1. Available

You are going to need to have good and frequent communication with your agent. Therefore, it makes sense that your real estate professional should be available when you need them. It would benefit you to choose an agent that is working full-time in the field as opposed to a part-agent who may have other interests or responsibilities consuming their time.

2. Experienced

Knowledge is necessary (see #4), but experience is worth its weight in gold. Like most professions, there is a learning curve in real estate. More experience translates into better results for you—and the confidence of knowing you are in good hands.

3. Honest

This seems obvious but it is still worth mentioning. You want an agent who represents your best interests as a client and who is a trustworthy professional. This is your future you are putting in their hands. Dealing with an honest real agent is mandatory, and as the saying goes: integrity is everything.

4. Knowledgeable

Like any real professional, your real estate agent should be knowledgeable about their field and able to answer your questions or deal with any situation that arises. Make sure your real estate agent is licensed, obviously, but also up to date on the market and current real estate trends. They should also be an expert in the local landscape and real estate climate of the area you are interested in.

5. Personable

Your real estate agent is not only working with you but with others, along with a myriad of business professionals throughout the real estate process of buying and/or selling. You want to have someone who is personable and can skillfully deal with others, while also exhibiting excellent communication skills. You do not want any kind of barrier to exist that impedes or complicates the process. If you sense a personality conflict, it is best to follow your gut and choose someone more compatible to work with.

6. Proactive

The real estate market and business are extremely competitive. You want a proactive real estate agent who is actively pursuing your best interests. You want a go-getter with the ability to problem solve along the way, because there are always unknowns that arise in the process. You want a realtor who is ahead of the game and willing to be proactive as opposed to reactive to situations.

7. Professional

All real estate professionals may not be as professional as they claim to be. Be selective. You can tell a lot from a short conversation with a potential agent. Visit their website (most agents have one these days) and see what their presence conveys both online and in person. There is no room for unprofessionalism in a field that requires the utmost in high standards.

8. Reliable

There is nothing more frustrating than a person who says they are going to do something but then does not follow through. You need a realtor who is reliable. You should be able to count on them to meet their obligations in a timely manner, consistently do what they say they’re going to do, and be accountable for the services they say they’re going to provide. Anything less makes them unreliable and not a person you want to do business within this field or any other.

9. Reputable

Referrals are huge in the world of real estate. You want to choose someone who has good standing in the real estate community and with their clients. Word of mouth carries a lot of weight and should not be overlooked. It would not hurt to Google your agent’s name and see what comes up. If there are complaints or dissatisfaction, you should be informed in advance and before making your final decision when choosing your agent.

10. Tech-Savvy

In the world we live in, it is imperative that a real estate agent is savvy in the field of technology. That includes everything from your preferred method of communication (phone call, email, text) to the ability to market your property online with professional photos and descriptions. If an agent is behind the times in technology, it could negatively impact your buying or selling experience.