There’s a common misconception about what defines a good real estate agent.
Many home sellers assume “good” means the agent with the most sales.
That isn’t always true.
An experienced Realtor can be good, but it’s not guaranteed.
Some agents have years of transactions under their belt and put their own interests first.
A good real estate agent does the opposite.
They’re not focused on their commission.
They act with integrity, communicate clearly, and simplify a complex process.
And they prove their value through trust, transparency, and results.
So how can you tell if an agent truly demonstrates those qualities?
Here are 10 signs of a good real estate agent.
1. Transparency
Every real estate agent will talk about the good.
But some will omit the bad if they think it won’t benefit them.
That’s why transparency is a telltale sign of a good Realtor.
It means being up front and honest, even when the truth is unexpected.
For example…
Say you’re meeting with agents to sell your home.
You have a price in mind, but the market data shows your home is worth more than you think.
A transparent agent won’t just agree with your number to play it safe.
They’ll recommend listing higher to help you earn as much as possible from your sale.
Or take the opposite…
Let’s say your house isn’t worth as much as you hoped.
An honest agent will tell you the realistic value and back it up with an accurate comparative market analysis (CMA).
And they’ll explain the numbers clearly so you understand what’s driving that price, which is exactly what you should expect from your Realtor when selling.
But an agent who lacks this quality?
They’ll suggest a price that benefits them — not you.
That can mean listing too low to ensure a faster commission check.
Or pricing too high just to win your business.
Either way, your chances of walking away with less money dramatically increase.
2. Local experience
A Realtor with local experience brings a deeper understanding of market dynamics that can’t be “Googled.”
Can an agent who doesn’t have experience in your area still help you sell your home?
Yes.
Any competent agent can research a neighborhood and pull comparable sales.
But agents who’ve sold homes in your area before tend to recognize nuances others miss.
Things like which schools and pockets of a neighborhood are more desirable.
These are details the average real estate agent can’t learn overnight.
Agents with real local experience make this clear in the way they talk about your market.
You’ll notice this when they:
- Reference recent local sales off the top of their head
- Explain how interest varies among nearby neighborhoods
- Adjust your home’s value based on specific local factors.
That level of familiarity helps them price your listing more strategically and market your home more skillfully.
3. Problem solver
Selling a home can be stressful.
It’s even more stressful if you’re selling and buying at the same time.
One reason?
Unexpected issues can easily arise during a real estate transaction.
That’s where an experienced agent’s problem-solving skills make all the difference.
A good agent shows this quality by staying calm under pressure and quickly moving from problem to solution.
For example…
Suppose you’re selling and the buyer’s home inspection uncovers something that could jeopardize the deal.
A proactive listing agent might take one of two approaches:
- Order a second inspection to reassure the buyers
- Find a creative way to negotiate or cover repair costs so the deal stays on track.
You’ll also see this skill in action if you’re buying in a competitive market.
It’s common to face multiple offers on the same home when competition is high.
But a strategic Realtor will find ways to give you an edge.
They might get you in for an immediate showing so you can submit an offer before other buyers do.
Or they might reach out to the listing agent to learn what the seller values most — so they can structure an offer that stands out.
Here’s the point…
A problem-solving real estate agent doesn’t get stuck on obstacles.
They think ahead, adapt fast, and focus on guiding you to a successful closing.
4. Empathy
Imagine selling a home you’ve lived in for years.
Every room holds memories, and the decision to let go isn’t easy.
Good real estate agents understand that.
They’re not just focused on the sale — they’re tuned in to your emotions.
When you hesitate, they listen.
When decisions feel overwhelming, they slow things down and guide you with patience and care.
That same empathy matters when you’re buying too.
A compassionate Realtor knows that buying a home is a major life decision filled with excitement and stress.
They know when to slow the pace, explain each step clearly, and offer reassurance when uncertainty sets in.
And if you’ve lost out on multiple offers, an empathetic agent keeps you grounded.
They’ll offer perspective, remind you of your long-term goals, and help you stay confident throughout the process.
Understanding isn’t something you can measure on a spreadsheet.
It’s reflected in how an agent listens, responds, and supports you every step of the way.
Empathy is one of the quiet strengths of a good real estate agent.
And it can make all the difference in your real estate journey.
5. Integrity
Choosing a dishonest real estate agent can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s how…
Say you’re selling your home.
Your listing agent knows a buyer is willing to pay more but advises against countering.
The reason?
They don’t want to risk the deal (and lose their commission), even though you could easily net a higher sale price.
Or say you’re buying a house.
An agent lacking integrity might encourage you to make a higher offer than necessary.
Why?
To “lock in” their commission and move on to their next client.
That advice benefits them — not you — and leaves you paying more than you should.
Integrity is one of the most important signs of a great real estate agent.
One of the best ways to spot it is by knowing the percentage of an agent’s closed listings where they acted as a dual agent (representing both the seller and buyer in the same transaction).
Agents with strong ethical standards have a lower percentage of dual agency sales than other agents in your area.
That’s a sign they don’t prioritize earning double commission from one sale.
Instead, they focus on protecting their client’s best interests.
This is a defining trait of a trustworthy real estate agent.
6. Strong communicator
Good communication is one of the strongest indicators of a great Realtor.
But it’s not just about answering calls or replying to texts.
It’s about how an agent keeps you informed, confident, and one step ahead throughout the sale of your home.
You’ll quickly notice their communication skills when asking questions as you interview agents.
Some will do most of the talking.
The good ones will listen carefully, ask smart questions, and explain their approach in simple terms.
You’ll leave the conversation feeling more at ease — not more confused.
Agents who communicate well don’t leave you wondering what’s happening or what comes next.
They set expectations early and follow up before you have to ask.
And when something unexpected happens?
They stay calm, explain the situation clearly, and focus on finding solutions that protect your interests.
You’ll also see how naturally they adapt to your communication style.
If you prefer quick texts, they don’t insist on long calls.
If something needs a deeper discussion, they’ll slow down and walk you through it.
When an agent communicates like this, you feel informed, respected, and supported.
It’s a clear sign you’re in good hands.
7. Reputable
An agent’s reputation speaks volumes about who they are.
But a good reputation isn’t built overnight.
An agent’s reputation reflects how they:
- Treat their clients
- Handle challenges
- Follow through on their promises.
You can get a sense of this when asking for recommendations from friends or family.
You’ll also see it in their online reviews.
Words like “responsive,” “honest,” and “professional” tend to show up again and again.
That kind of feedback tells you the experience isn’t random.
It’s how they consistently conduct business.
A reputable Realtor also tends to have strong relationships with other professionals, such as inspectors, lenders, contractors, and fellow agents.
Those connections matter more than most sellers realize.
When an agent is respected in the community, it builds cooperation and trust among everyone involved in the sale.
Reputation also plays a role when it’s time to negotiate.
An offer coming from a well-regarded agent is often taken more seriously, which can give you an advantage when selling your home.
In short, a strong reputation shows consistency, trust, and professionalism.
These key qualities can all make a meaningful difference in the sale of your home.
8. Skilled negotiator
Strong negotiation skills can change the outcome of any real estate transaction.
They can add thousands to a seller’s profit or help a buyer avoid overpaying.
Yet negotiation remains one of the most underrated skills of a good Realtor.
That’s because most sellers and buyers never see the behind-the-scenes deal-making that happens between agents.
For example…
A talented listing agent knows how to read the tone of the buyer’s agent and spot their client’s pressure points.
If they sense strong interest, they might delay a response to create the perception that another buyer is circling.
Or they’ll ask the right question that gets the other side to reveal how much flexibility they really have.
A good buyer’s agent uses the same awareness in reverse.
They listen closely to the listing agent’s wording and tone to gauge how much genuine interest there is.
That insight helps them decide whether their client should:
- Hold firm
- Adjust the offer
- Or wait it out.
Mediocre agents act like couriers.
They simply pass offers back and forth and ask how you’d like to respond.
Good agents are tacticians.
They watch for subtle cues from the other agent that open the door to swing the leverage in your favor.
9. Reliable
A reliable real estate agent does what they say they’ll do — every time.
They show up prepared, follow through on commitments, and keep your goals top of mind.
You don’t have to chase them for updates or wonder if they’ve forgotten something important.
Here are a few ways to tell if an agent is reliable:
- They communicate consistently. A dependable agent keeps you informed without you having to ask. They respond promptly, give clear updates, and talk openly about both the good and the bad.
- They meet deadlines. Whether it’s scheduling showings, responding to offers, meeting inspectors, or submitting paperwork, reliable agents stay on top of every detail. They know small delays can create big problems.
- They follow through on promises. When an agent says they’ll call after a showing or send over comps by the end of the day, they actually do it. Their actions match their words — a simple but powerful sign of professionalism.
- They prepare ahead of time. Reliable agents come to meetings ready. They’ve researched your market, gathered data, and already thought through your questions. That preparation builds trust and saves time.
- They take accountability. If something goes wrong, they own it and fix it quickly. They don’t deflect or make excuses. They address the issue and make sure you’re taken care of.
Reliability might not sound flashy, but it’s one of the most valuable qualities an agent can have.
Because in real estate, even the smallest commitments can make the biggest difference in your overall experience.
10. Client-centric
Every real estate agent says they put their clients first.
But only the good ones prove it.
A client-focused agent manages their workload so they can give each client the attention they deserve.
Even if that means turning away new business.
They focus on quality over quantity because they know your success builds their reputation.
The easiest way to spot a client-first agent?
They won’t lock you into a long-term contract.
That matters because an agent’s commission is essentially guaranteed once you sign the listing agreement.
And that guarantee can lead to complacency with bad real estate agents.
Your sale takes a back seat while they chase new clients.
But an agent who lets you cancel at any time is putting their paycheck on the line.
They’re confident enough in their service not to trap you on paper.
That’s the kind of agent you want by your side.
Final thoughts
A good real estate agent does more than sell homes.
They put your interests before theirs.
Integrity is part of their DNA.
And they never leave you second-guessing whether you chose the right agent.
But finding one who truly meets that standard isn’t easy.
That’s why we carefully evaluate every agent before matching them with sellers.
Learn more about how we vet real estate agents so you can connect with a professional who checks all the right boxes.
