When you buy a home, you are making one of the biggest investments of your life. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience smoother, faster and far less stressful. Many buyers tell me they did not realize how much guidance and protection a strong agent provides until they were in the middle of the process. If you are getting ready to buy a home in Harford County or the surrounding Maryland areas, here are the steps I recommend for choosing a realtor you can truly trust.
Start with Local Knowledge
Real estate is hyper local. You want someone who knows the neighborhoods, market trends, traffic patterns, and upcoming community developments. When interviewing agents, ask them how long they have worked in your area and what types of buyers they typically serve. A local Harford County agent can give you insight that online research simply cannot provide.
Check Reviews and Reputation
Online reviews can tell you a lot about how an agent cares for their clients. Check Google, Facebook, Zillow and Realtor.com. In today’s market, five star ratings are common, so the number alone does not tell you much. What matters is what people actually say. Read the comments and pay attention to themes around communication, negotiation and responsiveness. When those strengths show up again and again, it is a good sign you have found an agent who truly puts clients first. For more on this read; How do I find a reputable real estate agent with strong online presence?
Interview More Than One Agent
A short conversation can reveal a lot. Notice how well the agent listens and how clearly they explain their fees and the buying process. If they tell you the seller pays their fees, that is a sign they may not be upfront about how buyer agents are paid. In today’s market, fees are negotiated and structured in several ways, so your agent should be transparent about how compensation works and what you may be responsible for.
Pay attention to the details too. Did they show up on time? Did they present themselves professionally? You want someone who asks real questions about your goals instead of rushing you toward a decision. The right agent should feel like a knowledgeable advisor rather than a salesperson.
Confirm Their Experience and Track Record
Ask about their recent transactions and how often they work with buyers in your price range. It also helps to know whether they have solid experience representing both buyers and sellers. An agent who understands both sides of the transaction brings a deeper perspective to negotiations and can anticipate what the other side is likely thinking or planning. In a competitive market like ours, that kind of well rounded experience can help you avoid overpaying and stay protected through inspections, contingencies and contract terms.
Understand How They Communicate
Home buying moves quickly. Your agent should be easy to reach and comfortable using the communication style you prefer. Whether you like text, phone calls or email, make sure you choose someone who responds promptly and keeps you updated throughout the journey. It also helps to ask about their work hours. Real estate often requires evenings, weekends and quick turnarounds, so you want an agent who can be flexible when the right home hits the market. Another key factor is how well they communicate with other agents. Strong agent-to-agent communication can make showings smoother, offers stronger and negotiations more productive.
Review Their Buyer Services
Finding a house is the easy part. Most people can scroll through Zillow and spot homes they like without any help. The real value of a strong buyer agent shows up in everything that happens after that. A good agent does more than unlock doors. They help you understand market values, craft a competitive offer, guide you through inspections, negotiate repairs and manage the details with lenders and title companies. Ask the agent to walk you through the specific support they provide from start to finish so you know exactly what to expect.
Ask Them to Explain Their Fiduciary Duties
Your realtor has legal responsibilities to act in your best interest. This includes loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure and reasonable care throughout the transaction. Ask the agent to walk you through these duties in plain language so you know exactly how they are obligated to protect you. A trustworthy realtor will be transparent about how they uphold these responsibilities.
Make Sure You Feel Comfortable
Finally, trust your instincts. You will spend a lot of time with your realtor, so it should be someone who makes you feel understood and supported. You should never feel pressured or rushed. The right agent will make the process clear, manageable and even enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Choosing a trusted realtor is the first step to making it a positive experience. As a Harford County MD Realtor, I take pride in guiding buyers with honesty, local expertise and steady communication. If you ever want to talk through your goals or learn more about the home buying process here in Maryland, I am happy to help.