge: An agent who knows your specific community — not just the general metro area — is worth their weight in gold. They can tell you why a particular street commands a premium, which neighborhoods are trending upward, and what buyers in your price range actually expect. For more on this, read about why local knowledge matters.
Experience and track record: How long have they been licensed? How many transactions have they completed? Do they have experience with your type of transaction — first-time purchase, luxury home, estate sale, relocation? Industry experience matters, but so does the relevance of that experience to your specific situation.
Communication style: Do they respond to calls and emails quickly? Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen more than they talk? Communication is the single most frequent complaint clients have about their agents — and it's also the easiest thing to get right.
Professional network: A well-connected agent brings more to the table than just their own expertise. They have relationships with lenders, inspectors, contractors, title companies, and attorneys who can make your transaction run smoothly. I've built my network over two decades of working in this industry, and it's one of my most valuable assets.
Marketing ability (for sellers): If you're selling, your agent's ability to market your home effectively is critical. This means professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, strategic pricing, strong online presence, and a plan for reaching the right buyers. Ask to see examples of their marketing materials.
Negotiation skills: Real estate transactions involve countless negotiation points — price, contingencies, repairs, closing costs, timelines. You need an agent who can advocate firmly on your behalf while maintaining professional relationships that keep the deal on track. I've learned a lot about negotiation over the years, and it's one of the skills I bring to every transaction.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Before signing a listing agreement or entering a buyer agency relationship, have a real conversation with your potential agent. Here are the questions I'd recommend asking:

"How well do you know this specific area?" You want someone who can speak with authority about your neighborhood or target communities — not someone who's learning the market alongside you.
"What's your communication plan?" How often will they update you? What's their preferred method of contact? What happens when you need them on a weekend or evening?
"Can you walk me through a recent transaction?" This reveals how they handle real situations — challenges, negotiations, and client relationships — not just how they talk about themselves.
"What's your pricing strategy?" For sellers, this is crucial. An agent who suggests the highest price to win your listing isn't doing you a favor — they may be setting you up for extended time on market and eventual price reductions. I believe in strategic pricing from the start.
"How many clients are you currently working with?" You want to know whether they'll have the time and attention to dedicate to your transaction.
"Do you work as part of a team, or independently?" Both models can work well, but it's important to know who you'll actually be working with day-to-day.
"What happens if something goes wrong?" Every transaction has hiccups. You want an agent who has the experience and composure to navigate problems without making you feel like you're the first one who's ever faced this issue.

Red Flags to Watch For

Trust your instincts, but also watch for these warning signs during the agent selection process:

Pressure to sign immediately: A good agent will give you space to make an informed decision. If someone is pressuring you to commit before you've had a chance to ask questions, that's a red flag.
Promises of unrealistically high sale prices: If an agent suggests a listing price significantly higher than what comparable homes have sold for, they may be trying to win your listing rather than give you honest advice.
Slow or inconsistent communication: If they're hard to reach before you've signed an agreement, they'll be even harder to reach after.
Lack of local presence: An agent who doesn't work regularly in your area may not have the market knowledge or professional network to serve you well. I've written about why local agents outperform national platforms.
One-size-fits-all approach: Every client and every transaction is different. If an agent presents the same plan for every situation without asking about your specific needs, they're not truly listening.
No references or testimonials: A confident agent will happily connect you with past clients. If they're hesitant, that tells you something.

Why Local Expertise Matters More Than You Think

I can't emphasize this enough: real estate is local. National data and online estimates are useful as starting points, but they can't tell you what a specific neighborhood feels like, what buyers in a particular price range expect, or how a local school district's reputation affects resale values. They can't tell you that a home near Pine Knob is going to generate traffic concerns during concert season, or that a subdivision near a particular park in Grand Blanc consistently commands a premium because of the trail access.

Local expertise also means professional relationships. When I need a home inspector who will give a thorough, honest report, I know who to call. When a closing needs to be expedited, I have contacts at the title company who can make it happen. These relationships are built over years, and they benefit every client I work with.

My Perspective: What I've Learned From Both Sides

Before I became a licensed agent, I spent two decades working behind the scenes in real estate — handling transactions, supporting agents, managing marketing, and processing paperwork. I saw which agents built lasting careers on trust and which ones burned through clients. I watched what worked and what didn't from a vantage point most agents never experience.

That perspective shapes everything I do now. I know that referrals and repeat clients are the foundation of a meaningful career — not advertising or self-promotion. I know that genuine care for my clients shows in the details: the extra phone call, the honest market analysis, the willingness to say "I don't know, but I'll find out." I approach every client relationship with the knowledge that trust is earned one decision at a time.

I also know what it feels like to be on the client side. Before I entered real estate, I worked with agents as a buyer and as a seller. I experienced both the best and the worst of what the industry has to offer. That experience taught me the kind of agent I wanted to be — and the kind I refuse to be. If you're looking for someone who will give you honest guidance, consistent communication, and genuine support throughout your transaction, I'd love to talk.

Making Your Decision

Choosing an agent isn't just about credentials or experience on paper — it's about finding someone you trust, someone who understands your goals, and someone who has the skills and local knowledge to help you achieve them. Take the time to interview at least two or three agents. Ask the hard questions. Check references. And pay attention to how they make you feel during the conversation — because that's how they'll make you feel throughout the transaction.

If you'd like to see how I work, I'm happy to have a no-pressure conversation about your real estate goals. Schedule a consultation, call me at 810-513-3335, or email joyce@midmichiganliving.com. I'll be upfront, I'll listen, and I'll give you an honest assessment of your situation — even if it's not what you expected to hear.

For more insights, explore my guide on local market knowledge or read about why I chose Keller Williams First as my brokerage.

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent