How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a real estate property can be an exciting experience, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. The right real estate agent can make the whole process smoother, saving you time on endless searches, taking the stress out of paperwork, and negotiating a deal that keeps more money in your pocket. 

The wrong agent, though, can mean delays, missed opportunities, and plenty of headaches. In this guide, you’ll discover the key questions to ask before hiring an agent.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

These questions help you see how real estate agents work, how much experience they have, and whether their style fits your needs.

How long have you been in real estate?

Experience often brings stronger market knowledge, better negotiation skills, and a broader network of buyers, sellers, and industry contacts. 

As advised by Ilija Radojević, owner of Prima Casa, a reputable real estate agency in Skopje: “When you find an agency, talk with the agents and pay attention to their experience in working with real estate, specifically how well they know the location where you’re looking for a property.”

Look for an agent with several years of full-time work, and a consistent record of closed transactions in your area.  

What types of properties do you specialize in?

Different property types like single-family homes, condos, luxury estates, investment properties require different strategies and contacts.

How do you market real estate listings?

Effective marketing can attract more buyers, shorten the time on market, and boost the final sale price. An agent should be able to explain how they market your specific property, e.g., virtual tours or videos, listings on major real estate sites, targeted social media campaigns, etc.

How often will you communicate with me?

Furthermore, Ilija adds: “The way the agent communicates with you is also important. The right agent will thoroughly explain the entire buying and selling procedure. If the communication is reduced to brief conversations and messages, you’re not on the right track.”

Clear, predictable communication reduces stress and keeps you informed about showings, offers, or market changes.

How do you determine listing prices/offer amounts?

Pricing strategy directly impacts how quickly a property sells and how competitive your offers are. Look for an agent that determines property price based on comparative market analysis, recent sales data, and local market trends.

What is your commission rate and what’s included?

Commission affects your net proceeds and can vary by location and service level. Agents should clarify the commission percentage (commonly 1–3%) and services included (e.g., marketing, or professional photography).

Are there any additional fees or cancellation policies?

Surprises like administrative fees or strict cancellation clauses can cost you money. An agent should be honest about any hidden costs.

Do you work solo or with a team?

Teams can provide broader coverage and availability, while solo agents may offer more personal attention. 

According to Ilija, the most important thing is: “You don’t need 20 real estate agents to view 20 apartments. You only need one good agent. A good agent will be with you throughout the entire buying and selling process.”

You should know who handles showings, paperwork, and communication, so you know exactly who to contact.

Do you have trusted partners like lawyers?

Buying or selling a property often requires help from attorneys, inspectors, or mortgage brokers. Look for agents who only recommend people with proven track records of success.

Where to Find Potential Agents

Finding the right real estate agent starts with knowing where to look. Ask friends, family members, or coworkers who recently bought or sold a property about their experiences. 

Check reputable real estate websites for ratings and client testimonials and verify that each agent is licensed in your region.

And finally, Ilija gives one more personal piece of advice: “The most important thing is the chemistry and trust between the agent and the buyer/seller. If mutual trust is established, success is guaranteed. However, if doubts and mistrust arise from the start, even the simplest transaction can become complicated.”

For a hassle-free search, you can browse Imotko — a trusted platform with reliable, up-to-date property listings and agencies that are carefully reviewed and approved. Imotko makes it easy to connect with professionals who meet high standards.