You want someone who knows the area well and can give honest advice. Good communication is also important. You should not feel like you are chasing your agent for updates.

Look for someone who listens to what you actually want, not just someone trying to close a deal quickly. Experience matters, but so does how comfortable you feel working with them.

At the end of the day, you want an agent you trust to guide you and look out for your best interest.

In most cases, agents are paid through a commission based on the final selling price of the property.

If you are selling, this fee is agreed on before listing your property and is paid once the sale is completed. The commission is usually shared between the agents involved in the transaction.

If you are buying, you typically do not pay the agent directly since the commission is usually covered by the seller.

I always explain the costs clearly from the start so you know exactly what to expect.