There’s a common misconception about what makes a real estate agent “good.”
Many buyers and sellers think that a good Realtor is someone who has a lot of experience.
Experience is definitely a plus — but it doesn’t mean an agent is “good.”
Why?
Because there are many experienced real estate agents who care more about making a commission than getting the best results for their clients.
A good real estate agent does the opposite.
They make their clients a top priority — and prioritize their best interests.
These are the agents who are exceptional.
And there’s something that all great agents have in common.
They all share similar characteristics.
Here are the top 10 qualities that make a good real estate agent.
1. Transparency
Every real estate agent will talk about the good.
But some agents will intentionally omit the bad if they think it won’t benefit them.
This is why transparency is a crucial characteristic of a good agent.
It means being up front and honest — even if it’s not what you want to hear.
For example…
Let’s say you’re buying a home and the inspection uncovers serious issues.
A candid agent will offer actionable advice so you can decide whether to renegotiate or walk away — despite the risk of them losing the sale.
Or say you’re selling and meeting with prospective real estate agents.
You have a set price in mind, but your home isn’t worth what you think it is.
A transparent agent will be honest and straightforward about a realistic value (what you should expect from your Realtor when selling).
And they’ll back up their opinion with an accurate CMA (comparative market analysis) to explain why.
But an agent lacking this key attribute?
They’re far more likely to overpromise on what they think your house might sell for just to win your business.
The result?
Your house sitting on the market, eventually forcing you to reduce the price and sell for less than you initially could have.
2. Area expertise
A real estate agent who has experience in your area can bring a deeper understanding of market dynamics that can’t be “Googled.”
Can an agent who doesn’t have any local experience still help you buy or sell a home?
Yes, because any competent agent can research a neighborhood and property values.
But agents who have at least some experience in the area you’re buying or selling in can offer valuable insights that other agents can’t.
They possess an attribute that can help them dig into local real estate market trends, pricing, and demand.
This trait gives them an advantage when recommending the right listing price to a seller — or when guiding a buyer on the ideal offer price.
It also increases the chances of them understanding the unique aspects of your area, which translates into knowing the current demand in your market.
And they’re also more likely to have a local network of other real estate professionals.
3. Problem solver
Going through the buying or selling process can be stressful.
That’s because many unexpected issues can arise in a real estate transaction.
So a good real estate agent needs to have the essential personality trait of problem-solving skills.
For example…
Suppose you’re selling and the home inspection turns up an issue that could jeopardize the deal.
And the buyer’s agent is inexperienced in knowing how to fix the problem.
A solution-oriented listing agent will jump into action.
That may mean getting a second opinion from a different inspector so the buyers feel comfortable.
Or finding a creative way to get the repair costs covered so your sale stays on track.
Another example is buying in a “hot” real estate market.
An agent with a problem-solving skillset is going to know how to give you an advantage in competitive market conditions.
They might get you in for an immediate viewing so you can submit an offer before other prospective buyers.
And they might make the right inquiries to the listing agent so they can extract important information that helps you include terms in your offer that are too good for the seller to pass up.
Here’s the point…
A real estate agent who is a problem solver has a rare analytical quality that makes them stand out from their peers.
4. Empathetic
The best agents take a compassion-driven approach.
How?
They listen first to understand your unique real estate needs.
Then they become a supportive ally, guiding you through the buying or selling journey with understanding, respect, and genuine care.
You might be emotionally attached to your home.
A real estate agent with empathy realizes it’s not just a piece of property to you.
So they’re going to be patient and support you through the decision-making process.
And they’re going to go the extra-mile and put in their maximum effort.
Because an empathetic Realtor gets it.
They understand the emotional challenges you’re facing and will reassure you to provide you with mental and emotional ease.
5. Integrity
The difference between an honest and dishonest agent can be tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s how…
Let’s say your house is listed on the market and you receive an offer from a buyer.
Your listing agent knows that the buyer is willing to pay more but advises against counter offering.
The reason?
They don’t want to put the deal at risk (aka lose their commission) –– even though it would easily net you a higher selling price.
This is why integrity is one of the most important qualities of a great real estate agent.
But not all agents can boast this key realtor trait.
The good ones can be uncovered by looking at the percentage of their sold listings where they acted as a dual agent (represented both the seller and buyer in the same real estate transaction).
If a Realtor has a lower percentage of these sales than other agents in your area, it’s a great sign that they have integrity.
Because it indicates that they don’t prioritize earning double commissions from one deal.
Instead, they’re focused on prioritizing their clients’ best interests.
6. Strong communicator
Good real estate agents do more than just keep you informed during your real estate journey.
They serve as your guide at every step.
And this guidance hinges on an essential trait: strong communication.
Poor communication can lead to financial loss, missed opportunities, and added stress.
While clear, timely correspondence can make the transaction smoother.
Here are the traits of a Realtor who excels in strong communication:
- Clarity and conciseness: They convey information in a straightforward manner — whether they’re explaining closing costs or local real estate market trends.
- Timeliness: They respond quickly, ideally within half a business day, and provide proactive updates so you’re always in the loop.
- Relevance: These agents share only information that’s beneficial to your buying or selling situation. They avoid overwhelming you with unnecessary details.
- Respect for your communication style: Good agents use your preferred channels (whether text, phone, or email) and adjust their approach based on the nature and urgency of the information being shared.
- Adaptability: They adjust their communication style to the situation, whether it’s a tense negotiation or a fast-paced bidding war.
7. Reputable
An excellent reputation is a sought-after characteristic of a real estate professional.
Why?
Because many buyers and sellers correlate an agent’s reputation with the level of service they can expect.
And rightfully so.
A reputable real estate agent will usually make you feel like a top priority.
These are the agents who have previous clients vouching for them with consistent positive feedback.
Such reviews can give you confidence that a Realtor is trustworthy — which can add an extra layer of security to your sale.
And that trustworthiness usually extends to the agent’s professional network, too.
Reputable agents often collaborate with equally top-notch professionals, like home inspectors, contractors, and mortgage brokers.
An agent’s reputation can also carry weight when it comes to making or receiving an offer.
Because a well-regarded agent adds more credibility, which increases the chances of a successful real estate transaction.
8. Skilled negotiator
You might think that a real estate agent just helps someone find or sell a property.
That’s what an average real estate agent will do.
But a good real estate agent possesses an essential quality to secure you the best price and terms.
They negotiate on your behalf as if your house is theirs.
This is an underrated agent characteristic because most people don’t understand the impact negotiating can have on their sale.
For example…
For buyers, your chances of getting an offer accepted for a price lower than a competing offer is much more likely when you’re working with an agent who excels in negotiating.
Agents with this attribute also know how to secure the best terms, such as an extended contingency period or a flexible move-in date.
For sellers, a Realtor with bargaining skills can put more money in your pocket compared to a Realtor who doesn’t carry this trait.
Because the good agents know what to say and when to say it during a negotiation.
This is especially important when the buyer is represented by an experienced real estate agent.
These are just a couple of examples of why being a skilled negotiator is a must-have quality of a good Realtor.
9. Reliable
Reliability should be a mandatory characteristic of any real estate agent.
Why?
Because this attribute can mean the difference between a smooth real estate transaction and a stressful one.
Whether you’re buying or selling, here’s what a reliable agent offers:
- Trustworthy advice: Agents with this quality ground their recommendations in data to help you make the best decisions.
- Efficiency: A dependable agent knows how to steer you toward a favorable outcome with minimal complications. For example, if you’re selling, your listing agent might suggest getting a pre-inspection to mitigate any unexpected issues and expedite your sale.
- Focus: A good Realtor saves you time when you’re navigating the real estate market. If you’re buying, for instance, your buyer’s agent will only show you homes that align with your objectives.
- Attention to detail. Reliable real estate agents catch even the smallest discrepancies, whether in a contract or during a home inspection. Their meticulousness safeguards your interests and can save you time and money.
10. Client-centric
Every agent says they put their clients first.
But not all real estate agents actually do.
That’s why a client-centric focus is one of the top attributes of a successful real estate agent.
What does this trait look like?
A Realtor who manages their workload to ensure that they can give enough time to your buying or selling journey.
Even if it means turning away new clients.
But one of the true signs of a good agent?
They won’t lock you into a contract.
Why does this matter?
Because an agent’s commission is essentially “guaranteed” once you agree to hire them in writing.
This can tempt agents to push your sale to the side while they focus their energy on getting their next client.
That’s why being tied down in a contract is one of the warning signs of a bad agent.
But an agent who’s willing to let you cancel your contract at any time is essentially risking their commission.
Because they know you could fire them at any point…
So they’re going to be motivated to work harder and prioritize your sale.
That’s the kind of agent you want by your side.
Final thoughts
Understanding which qualities define a good real estate agent is important because it allows you to zero in on the kind of professional you should work with.
Who exactly is that?
A skilled real estate agent who has good character and possesses the right attributes.
That’s what we call the real estate agent trifecta.
And that’s why knowing these key traits can guide you to choosing the right agent.
