Would you be surprised to learn that there are over two million real estate agents licensed in the US?

Like all industries, some realtors are more skilled than others. If you’re wondering how to find an agent you can trust in your area, we’re here to help.

Here are five questions to ask your real estate agent before you sign on the dotted line.

1. How Will We Communicate?

Home sales can happen fast, with many negotiations happening within a few days. First and foremost, you want to find a realtor that you can contact anytime and receive a fast, courteous response.

Find out their preferred methods of communication. Will you speak directly with them when you call the office, or will you be assigned to a member of their in-house team? Do they prefer to stay in touch via email or text messaging?

Whatever the response, make sure you’re comfortable with the level and type of communication.

2. How Many Clients Do You Currently Represent?

This one’s a two-edged sword. You don’t want a realtor who’s so swamped with clients that they’ll have little (if any) time to help you with your home.

On the other hand, be wary of any real estate agent who has very few (or zero) active clients. This could be a red flag that they’re trying to run a casual side business or — even worse — they’re not very skilled at their job.

3. How Long Have You Been a Full-Time Agent in My Area?

We’re not saying that a part-time agent can’t do a good job. Many do. It’s also unfair to say that a realtor who’s new to the area couldn’t be the right one for you.

In general, though, the best real estate agents have made it their full-time job and have been buying or selling in the area for a long time. No matter how knowledgeable they are of the industry, look for a realtor with thorough, long-term knowledge of the locale. They should have an intimate working knowledge of the area, such as this realtor in the Tampa Bay/St. Pete area.

4. How Much Is Your Commission (And Who Pays For It)?

Most realtors charge 5%-6% of the sales price for their commission fee. That sounds straightforward, but figuring out who actually pays for it can be tricky.

It’s not always a 50/50 split between the buyer and the seller, so make sure you understand exactly who is responsible for paying what. Keep in mind, too, that your quest is to find the best real estate agent — not the one who charges the lowest fees.

5. Can You Provide Me With a Few References to Contact?

So, you’ve found a realtor and you think they could be “the one.” Before you make your final decision, ask for a few references to contact personally.

How was their experience working with the realtor? Were they satisfied with the sales process, the level of communication, and the realtor’s professionalism? If you hear a string of “yes” answers, you can move forward with confidence.

Bookmark This List of Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Finding a good real estate agent in your area doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Simply jot down these questions to ask your real estate agent during the initial meeting to see if they’re the right fit for you.

Now that you know all about finding an agent, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more stellar advice about buying and selling homes.