5 Tips for Choosing the Right Estate AgentFive Tips for Choosing the Right Estate Agent

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. The agent you choose doesn’t just list your property—they influence pricing, marketing, negotiations, timelines, and ultimately how much money you walk away with. Here are five essential tips to help you choose the right estate agent with confidence.

1. Choose a REALTOR® — Not Just a Licensed Agent

Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and is held to a strict Code of Ethics that goes above and beyond state licensing requirements.

Why this matters:

• Fiduciary duty to protect your best interests

• Ethical standards for honesty, transparency, and disclosure

• Accountability through a professional governing body

When you work with a REALTOR®, you’re working with someone who has committed to higher standards—not just minimum requirements.

2. Experience Matters (Especially in Your Local Market)

Real estate is hyper-local. Pricing strategies, buyer behavior, and even inspection issues can vary town by town—or neighborhood by neighborhood.

Look for an agent who:

• Has a proven track record in your area

• Understands local pricing trends and buyer demand

• Has successfully navigated shifting markets (not just hot ones)

Experience isn’t just about years in the business—it’s about knowing how to handle challenges, avoid costly mistakes, and adapt when conditions change.

3. Work With a Full-Time Professional

Selling a home isn’t a side hustle—it’s a full-time job. A part-time agent may mean slower responses, missed opportunities, and less proactive marketing.

A full-time real estate professional:

• Is available when buyers and agents are active

• Responds quickly to inquiries and negotiations

• Stays on top of market changes, showings, and feedback

In fast-moving or competitive markets, responsiveness alone can mean the difference between multiple offers and missed momentum.

4. Ask About Technology & Marketing Strategy

Today’s buyers search online first. If your home isn’t positioned correctly digitally, it may never get the attention it deserves.

Your agent should be using:

• Professional photography, video, and virtual tours

• Targeted online marketing and social media exposure

• Data-driven pricing tools and buyer analytics

• AI and automation to track leads, inquiries, and engagement

Technology isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about reaching the right buyers, at the right time, with the right message.

5. Communication & Trust Are Non-Negotiable

You should feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout the entire process. The right agent will explain why they recommend a strategy—not just tell you what to do.

Look for someone who:

• Listens to your goals and concerns

• Communicates clearly and consistently

• Sets realistic expectations (not just optimistic promises)

If an agent is hard to reach before you sign, that’s usually a red flag for what comes after.

Choosing the right estate agent isn’t about picking the loudest voice or the lowest commission—it’s about selecting a trusted professional who combines ethics, experience, full-time commitment, modern technology, and strong communication.

Do your homework. Ask questions. And remember—the right agent doesn’t just sell your home, they protect your outcome.

Jim Armstrong
Armstrong Field Group
Aluxety Real Estate

Serving the North Shore of Massachusetts

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