How do I verify a real estate agent's license?

Every state has a real estate commission or licensing board with a public lookup tool. Search by name or license number to confirm an active license and check for any disciplinary actions. In most states, you can do this online in under two minutes.

How many homes should a good agent have sold in the last year?

A solid full-time agent closes 15-30 transactions per year. Agents below 8-10 transactions annually may lack the negotiation reps and market pulse you need. Above 50 and they might be running a team where you deal mostly with junior assistants.

Should I interview more than one agent before choosing?

Yes. Interview at least three agents. Ask each one the same questions so you can compare their market knowledge, communication style, and commission structure side by side. A good agent will welcome the comparison.

What's the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent?

All Realtors are licensed real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and agrees to follow their Code of Ethics. The title doesn't guarantee better performance, but it does add an accountability layer.

Can I switch agents after signing a contract?

It depends on your agreement. Exclusive buyer agency agreements typically run 3-6 months and may include an early termination clause. Read the contract before signing — many agents will agree to a 30-day trial period or a cancellation clause if you ask upfront.

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in 2026

April 16, 2026

Hiring a real estate agent is one of the highest-stakes decisions you'll make during a home purchase or sale. The right agent saves you tens of thousands of dollars and weeks of stress. The wrong one costs you both. Here's how to find a good one in 2026.

Start With Credentials, Not Recommendations

Referrals from friends and family are fine as a starting point, but they're not due diligence. Your coworker's agent might have been great for a $250,000 condo but completely out of their depth on a $700,000 single-family home in a different neighborhood.

Before you call anyone, verify these basics:

Active state license: Check your state's real estate commission website. Confirm the license is current and has no disciplinary actions.
Transaction volume: Ask how many transactions they closed in the last 12 months. A strong full-time agent closes 15-30 deals per year. Below 8-10 and they may lack the negotiation experience you need.
Specialization: An agent who primarily lists luxury condos downtown may not be the best choice for a suburban family home. Match the agent to your transaction type.

Evaluate Local Market Knowledge

Real estate is hyperlocal. An agent who dominates one ZIP code may know nothing about another one 15 minutes away. During your interview, test their knowledge:

What's the median sale price in this neighborhood over the last 6 months?
What's the average days-on-market for homes in my price range?
Are there any upcoming developments, zoning changes, or school redistricting that would affect property values?
What percentage of list price are homes actually selling for right now?

A knowledgeable agent answers these questions with specific numbers, not vague generalities. If they say "the market is hot" without citing data, move on.

Interview at Least Three Agents

This is non-negotiable. Interview a minimum of three agents and ask each one the same set of questions. You're comparing:

Communication style: Do they respond within a few hours? Do they explain things clearly? Are they pushy or patient?
Market strategy: For sellers, how will they price and market your home? For buyers, how will they find off-market deals and structure competitive offers?
Commission structure: What are they charging, and what does that include? In 2026, buyer's agent commissions are no longer automatically bundled with the listing — you need to understand who pays what.
Availability: Are they full-time? Do they work weekends? Will you be working with them directly or handed off to a team member?

Check Their Track Record

Ask every agent for their list-to-sale-price ratio. A strong listing agent consistently sells homes at 98-102% of list price. A strong buyer's agent gets their clients in at or below asking price in balanced markets.

Also ask for references — not testimonials on their website, but actual phone numbers of past clients you can call. Ask those clients:

Did the agent meet their estimated sale price or purchase budget?
How did they handle problems during the transaction?
Would you use them again?

Understand the Contract Before You Sign

In 2026, buyer-broker agreements are standard practice following NAR's settlement changes. Before signing:

Duration: Most agreements run 3-6 months. Ask for a shorter term (60-90 days) or a cancellation clause so you're not locked in.
Commission terms: Buyer's agent commissions now range from 2% to 3% of the purchase price, and they must be explicitly agreed upon in writing before the agent shows you homes.
Exclusivity: An exclusive agreement means you can't work with another agent simultaneously. A non-exclusive agreement gives you more flexibility but less commitment from the agent.

Read every line. If the agent rushes you past the contract, that tells you everything about how they'll handle the rest of the transaction.

Red Flags to Watch For

Dual agency: An agent representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction creates an inherent conflict of interest. Some states ban it outright. Avoid it if you can.
Pressure tactics: "You need to decide today" is almost never true. A good agent gives you information and space to decide.
Vague pricing: If they can't explain their commission structure clearly, that's a problem.
No online presence: In 2026, a competent agent has active listings on major platforms, a professional website, and reviews you can verify.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a real estate agent is a hiring decision. Treat it like one. Verify credentials, interview multiple candidates, check references, and read the contract. The 2-3 hours you spend upfront on this process can save you $10,000-$30,000 on a single transaction.

Use The Realtor Rankings to compare agents in your area by transaction history, specialization, and client reviews — all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a real estate agent's license?: Every state has a real estate commission or licensing board with a public lookup tool. Search by name or license number to confirm an active license and check for any disciplinary actions. In most states, you can do this online in under two minutes.
How many homes should a good agent have sold in the last year?: A solid full-time agent closes 15-30 transactions per year. Agents below 8-10 transactions annually may lack the negotiation reps and market pulse you need. Above 50 and they might be running a team where you deal mostly with junior assistants.
Should I interview more than one agent before choosing?: Yes. Interview at least three agents. Ask each one the same questions so you can compare their market knowledge, communication style, and commission structure side by side. A good agent will welcome the comparison.
What's the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent?: All Realtors are licensed real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and agrees to follow their Code of Ethics. The title doesn't guarantee better performance, but it does add an accountability layer.
Can I switch agents after signing a contract?: It depends on your agreement. Exclusive buyer agency agreements typically run 3-6 months and may include an early termination clause. Read the contract before signing — many agents will agree to a 30-day trial period or a cancellation clause if you ask upfront.