Selecting the Right Real Estate Agent

Ask people you trust who have bought or sold recently. Not just whether they liked their agent, but whether they’d use them again. Those are two different questions and the answers aren’t always the same.

Once you have a name or two, cross-reference them. Look at their Google reviews, their Zillow profile, their social media. You’re not just looking for five-star ratings. You’re looking for specifics. Reviews that say “Ron was always available and explained everything clearly” tell you something. Reviews that say “Great agent, highly recommend!” tell you almost nothing.

You don’t have to hire the first person you meet. Interview two or three. A good agent won’t be put off by this. They know the market is competitive and that you’re making a serious decision.

In those conversations, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they explain things clearly or do they bury you in jargon? Do they ask about your situation or just pitch themselves? Do they give you a direct answer when you ask a direct question? The way an agent handles a 30-minute consultation is a preview of how they’ll handle your transaction.

Any agent working in Florida should have an active license you can verify through the state’s licensing database. This takes about 30 seconds and tells you whether their license is current, whether they’ve had any disciplinary actions, and who their broker of record is.

Beyond the basic license, look for designations that indicate additional training. The ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) designation, for example, signals specific training in buyer representation. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a signal worth noting.

This is the one most people don’t ask about directly, and it matters more than ever since the August 2024 NAR rule changes. In most transactions, the seller pays a commission that is then split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.

Ask upfront whether the agent or their brokerage charges a transaction fee on top of the commission. Some do. It’s not unreasonable, but it should be disclosed clearly before you sign anything, not at the closing table.

Once you’ve decided on an agent, make sure your agreement is in writing. For buyers, this is now a legal requirement before an agent can show you a home. For sellers, it’s your listing agreement.

Read it before you sign it. The key things to look for: the term length, the commission structure, what happens if you want to cancel, and whether there’s an exclusivity clause. If something isn’t clear, ask. A good agent will explain it without making you feel like you’re being difficult.

Real estate is a people business. You’re going to be in close contact with this person for weeks or months, sharing financial information, making high-stakes decisions, and depending on them to tell you the truth even when it’s not what you want to hear.

If something feels off in that first meeting, pay attention to it. Credentials and reviews matter. So does your gut. If you don’t feel like an agent is genuinely listening to you, or if they seem more interested in closing a deal than understanding your situation, keep looking. There are a lot of agents in Central Florida. You don’t have to settle for one who doesn’t feel right.