17 March 2025
Most people wouldn’t dream of buying a new phone, laptop, or even a toaster without spending time reading reviews, comparing features, and making sure they’re getting the best option for their money. Yet when it comes to one of life’s biggest financial decisions—buying a home—44% of buyers only interview one real estate agent before making their choice. That means nearly half of homebuyers are putting blind trust in someone who will guide them through one of the largest purchases they’ll ever make, without taking the time to compare their options. It’s a surprising contradiction. We research everyday purchases extensively, yet when it comes to finding the right professional to protect our biggest investment, too many buyers settle for convenience.
Your home purchase deserves more than a gut decision. The agent you choose will impact everything from how smoothly your home search goes to whether you end up overpaying, missing red flags, or making avoidable mistakes. That’s why it’s so important to look beyond convenience when selecting your buyer’s agent. Just because someone helped your coworker, is a friend of the family, or has their face on every bus stop in town doesn’t automatically mean they’re the right fit for you. A great agent isn’t just available—they should have experience working with first-time buyers, deep knowledge of the local market, and a communication style that makes you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
One of the best ways to ensure you’re making the right choice is to interview more than one agent. You wouldn’t hire the first contractor you call to remodel your kitchen without getting a second opinion, and the same logic applies here. A great agent should welcome the opportunity to be compared to others and should be able to confidently explain how they negotiate, how they handle tricky situations, and how they’ll help you find the right home at the right price. When meeting with an agent, ask them how they help first-time buyers navigate the process, how they handle negotiations, and how they communicate with clients throughout the home search and closing.
Another easy and non-committal way to interview agents is by visiting open houses. Open houses give you a chance to see agents in action—how they interact with visitors, how knowledgeable they are about the property and market, and whether their communication style makes you feel comfortable. You don’t have to be interested in the home itself; instead, use the opportunity to observe how the agent handles questions, whether they seem pushy or patient, and if they genuinely want to help buyers rather than just collect names. If an agent impresses you, it’s a great chance to strike up a conversation and see if they might be a good fit for your home search. It’s a no-pressure way to get a feel for different agents without the formality of scheduling an interview.
It’s also important to focus on expertise, not just personality. Of course, you want to work with someone you like and trust, but remember—you’re hiring a professional, not just making a new friend. A strong agent will guide you through the process without making you feel overwhelmed, explain contracts and negotiations in a way that makes sense, and have a network of trusted lenders, inspectors, and other professionals to support you. They’ll also stay on top of market trends to ensure you’re making a smart investment. The right agent will give you confidence in every decision, not just be someone you text when a cute house pops up on Zillow.
Beyond knowledge and skill, the best agents are advocates, not salespeople. Some agents focus on closing deals. The right one will focus on you—your budget, your needs, and your long-term goals. They’ll help you stick to your budget, point out red flags in homes that might not be obvious to you, and be upfront about market conditions so you can make an informed decision. If an agent pressures you to make an offer quickly or seems more focused on the sale than your best interests, that’s a red flag.
Buying a home is a huge milestone, and the right agent will make all the difference in whether it’s a smooth, exciting journey or a stressful, confusing one. Don’t rush the decision. Take the time to compare, interview, and choose someone who truly has your back. If you’re looking for a local, knowledgeable, and experienced buyer’s agent in Bel Air, MD, let’s connect! I’d love the chance for an interview.
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