Choosing a real estate agent is a significant decision, as this person will guide you through a major financial transaction. It is important to ensure they are qualified, professional, and trustworthy. This guide will walk you through how to properly vet a potential agent, giving you confidence that you are placing your trust in a legitimate professional.
Verify Their Real Estate License
The first step in verifying an agent’s legitimacy is to check their real estate license. Every agent is required by law to be licensed by the state in which they practice, which indicates they have completed the required coursework and passed a state-administered exam.
To verify a license, visit the website of your state’s real estate commission or licensing board. These government websites have a public search tool where you can look up a professional’s credentials by entering their full name or license number. The search results should show the agent’s license status, which you need to confirm is “active” or in “good standing.”
The license lookup tool also provides a public record of any disciplinary actions or formal complaints filed against the agent. This is a direct way to see if an agent has a history of misconduct. An expired, suspended, or revoked license is an immediate disqualification.
Check for Professional Affiliations
After confirming a valid state license, check for professional affiliations. While many people use the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” interchangeably, they are not the same. A real estate agent is a licensed professional, but a Realtor is a licensed agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Membership in NAR means the agent has voluntarily agreed to abide by the association’s Code of Ethics. This code sets a higher standard of professional practice and outlines specific duties to clients, the public, and other Realtors, going beyond what state law requires.
You can verify an agent’s membership through the NAR website. Many agents who are Realtors will also use the registered trademark symbol (®) after their title on their business cards and marketing materials.
Investigate Their Track Record and Reviews
An agent’s history of performance provides valuable insight. Start by investigating their online reviews on real estate platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and their Google Business Profile. When reading these reviews, look for patterns in the feedback rather than focusing on a single comment. Consistent themes across multiple reviews will give you a more accurate picture of their strengths and weaknesses.
Pay attention to comments that describe the agent’s communication style, negotiation skills, and market knowledge. Are clients consistently praising their responsiveness and expertise, or are there repeated complaints about being hard to reach or unprepared?
Beyond online reviews, ask the agent for a list of recent client references. A confident agent should be willing to provide you with contact information for their past clients. When you speak with these references, ask specific questions about their experience, the final sale price versus the initial asking price, and how the agent handled any challenges.
Assess Their Online Presence
An agent’s online presence is a reflection of their professionalism and how actively they are engaged in the business. A legitimate agent will have a polished and professional website that is easy to navigate, features their current listings, and provides clear information about their services and experience.
Beyond a personal website, examine their social media profiles and their listings on major real estate portals. Look for activity, relevant market information, and current property listings with high-quality, professional photographs and well-written descriptions.
A strong online presence suggests the agent is invested in their marketing and serious about their career, while a sparse or unprofessional digital footprint can be a warning sign.
Identify Red Flags During Communication
Your direct interactions with an agent are one of the most revealing parts of the vetting process. Pay close attention to their communication style and professional conduct, as certain behaviors can serve as red flags.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
One warning sign is the use of high-pressure sales tactics. Be wary of an agent who creates a false sense of urgency or pushes you to make a decision before you are ready. Phrases like, “You have to make an offer now or you’ll lose it,” can be manipulative. A trustworthy agent will provide the information you need to make an informed decision at your own pace.
Poor or Inconsistent Communication
If an agent is difficult to reach, fails to return your calls or emails in a timely manner, or provides sporadic updates, it is a red flag. Poor communication during the initial stages is a strong indicator of how they will behave once you are under contract. You need an agent who is accessible and keeps you informed.
Vague Answers to Direct Questions
When you ask an agent direct questions about their experience, strategy, or commission structure, you should receive clear answers. If an agent is evasive, changes the subject, or gives vague responses, it may be a sign that they are hiding something or lack expertise. A legitimate professional will be transparent about their business practices.
Lack of Local Market Knowledge
A competent agent should be an expert in their local market. They should be able to speak confidently about recent comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and local amenities without needing to look everything up. If an agent seems unsure about local market conditions or provides generic information, they may not have the specialized knowledge to represent you.
Unprofessional Behavior
Trust your instincts when it comes to unprofessional behavior. This can include consistently showing up late to appointments or being dismissive of your budget or concerns. An agent who speaks poorly of past clients or other agents is also displaying a lack of professionalism. Your relationship with your agent should be built on mutual respect.