How to Evaluate a Real Estate Agent's Track Record

29 August 2025

When you're buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. A skilled agent can help you get the best deal, negotiate like a pro, and make the entire process smoother. But how do you know if an agent is truly good at what they do? That's where evaluating their track record comes in.

A real estate agent's history tells you a lot about their expertise, experience, and ability to close deals successfully. Let's break down exactly how you can assess an agent's past performance to ensure you're making the right choice.

Why a Strong Track Record Matters

Think of hiring a real estate agent like choosing a pilot for your flight—you want someone experienced, reliable, and capable of handling turbulence when necessary. A strong track record gives you insight into an agent’s ability to finalize deals effectively, handle negotiations, and provide top-notch service.

An agent with a proven success rate is more likely to:

- Sell homes faster and at better prices
- Negotiate deals in your favor
- Have deep market knowledge
- Provide reliable advice based on past experiences

Now, let’s dive into the specific ways you can evaluate an agent’s track record.

1. Check Their Sales History

A real estate agent’s sales history is one of the clearest indicators of their performance. You can check this through online real estate databases, their personal website, or platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS listings.

What to Look For:

- Number of Transactions: How many homes have they sold in the past year? An active agent will have multiple successful sales.
- Sales Price Comparison: Are their homes selling close to the asking price? Agents with strong negotiation skills help sellers get the best price.
- Days on Market (DOM): How long do their listings take to sell? A shorter time on the market usually indicates an efficient and effective agent.

If an agent’s properties are consistently selling quickly and at favorable prices, that’s a great sign!

2. Read Client Testimonials and Reviews

Would you buy something on Amazon without looking at the reviews first? Probably not. The same rule applies when hiring a real estate agent.

Where to Find Reviews:

- Google My Business
- Zillow and Realtor.com
- Social media pages
- Personal recommendations from friends and family

Pay attention to what past clients are saying about their experience. Some key things to look for include:

✔️ Communication skills – Are they responsive and easy to work with?
✔️ Negotiation abilities – Did they help clients get the best deal?
✔️ Professionalism – Were they reliable and knowledgeable?

If an agent has consistent 5-star reviews and glowing testimonials, chances are they’re doing something right.

3. Evaluate Their Market Expertise

A great agent isn’t just good at selling homes—they also know the ins and outs of the local market. They should be able to tell you about recent market trends, pricing strategies, and neighborhood insights without hesitation.

How to Test Their Market Knowledge:

- Ask about average home prices in your area.
- See if they know about upcoming developments or community changes.
- Request their opinion on whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.

A top-tier agent should have these answers at their fingertips. If they seem unsure or vague, they may not be as knowledgeable as you need them to be.

4. Assess Their Marketing Strategies

Selling a home isn’t just about listing it—it’s about marketing it to the right buyers. A skilled real estate agent will have a solid plan for attracting attention to properties.

Signs of a Strong Marketing Strategy:

✅ High-quality photos and videos for listings
✅ Virtual tours and online promotion
✅ Active social media presence
✅ Networking with other real estate professionals

Ask the agent how they market homes. If they don’t have a clear strategy, that could be a red flag.

5. Review Their Professional Credentials

Not all real estate agents are created equal. The best ones often have additional certifications and memberships in professional organizations.

Check For:

- Licensed Realtor® Status – Being a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) means they follow a strict code of ethics.
- Certifications – Specialized training like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) can indicate higher expertise.
- Years in the Business – Experience matters! While newer agents can still be great, seasoned professionals often have refined skills.

A strong real estate agent should be continuously improving their skills and staying updated with industry trends.

6. Ask About Their Negotiation Skills

Real estate is all about negotiating—whether it's getting the best price for a seller or securing an ideal home for a buyer. A skilled negotiator can be the difference between a good deal and a great one.

Ask the agent:
- Can you share an example of how you successfully negotiated a deal?
- How do you handle competing offers?
- What strategies do you use to get sellers higher offers or buyers better deals?

An agent who can confidently answer these questions likely has strong negotiation skills that will benefit you.

7. Gauge Their Communication and Availability

Ever tried contacting someone and never heard back? Frustrating, right? You don’t want that experience with your real estate agent.

A great agent should be:
- Quick to respond to calls, emails, or texts
- Willing to answer all your questions patiently
- Proactive in keeping you updated about your transaction

If an agent is slow to communicate now, imagine how stressful that could be when you’re in the middle of an important deal!

8. Look at Their Network and Connections

Real estate is a team effort. A well-connected agent can introduce you to trusted mortgage lenders, home inspectors, contractors, and more.

Ask if they have connections with reputable professionals who can assist in the buying or selling process. The right network can save you time, money, and headaches.

9. Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

If you’re selling a home, a good agent should provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine your property’s value.

A CMA:
✔ Compares your home to similar recently sold properties
✔ Helps set a competitive asking price
✔ Shows market trends and pricing strategies

If the agent either doesn’t offer a CMA or provides an unclear one, that’s a sign they may not be the best fit.

10. Trust Your Gut Feeling

At the end of the day, data and track records are important, but so is your instinct. If an agent seems too pushy, uninterested, or not fully engaged, they might not be the right fit for you.

Ask yourself:
- Do I feel comfortable working with this person?
- Do they listen to my needs and preferences?
- Do they seem genuinely committed to helping me achieve my real estate goals?

If an agent checks all the boxes AND you feel confident in their abilities, you’ve likely found the right match!

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect real estate agent takes a little research, but it's worth the effort. By evaluating their sales history, reviews, market knowledge, marketing strategies, and negotiation skills, you can ensure you're working with a top-tier professional.

Remember—this is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t settle for anything less than the best.