Buying or selling a house is one of the biggest financial decisions a person will ever make. The right agent can make the process smooth and successful, while the wrong one can lead to costly mistakes—potentially losing a dream house or missing out on thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. A great agent brings market expertise, strong negotiation skills, and a client-first mindset to the table. Thinking about hiring an agent? Here are four signs of a great agent in East Hanover and Morris County.
Has Experience in Your Property Type
Signs of a great agent go beyond just having a real estate license—experience and market knowledge matter. Just as a used car salesman differs from a Tesla specialist, real estate agents have varying levels of expertise with different property types. Yet, many buyers and sellers overlook an agent’s specific experience. Before hiring, ask about recent sales or research their transactions on platforms like Zillow. Look at how many properties they’ve sold in the past year, their price ranges, and the types of homes they specialize in. While some agents have years of experience, others may be newer but backed by a knowledgeable mentor.
A busy agent is actively engaged in the market and understands current trends. Agents with recent transactions have firsthand knowledge of whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, allowing them to give better advice. Reviewing an agent’s sales history can also reveal their approach, negotiation skills, and ability to navigate today’s housing market effectively. When choosing an agent, experience, market awareness, and a proven track record are key indicators of success.
Provides Options Based on Professional Insight
A great agent doesn’t give one idea. Great agents look at market data to help determine a top and bottom price range based on the house size, quality, and amenities. Great agents have ideas on how to improve selling prices based on simple fixes or expensive overhauls and will give you details to help you decide if the investment is worth it.
Great buyer’s agents listen to the buyer’s wish list and help find properties that meet as many needs and wants while remaining in the budget. They also help educate buyers based on realistic market expectations and encourage buyers to get pre-approved for loans so they can move quickly.
Follows Up Promptly
Great agents respond to clients. In this day and age, everyone has cell phones and is accessible. Of course, agents have a right to enjoy time off as well, but within reason during business hours, great agents respond quickly. If an agent doesn’t answer immediately, they call back. If unavailable, they offer a secondary contact such as an assistant or a business partner.
Prompt communication is essential in real estate. Properties come onto the market constantly and offers are being written all the time. Once in the escrow process, great agents constantly help clients understand timelines and the influx of information coming at them.
A Rolodex of Resources
Great agents have resources for clients. Resources might include referrals to mortgage lenders or the ability to get a variety of home inspections done quickly through contractors they trust. Great agents offer resources but don’t require clients use their resources; it’s always the client’s choice.
Signs of a great agent go beyond handling transactions—they act as a trusted resource long after the deal is closed. A top-tier agent doesn’t just assist with buying or selling; they provide valuable connections to local professionals who can help homeowners settle in smoothly. Whether it’s recommending landscapers, handymen, contractors, or even local service providers like cleaners, painters, and movers, a great agent has a network of reliable experts at their fingertips. They understand that a house isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in a community. Finding an agent who offers these extra resources can make all the difference in creating a seamless transition to a new home.
