An agent is an agent is an agent… right?

There’s really no difference between them, so just go with the cheapest one—right?

Not so fast.

Here are four key differences between real estate agents that can either make or break your bank account—in no particular order.

1. Their Reputation in the Industry

Does everyone hate your agent? Do they have a reputation for being difficult, unprofessional, or just plain unpleasant to work with?

This matters—a lot.

When agents negotiate deals, relationships play a role. If your agent is known and respected in the community, it can lead to smoother transactions, better negotiations, and ultimately, a more favorable outcome for you. Sometimes, real estate isn’t just about what you know—it’s who you know.

2. Their Communication Skills

Do they never get back to you?

Look, I get it—no one should be glued to their phone 24/7. But in today’s world, with smartphones in every pocket, there’s zero excuse for an agent who regularly fails to respond.

How long do you think a buyer is going to wait for your agent to call them back? Probably 0.01 seconds.

A great agent picks up when they can and calls back ASAP when they can’t.

3. Real Experience (Not Just Years on a License)

I’m not talking about the agent who says, “I’ve been licensed for 30 years, therefore I’m better.”

That’s just an appeal to job tenure, not actual skill.

You can hold a license for decades and still be terrible.

When I say experience, I mean experience selling a LOT of homes. That kind of experience means:

• They’ve seen deals go sideways and know how to protect you.
• They’ve handled tough situations and kept clients out of trouble.
• They’ve worked through hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars in transactions and know how to get deals done right.

If an agent has been around for years and sells a high volume of homes, chances are they’re actually good at what they do.

4. How Much They Care

Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling houses—it’s about changing lives.

This job comes with serious responsibilities, and the right agent doesn’t just handle transactions—they genuinely care about their clients.

Beyond being professional, responsive, and experienced, your Realtor should give a damn about you, your family, and your future. They should care enough to do their absolute best—because these decisions have real, lasting consequences.

Is That Too Much to Ask?

I don’t think so.

When choosing an agent, look beyond the price tag. The right agent can be the difference between a smooth, successful transaction… or a financial nightmare.