How Do You Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent?

Finding a reliable real estate agent comes down to five things: verify their license is active and in good standing, look at how many transactions they've actually closed, read independently posted reviews, interview at least two or three agents, and understand exactly how they'll be paid before signing anything. The right agent saves you time, money, and stress. The wrong one can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

Here's how to do it the right way.

1. Verify the license is active

Every real estate agent in the U.S. must hold an active state-issued license. In Virginia, licenses are issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), and you can verify any agent's status for free at dpor.virginia.gov using the license lookup tool. In other states, your state's real estate commission or licensing board offers the same service.

You'll see the license type (salesperson or broker), the expiration date, and any disciplinary history. If a license is expired, inactive, or shows formal discipline, that's a hard stop.

One distinction worth knowing: not every licensed agent is a "Realtor." A Realtor® is a member of the National Association of Realtors and agrees to a code of ethics on top of state law. Both are legal to work with — the Realtor designation simply adds a layer of professional accountability.

2. Look at transactions closed, not just years licensed

Years in business matters less than deals actually closed. An agent licensed for ten years who closes four homes a year has roughly the same hands-on experience as a busy first-year agent.

Ask directly:

• How many homes did you close last year?

• How many in my price range or neighborhood?

• Do you mostly represent sellers, buyers, or both?

Specialty matters too. Selling a luxury waterfront home, buying with a VA loan, navigating a military PCS, or making your first purchase each call for different experience. Ask whether the agent's typical clients look like you.

"In 441 closings, I've watched buyers walk into deals with agents who'd never handled a multiple-offer situation, never negotiated a repair credit, never seen a title issue. When something goes sideways at hour 48 of due diligence — and something always does — experience is what gets the deal across the finish line." — John King

3. Read reviews on independent platforms

Look beyond the agent's own website. Check Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp. Look for two things: volume (a pattern of consistent five-star reviews over time, not a flurry from last week) and substance (do reviews mention specific situations, communication, and results — or are they vague?).

The strongest signal isn't how an agent performs when a deal is easy. It's how they handle the difficult moments — and good reviews show that.

4. Interview two or three agents before signing

Don't hire the first person you meet. A short conversation tells you more than any website can.

Questions worth asking:

• What's your strategy for selling my home (or finding the right one)?

• How will you communicate, and how often?

• Will I work with you directly, or with a team member?

• What happens if I'm not satisfied? Can I cancel the agreement?

• How do you handle multiple offers and negotiation?

Pay attention to how they answer. Specific or vague? Listening or scripted? A good agent gives straight answers, not pressure.

5. Understand the written agreement

As of August 17, 2024, under rules from the National Association of Realtors settlement, buyers working with MLS-participating agents must sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring any home. The agreement clearly states how the agent will be paid and how much.

Sellers also sign a listing agreement — that's not new, but both agreements must now conspicuously state that commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. Buyer agent compensation is no longer advertised on the MLS; it's negotiated separately, and a seller may or may not offer to pay it.

What this means for you:

• Read the agreement before you sign — ask questions on anything unclear.

• Know the term length and how to cancel if the relationship isn't working.

• Don't assume any commission rate is "standard." Everything is negotiable.

This isn't a reason to avoid signing. It's a reason to understand what you're signing.

Red flags to walk away from

• Pressure to sign on the spot or "before you talk to anyone else"

• Vague answers about license status or transactions closed

• No written marketing plan (sellers) or search strategy (buyers)

• Guarantees that sound too good — "I'll definitely get you 20% over asking"

• An agent who only tells you what you want to hear

"My rule is simple: speak truth, even when it's not what someone wants to hear. That's what protects clients in negotiation. An agent who can't give you straight talk in the interview won't give it to you when it costs you money, either." — John King

The bottom line

A reliable agent is licensed, experienced, transparent about fees, and willing to give you real answers — not a sales pitch. Spend an hour verifying, interviewing, and comparing before you sign. That hour is the cheapest insurance you'll buy in the entire transaction.

About the Author

John King is a Navy veteran and licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty, serving Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Known for straightforward approach and market expertise.

📞 757-270-3994 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.757King.com

Curious what your home is worth in today's market? Get a free home valuation and find out where you stand.

Related guides from John King

• About John King

• The 13-year Hampton Roads sales study (441 closings)

Written by John King, Navy veteran & REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty · (757) 270-3994 · About John

Curious how this works in practice? See an honest number on what your home is worth, and browse my full set of Hampton Roads area guides.