Friendliness is easy to fake for a first meeting. Here’s what actually separates a strong agent from an average one.
They Know Recent Comps Cold, Not Just the Neighborhood
Ask about 3 recent comparable sales near a property you’re interested in. A strong agent can talk specifics: what sold, for how much, and why it’s or isn’t a good comp for your situation. A vague answer about “the market being hot” is a real warning sign.
They Respond Fast, Consistently, Not Just at First
The first few days of working together are always responsive. What matters is whether that holds up during a slow stretch or after you’ve already signed a listing agreement or a buyer representation agreement. Ask past clients specifically about responsiveness mid-transaction, not just at the start.
They Can Explain Their Negotiation Strategy, Not Just Their Results
Anyone can say they’re a strong negotiator. A good agent can walk you through how they’d actually approach a specific offer or counteroffer, and why. If you ask “how would you handle a multiple offer situation on this property” and get a real, specific answer, that’s a much better signal than a general claim about being tough.
They Tell You Things You Don’t Want to Hear
An agent who only tells you what you want to hear, that your home is worth more than it is, that a property has no real issues, isn’t doing their job. A good agent will tell you when your price expectation is unrealistic or when an inspection turned up something worth taking seriously, even when it’s an uncomfortable conversation.
Their License and Track Record Check Out
Verify their DRE license directly, and ask for specifics about recent closed transactions, not just a general sales pitch. A real track record with real addresses is easy to produce if it’s genuine.
If you’d like to see Efrat’s specific track record and ask her these exact questions directly, get in touch.