5. Not Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent: Do Your Homework

Not Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent: Do Your Homework

Finding the right real estate agent is crucial—especially if you’re a first-time buyer or dealing with a complex situation like a low-down payment or selling a distressed property. The reality is that not all agents are equally experienced or trained. In some states, the only requirement to become a real estate agent is a short online course and a basic state exam. Just having a license doesn’t necessarily make someone skilled or knowledgeable.

Here’s the truth: about 90% of real estate transactions are handled by the top 10% of agents. That means a small percentage of agents are doing the majority of the business, while many others are far less experienced. This doesn’t mean they’re bad people—it just means they might not have the level of expertise you need.

To make sure you’re working with the right professional, don’t just rely on recommendations from friends or family—they may not know what makes a great agent either. 

Instead, ask potential agents about their experience:

  • How many transactions do they complete each year?
  • How long have they been in the business?
  • Can they Prove it by showing you their MLS or Realtor board ranking?

A broker typically has more experience and education than an agent, as they must pass additional exams to get their license. Verifying an agent’s track record and experience can help you feel confident in your choice.

We strongly encourage you to take the time to research and choose wisely. Real estate is a big investment—having the right guide makes all the difference.

At House Karma, we take the guesswork out of finding a great real estate agent. We’ve already done the hard part—vetting and verifying our partner agents to ensure they are among the most experienced and knowledgeable in their area. In fact, our agents consistently rank in the top 10% of all agents.

But we don’t stop there. House Karma also requires our partner agents to complete additional, extensive training—far beyond the industry standard. This means you can feel confident knowing that when you work with a House Karma agent, you’re working with a true expert who knows how to get the best results.