Don’t Hire a Real Estate Agent Until You Read This Checklist

Choosing the wrong real estate agent could cost you thousands of dollars, months of frustration, and opportunities you may never get back. Before you buy or sell a home, here are the questions you need to ask.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. So why do so many people spend more time researching which refrigerator to buy than deciding who will represent them in a real estate transaction?

After more than 14 years in real estate, I've learned something important: Not all real estate agents are created equal. And the agent you choose can make a significant difference in your experience and your results.

A nice website doesn't guarantee a great agent. A big social media following doesn't mean someone knows how to negotiate. And an agent who promises the highest selling price isn't necessarily the agent who will get you the best result.

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or preparing to sell, here are 10 things you should consider before hiring a real estate agent.

1. Do They Know Your Local Market?

Real estate is local. What's happening in Waukesha might look very different from what's happening in Milwaukee, Muskego, Brookfield, or Pewaukee.

A good agent should understand local home values, inventory, buyer demand, days on market, and what buyers are currently looking for.

Don't settle for someone who simply repeats national housing headlines.

Ask: How many homes have you sold in this area? How would you determine the right price for my property? What are you seeing in our local market?

2. Do They Have a Proven Track Record?

Years in business matter, but experience alone doesn't guarantee results.

Look at their recent transactions, client reviews, experience with properties similar to yours, and ability to navigate difficult situations.

You want someone who has actually helped people accomplish what you're trying to accomplish.

Ask: How many buyers and sellers have you helped? What types of properties do you specialize in? Can I speak with previous clients?

3. How Will They Determine the Right Price?

Especially important for sellers.

This is where things can get interesting.

Imagine interviewing three agents. One recommends $425,000, another recommends $450,000, and the third promises you $475,000.

Which one are you hiring?

The highest suggested asking price doesn't necessarily mean the highest selling price.

I've seen sellers start too high, sit on the market, accumulate days without meaningful activity, reduce their price, and eventually sell for less than they might have achieved with a better strategy from the beginning.

A good agent should support their pricing recommendation with comparable sales, current competition, property condition, and market demand.

Ask: How did you arrive at your recommended price? What comparable properties support that number? What happens if we don't receive offers?

My advice? Hire the agent who can defend their pricing strategy with facts, not the one who simply gives you the biggest number.

4. Do They Have an Actual Marketing Strategy?

Especially important for sellers.

Putting a home in the MLS, adding a few pictures, and putting a sign in the yard isn't a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Today's buyers are online. They're scrolling social media, watching videos, comparing properties, and researching neighborhoods before they ever schedule a showing.

Your agent should have a plan that includes:

• Professional photography and floor plans.

• Compelling property descriptions and feature sheets.

• MLS exposure and online distribution.

• Social media marketing and video.

• Digital advertising when appropriate.

• Ongoing promotion and monitoring of buyer activity.

Marketing isn't just about how many people see your home. It's about attracting the right buyers and giving them a reason to schedule a showing.

Ask: What exactly does your marketing plan include? How will you promote my property beyond the MLS? How will I know whether the marketing is working?

5. If You're Buying, Can They Help You Win Without Overpaying?

Especially important for buyers.

Finding a home is only part of the process. You also need someone who can help you evaluate value, understand offer terms, identify potential issues, and negotiate effectively.

Imagine finding a home listed for $400,000. You love it, but comparable properties suggest it's worth closer to $375,000.

An agent who simply wants to get your offer accepted might encourage you to offer more. An agent looking out for your interests will help you understand the numbers and make an informed decision.

A good buyer's agent should understand inspections, financing, appraisals, contingencies, and multiple-offer situations.

Ask: How will you help me determine what a home is worth? How do you approach multiple offers? How will you protect my interests throughout the transaction?

Remember, winning the house isn't always winning the deal.

6. Are They Good at Communicating?

One of the biggest frustrations consumers experience is not knowing what's happening with their own transaction.

You shouldn't have to chase your agent for updates or wonder whether someone is following up on an important deadline.

A good agent sets expectations, communicates proactively, explains what's happening, and makes sure you understand what comes next.

Ask: How quickly can I expect a response? How frequently will you provide updates? Will I communicate directly with you?

You don't necessarily need someone who answers every text within 30 seconds. You need someone with a reliable system who makes sure you aren't left in the dark.

7. Can They Actually Negotiate?

Negotiation is about much more than the purchase price.

For sellers, it can involve inspection requests, financing terms, closing dates, contingencies, and seller concessions.

For buyers, it's about structuring a competitive offer without unnecessarily exposing yourself to risk.

The highest offer isn't always the best offer. A strong agent knows how to evaluate the entire transaction, identify opportunities, and explain your options.

Ask: How do you approach negotiations? Can you share an example of a challenging transaction? How do you handle situations when the other party makes unreasonable demands?

8. What Do Their Reviews and Reputation Say?

Don't just look at the star rating. Read the actual reviews.

Look for patterns involving communication, honesty, responsiveness, negotiation skills, and problem-solving.

Pay particular attention to reviews describing difficult transactions. It's relatively easy to make someone happy when everything goes perfectly. What happens when the inspection uncovers a problem or financing gets complicated?

Ask: Where can I read your client reviews? Can you provide references from previous clients?

9. Do They Explain Their Fees and Agreements?

Real estate compensation is negotiable. It isn't set by law.

Before signing anything, understand how your agent is compensated, what services are included, and what you're agreeing to.

For sellers, review the listing agreement, compensation, marketing expenses, and cancellation provisions.

For buyers, understand the buyer agency agreement, compensation arrangements, length of the agreement, and termination provisions.

In today's market, written buyer agreements are particularly important. Understand the terms before touring homes with an agent.

Ask: How are you compensated? What services are included? How long am I committed? What happens if I want to terminate the agreement?

The right agent should welcome these questions and explain everything clearly.

10. Will They Tell You the Truth, Even When You Don't Want to Hear It?

This might be the most important item on the entire list.

Anyone can tell you what you want to hear. Not everyone is willing to tell you what you need to hear.

Sometimes sellers need to hear that their home is overpriced. Sometimes buyers need to hear that they're considering paying too much. Sometimes the smartest decision is to walk away from a transaction.

Over the years, I've come to believe that honesty is one of the most valuable things an agent can offer.

I'd rather have an uncomfortable conversation today than have a client look back six months from now and wonder why I didn't say something.

Anyone can tell you what you want to hear to get your business. The right agent will tell you what you need to hear to help you make the right decision.

Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Before making your decision, watch for these warning signs:

• They promise an unrealistic selling price.

• They pressure you into signing immediately.

• They don't have a clear marketing or pricing strategy.

• They're difficult to reach.

• They avoid discussing compensation.

• They make guarantees they cannot control.

• They don't explain the agreements you're signing.

• They agree with everything you say instead of providing honest advice.

If you notice several of these behaviors before hiring someone, imagine what the experience might look like once you're under contract.

Your Real Estate Agent Hiring Checklist

Before making your decision, make sure your agent:

• Understands your local market.

• Has a proven track record.

• Provides a realistic pricing strategy.

• Has a clear marketing plan (seller).

• Understands offer strategies and negotiations (buyer).

• Communicates consistently.

• Explains who handles your transaction.

• Has positive client reviews.

• Clearly explains fees and agreements.

• Is willing to give honest advice.

I recommend interviewing two or three agents. Compare their experience, strategies, communication styles, and overall approach. Don't make your decision based entirely on who promises the highest price or charges the lowest fee.

Final Thoughts: The Right Agent Makes a Difference

After more than 14 years in real estate, here's what I know: Buying or selling a home is about much more than putting a property on the market or finding something you like online.

It's about making smart decisions, understanding your options, negotiating effectively, and having someone in your corner when things get complicated.

I built my business around the belief that if you bring enough value to people, they'll recognize it.

That's why I believe the relationship should always come before the transaction.

Don't hire an agent because they tell you what you want to hear. Hire one because you trust them to help you make the right decisions.

Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home in Southeast Wisconsin?

If you're considering a move in Waukesha, Milwaukee, Washington, Racine, or Jefferson County, I'd be happy to have a conversation.

No pressure. No unrealistic promises. Just honest advice and a strategy built around your goals.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to the Reliance Real Estate Team today!

www.josephsingsheim.com

414-659-6965 / [email protected]

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