Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Choosing the right real estate agent is a crucial decision that can make or break your home-buying or selling experience. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, having the right expert by your side makes all the difference. At The Nickley Group, with over 45 experienced agents and an inside sales team, we’re here to help you find your perfect match.
Here’s your guide to choosing the right real estate agent and why The Nickley Group stands out as your best partner for any real estate journey.
1. Vet Agents at Open Houses
Want to see agents in action? Open houses are the perfect place to do just that. Agents are essentially auditioning for your business, and how they handle open houses tells you a lot about their style and expertise. Do they engage well with visitors? Do they explain the property details clearly and confidently? These interactions can give you a good sense of whether they’re attentive, approachable, and market-savvy.
Don’t be shy—ask questions about their understanding of the market. How do they think mortgage rates and home prices will shift? If an agent seems overly confident in predicting the future, that might be a red flag. A good agent should be realistic, grounded in data, and open about market uncertainties.
At The Nickley Group, our agents are always up-to-date with current trends. We provide honest, data-driven insights to help you make smart decisions.
2. Leverage Referrals, Reviews & Reputation to Find an Agent
Referrals from friends, family, or coworkers are some of the best ways to find a real estate agent you can trust. Ask those close to you if they had a great experience with their agent. Were they kept in the loop throughout the process? Did their agent foresee potential issues before they became problems? Did they feel supported from start to finish?
If you’re not getting strong recommendations from friends or family, head online. Platforms like Zillow or Google Reviews are great for finding agents with a strong track record. Look for agents with glowing reviews and a history of handling transactions similar to yours.
At The Nickley Group, we take pride in our reputation. Our proactive communication ensures that clients are fully informed at every stage of the process. We anticipate potential challenges and handle them before they escalate, giving our clients a smooth, stress-free experience.
3. Look for Local Expertise
Real estate is local—really local. The best agents don’t just know the general market; they know your specific neighborhood inside and out. This hyper-local knowledge is crucial whether you’re pricing a home to sell or determining the right offer to make on a property. Agents with deep expertise in your area can guide you on everything from property values to neighborhood trends.
Take a drive or walk around your target area and pay attention to which agents frequently list or sell homes there. Agents with repeat business in a specific neighborhood likely have a strong understanding of its market dynamics, which can give you a big advantage.
The Nickley Group’s agents are Orlando experts. Our deep knowledge of Central Florida’s neighborhoods means we can help you make confident, informed decisions based on current local trends.
4. Interview Agents & Match Communication Styles
Once you’ve identified a few agents, schedule interviews—yes, multiple. This is a huge decision, so don’t settle for the first person you meet. Think of these interviews as job interviews, where you’re the hiring manager. Ask about their experience, marketing strategies, and how they’ll communicate with you throughout the process.
It’s essential to find an agent whose communication style matches yours. Do you want frequent updates or only when there’s something major? Do you prefer phone calls, texts, or emails? Communication breakdowns can lead to frustration, so it’s critical that you and your agent are on the same page about how often you’ll talk and what to expect.
At The Nickley Group, we know every client is different. That’s why we tailor our approach to your unique needs, ensuring that you’re paired with an agent who aligns with your personality, communication preferences, and goals.
5. Consider Their Market Strategy
If you’re selling a home, your agent’s marketing strategy is going to play a huge role in how quickly—and for how much—your home sells. Ask agents how they plan to market your property. A great agent will have a clear, tailored plan that includes a mix of digital marketing, open houses, and networking with other agents. This could involve professional photography, online listings, social media promotions, and more.
At The Nickley Group, we leverage our extensive network, deep experience, and cutting-edge marketing tools to ensure your home gets the exposure it needs. From eye-catching professional photography to strategic online campaigns, we make sure your home stands out and attracts the right buyers. And our goal? To get you the best deal in the shortest time possible.
6. Look for Problem Solvers
Real estate transactions rarely go 100% according to plan. Maybe a buyer gets cold feet, or a home inspection uncovers unexpected issues. Whatever the challenge, you need an agent who is more than just a salesperson—they need to be a problem solver.
A great agent should be able to anticipate potential roadblocks and navigate through them without missing a beat. Whether it’s a tough negotiation, an unexpected repair, or a hiccup in the financing, your agent should be able to handle it all with ease.
If you’re looking to choose the right real estate agent, TNG has you covered. Our agents are trained to tackle any challenge that comes up, from pricing negotiations to repairs or buyer concerns. We’re here to guide you through every hurdle and ensure your transaction goes as smoothly as possible.
7. Find an Agent Who Listens
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many agents talk more than they listen. Real estate isn’t just about having the “gift of gab.” In fact, the best agents are the ones who can really listen. They take the time to understand your needs, concerns, and goals, and they tailor their approach to meet those expectations.
At The Nickley Group, we excel in listening. We make sure to fully understand your unique situation so we can deliver a tailored approach that’s aligned with your vision. You’re not just hiring someone to close deals—you’re hiring someone who truly understands your needs.
8. Clarify Expectations from the Start
Miscommunication is the enemy of a smooth real estate experience. That’s why it’s crucial to get on the same page with your agent right from the beginning. Discuss your timeline, your price goals, and your reasons for buying or selling. Be as clear as possible so your agent knows exactly what you expect.
At The Nickley Group, we believe in setting clear expectations from day one. We’ll go over everything in detail so that there are no surprises later on. Whether it’s about pricing, contract terms, or the number of showings, we make sure everything is laid out upfront to keep the process seamless.
9. Trust Experience and Reputation
Experience matters—especially in real estate. When you’re choosing an agent, make sure to check how long they’ve been in the business, what types of transactions they’ve handled, and whether they have a strong reputation in the industry. An agent with experience is more likely to handle the ups and downs of a real estate transaction with confidence and skill.
The Nickley Group has a proven track record, having helped over 4,000 families this year alone. Our agents are seasoned professionals who know the Central Florida market inside and out. With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, we’re committed to providing the best service possible.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to choose the right real estate agent doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips and partnering with a trusted team like The Nickley Group, you can ensure a smooth and successful real estate experience. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’re confident we can help you find the right fit for your unique needs. With over 45 agents and a dedicated inside sales team, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
