Real Estate Agents Near Me: What Do People Want Most?
May, 25 2025
If you think all real estate agents are the same, you couldn't be more wrong. One agent can make a home sale feel like a trip to the dentist, while another gets you to the closing table smiling. What sets the best ones apart? It usually comes down to trust, honesty, and actually listening to what you want. Nobody wants to spend weeks dealing with someone they don't click with or who pushes every decision just for a commission.
Here's the deal: the best agents aren’t just about selling homes, they’re about solving your problem. They have your back, answer your texts, and aren’t afraid to tell you when a house has mold in the basement—or when your price hopes are a fantasy. A good agent knows the difference between being “nice” and being real. If you feel like you can’t get a straight answer, or you’re getting the runaround, it’s a big red flag. You deserve someone with street smarts and actual hustle, not just a fancy suit.
- Trust Is Everything
- Communication Skills Matter
- Market Knowledge and Hustle
- Personalized Approach
- Negotiation – Not Just About Price
- Red Flags and Smart Picks
Trust Is Everything
You can’t fake trust. When choosing a real estate agent, people rank trust as the number one must-have, even over pricing skills. According to the National Association of Realtors 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers report, 93% of buyers said honesty and integrity were what drew them to their agent. That’s huge. If you don’t trust your agent, you’ll second-guess every move, from offer to inspection to closing.
People want real talk and transparency, not sugarcoating. Would you feel good if your agent withheld news about zoning problems or hid extra fees in paperwork? Definitely not. The best agents are upfront—even when the news isn’t what you want to hear. Here’s how you spot an agent worth trusting:
- They’re open about the home’s flaws, not just its selling points.
- They explain the entire process and never rush your decisions.
- They give honest opinions, even if it means walking away from a deal.
- They answer your calls and messages without playing hide-and-seek.
- They have real, recent reviews and can give you references if you ask.
It’s not just about feeling good, either. Check out the table below from a 2023 survey on why people ditch agents mid-process:
| Reason for Dropping Agent | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Lack of honesty or hidden fees | 37% |
| Poor communication | 28% |
| Too pushy / ignored preferences | 19% |
| Inexperienced or unprepared | 16% |
Notice how honesty beats out everything else? As Tom Ferry, one of the best-known real estate coaches today, puts it:
"Clients remember who had their back, not who made empty promises. Your reputation is your biggest asset in this business."
If you’re meeting with agents, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Transparency, reliability, and open communication are non-negotiable. Without trust, even the slickest marketing or big sales numbers won’t matter much.
Communication Skills Matter
There’s nothing worse than feeling left in the dark when you’re trying to buy or sell a house. Solid communication isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s the main thing people want when they search for a real estate agent near them. According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Realtors, 90% of buyers said good communication was the number one trait they needed from their agent. That’s not a small thing. If your agent leaves you hanging or uses a bunch of jargon, it’s frustrating and makes the whole process stressful.
Good agents break down what’s happening at each step. No cryptic emails, no ghosting, and definitely no avoiding tough questions. You need someone who responds quickly and speaks your language, not just industry talk. If you send a text or email and don’t get a reply within a day (unless they warned you first), that’s a sign they might not be a great fit.
- They give clear answers without “sales talk.”
- You’re never stuck guessing what happens next in the process.
- They keep you in the loop on showings, offers, and paperwork day by day.
- No info-dumping—just what you need, when you need it.
A great way to spot if an agent will keep up good communication? Ask them upfront how often you’ll get updates and what their preferred contact style is. If they dodge the question or seem annoyed, keep looking.
| Importance Level | % of Buyers |
|---|---|
| Extremely Important | 69% |
| Very Important | 21% |
| Somewhat Important | 8% |
| Not Important | 2% |
Clear communication makes everything easier—scheduling visits, understanding paperwork, or handling negotiations. It’s not just about talking, it’s about actually listening and delivering info you can use. If you’re wondering what separates a good agent from a mediocre one, communication lands near the very top.
Market Knowledge and Hustle
If you’re picking someone to guide you through one of the biggest moves in your life, you want them plugged into the market—really plugged in. It’s not enough for them to know last month’s average home price. They need to track what’s hot, what’s slowing, and what’s about to hit the market. Local updates, neighborhood price trends, and days-on-market stats shouldn’t be secrets. A sharp agent checks new listings every morning and knows which homes have hidden potential.
Take this: According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical US home spent just 20 days on the market in April 2024, way faster than the old average of 35 days back in 2019. That tells you buyers and sellers don't have time to waste—so neither can your agent. A lazy agent will recycle stale info, but one with hustle will spot deals and alert you before everyone else catches on.
Look for agents who:
- Show you market stats with proof, not just guesswork.
- Have recent experience closing homes in your zip code.
- Text and call with updates—often, not just when you nudge them.
- Can name-school districts, average sale prices, and local quirks off the top of their head.
Here’s a quick table showing how the market can differ just within a few miles. Agents who hustle, know this stuff—others just wing it:
| Neighborhood | Avg Days on Market | 2024 Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maplewood | 18 | $392,000 |
| Green Valley | 23 | $410,000 |
| Oakridge | 14 | $375,500 |
Picking a real estate agent with real hustle means you get the first shot at the best homes and you won’t get blindsided by sneaky market changes. It can put thousands in your pocket or make sure you don’t overpay in a bidding war. Don’t settle for someone just coasting until payday—go for someone who’s hungry and always in the know.
Personalized Approach
Every homebuyer and seller is dealing with unique stuff—kids, job changes, local schools, maybe even a tight moving timeline. A cookie-cutter agent who treats every deal the same way is going to drop the ball. People want an agent who puts in the effort to understand what actually matters to real estate agent clients, not just what’s on the MLS listing. Out of nearly 10,000 buyers polled by the National Association of Realtors in 2023, over 85% said responsiveness and tailoring advice to their life were key.
Here’s the thing: Your agent should ask about your budget, timeline, and reasons for moving before they show you a single house. They need to know if you care more about walkable neighborhoods or if you need a giant backyard for your dog. Personalized service isn’t just about sending you email listings—it’s about matching your goals with the right plan.
- First-time buyers often need way more guidance through paperwork and negotiations.
- Families might need insights on schools, parks, or commute times.
- Investors care a lot about neighborhood trends and rental demand.
When you meet an agent who pulls up recent sales in your block, knows about that new bakery down the street, or actually listens when you mention “no fixer-uppers,” that’s someone who gets it. Great agents even keep in touch months after closing, checking if you need anything or want market updates.
Here’s a quick look at what matters most to people, based on a recent survey:
| Personalized Service Factor | Buyers Who Value It |
|---|---|
| Quick responses to messages | 92% |
| Detailed knowledge of client needs | 86% |
| Adapts strategy on the fly | 70% |
| Follows up after closing | 61% |
If your agent is treating you like they’ve got all the time in the world or like you’re just number 27 this month, move on. You want someone who treats your home search (or sale) like it’s as important as their own.
Negotiation – Not Just About Price
Most people think negotiating in real estate is all about hammering down the price. Sure, that's a big chunk of it, but honestly, there’s more money on the table in the fine print than you might realize. A skilled real estate agent looks at the whole deal, not just the sticker price, and that's what really sets the pros apart.
Think about these real-life perks an agent can negotiate for you:
- Closing costs—sometimes sellers pitch in, which can save you thousands right away.
- Repairs—an agent with experience knows how to spot issues during inspections and push for repairs (or credits) before closing.
- Extras like appliances, furniture, or even early move-in dates—agents can get creative to meet your needs.
- Flexible timelines—moving dates and possession can often be adjusted, and a flexible deal can be just as valuable as shaving a few bucks off the price.
According to the National Association of Realtors 2024 report, 47% of successful homebuyers said their agent helped them secure non-cash perks or concessions on top of the main sale price. So, don’t just ask your agent how low they can get the price—ask what else they can put on the table for you.
| Negotiation Area | Potential Savings/Value | Frequency (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Seller-Paid Closing Costs | $2,000–$10,000 | 39% |
| Repair Credits | $1,500–$8,000 | 28% |
| Included Appliances | $1,000–$3,500 | 22% |
| Flexible Move-In Dates | Less Stress | 19% |
One thing to remember—your agent’s negotiation style has to fit your goals. Some agents go hard and chase every penny, while others work the relationships behind the scenes for smoother deals. Ask your agent about their approach, and make sure it matches what matters to you. In the long run, it’s not just about how much you pay, but how much hassle, time, and future costs you save.
Red Flags and Smart Picks
Choosing the right real estate agent can seriously affect your wallet and sanity. Not all agents are created equal, and some warning signs should put you on high alert from the start.
Watch out for these red flags:
- Won't give straight answers: If your questions get dodged or you hear a lot of "I'll have to get back to you" with no follow-up, keep looking.
- Pushy about signing fast: Some agents want you to sign contracts before you understand the details. Slow down if you feel pressured.
- No recent reviews or sketchy reputation: Google their name. If you find a bunch of upset clients, or no info at all, that’s not a good sign.
- Poor local knowledge: Ask questions about local schools, typical home prices, and recent sales nearby. An agent who fumbles the answers isn’t plugged into the area.
- Unavailable when you need them: You should hear back within a day, not a week. Radio silence is a red flag.
On the flip side, here’s how you spot an agent who’s worth your time:
- Bags of genuine, recent testimonials—especially from people in your ZIP code
- Explains the risks and realities, not just the perks
- Has sold or bought homes similar to yours in the last year
- Shares data about how long their properties typically stay on the market compared to the area average
- Keeps you updated without you chasing them
Curious how the top performers stack up? Here’s a quick data comparison from 2024 on what clients care about most when choosing an agent:
| Top Factor | % of Home Buyers Who Care |
|---|---|
| Trust & honesty | 87% |
| Local market knowledge | 71% |
| Quick, clear communication | 68% |
| Experience with similar homes | 54% |
| Negotiation skills | 47% |
One last tip: Don’t be afraid to interview a few “estate agents near me” before you commit. Ask them to explain a recent tough negotiation or a time a deal almost fell through. The right agent won’t dodge tough questions—and they’ll give you real answers you can trust.