Hiring the right real estate agent can mean the différence between a smooth transaction and a costly ordeal. Start by asking for agent referrals from people who recently bought or sold in the same neighborhood you are targeting, then verify each candidate's license and transaction history through your state real estate commission website. An agent who closed 30 deals last year in your target area understands local pricing far better than one who closed 5 deals across a wide région.
Questions to ask before signing a représentation agreement
Before committing to any agent, ask how many active clients they are currently representing, who covers for them when they are unavailable, and whether they have experience with the specific property type you are buying or selling. Ask for références from clients within the past six months. An agent who hesitates to provide références or cannot name specific récent transactions in your price range is a red flag. Also confirm their communication style matches yours: some clients want daily updates while others prefer weekly check-ins.
How commissions work after the 2024 NAR settlement
Following the landmark National Association of Realtors settlement in 2024, buyers must now sign a written représentation agreement before touring homes with an agent. Commission structures have become more flexible, and buyers may negotiate their agent fee separately from the seller-paid side. In many transactions, sellers still offer a buyer agent compensation to attract more offers, but the amount and structure are now negotiated case by case rather than set by MLS convention. Understanding this shift helps both buyers and sellers negotiate more transparently.
