Choosing an Agent
How to Pick a Real Estate Agent
A practical, no-nonsense guide to choosing the right real estate agent — what to look for, what to ask, and the red flags that should make you walk away.
Start with track record, not personality
Everyone is friendly at the listing appointment. What matters is results. Ask how many homes the agent has sold in your area in the last year, their average days on market, and their list-to-sale price ratio. A great agent will have these numbers ready.
Local beats national, every time
An agent who works your specific market knows which streets hold value, which school boundary a home actually falls in, and what a fair price looks like block by block. A national portal or an out-of-town agent simply can't match that. In a market like Lima and West Central Ohio, that local knowledge is the whole game.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How many homes have you sold in my area in the past 12 months?
- What is your average days on market and list-to-sale price ratio?
- How will you market my home (or find me the right one)?
- How will we communicate, and how fast do you respond?
- Can I talk to two or three recent clients?
Red flags to watch for
- They suggest a list price way above the comps just to win your listing.
- They're vague about fees or pressure you to sign on the spot.
- They're hard to reach during the interview — it only gets worse later.
- They have no real local sales to point to.
Why experience matters most
Deals rarely go perfectly. Appraisal gaps, inspection surprises, financing hiccups, title issues — an experienced agent has seen them all and knows how to keep your deal together. That's where 25 years in one market pays for itself.
Frequently asked
How many agents should I interview?
Two or three is plenty. Compare their local track record, marketing plan, pricing rationale, and how responsive they are. Pick the one who backs up their claims with real numbers — not the one who simply quotes the highest list price.
Should I pick the agent who suggests the highest price?
No. Overpricing to win a listing is one of the oldest tricks in the business. A home that sits overpriced goes stale and often sells for less than it would have at the right price. Choose the agent with the most defensible pricing, not the highest number.
Talk to a local expert
Jeff Dulmage and the LV5 Real Estate Team have helped 1,000+ families across West Central Ohio. Get straight answers for your situation — no pressure.