How to find a good realtor

(Tips for Sellers in Ohio & Michigan)

Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial moves most people ever make. The difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a frustrating, stressful process often comes down to one thing: the Realtor you choose.

But not all agents are created equal. Some have years of experience, deep local knowledge, and strong negotiation skills. Others may be newer or less invested in your outcome.

So how do you find a good Realtor, one who truly works for your best interests? Let’s break it down step by step, with insights from the Ohio and Michigan housing markets in 2025.

1.   Why Choosing the Right Realtor Matters

A Realtor isn’t just a salesperson; they’re your advisor, negotiator, and project manager throughout the transaction.

A good Realtor can:

• Price your home correctly for the market
• Market your property to the widest buyer pool
• Manage showings, open houses, and paperwork
• Negotiate stronger offers and better terms
• Protect you legally and ethically

In Ohio and Michigan, where the markets have cooled in 2025, these skills matter even more. With homes taking 30+ days to sell in many areas, you want someone who knows how to create urgency and attract serious buyers.

2.   Start with Referrals and Reviews

The first step is often the simplest: ask around.

• Friends & Family: Who have they worked with? Would they hire that Realtor again?
• Past Clients: Good Realtors thrive on repeat and referral business, a strong indicator of trustworthiness.
• Online Reviews: Check Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google reviews. Look for consistent themes: professionalism, responsiveness, negotiation skills.

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, the state recommends reviewing an agent’s background, licensing, and references before committing.

3.    Verify Credentials and Experience

Not every licensed agent is a “Realtor.” A Realtor is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and follows a strict code of ethics.

Things to verify:

• License: Make sure they’re active with your state board (Ohio Division of Real Estate, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs).
• Specialties: Some focus on residential, some on luxury, others on investment properties. Pick one aligned with your needs.
• Experience: How many homes have they sold in your area in the last year?

In Michigan, agents must complete continuing education to keep licenses active, which means good Realtors stay up to date on laws and market trends.

Don’t just pick the first name you find. Interview at least two or three agents. Ask:

• How long have you been in real estate?
• How many transactions did you close last year?
• What’s your average list-to-sale price ratio?
• What’s your marketing plan for homes like mine?
• Do you work full-time in real estate?
• How quickly do you respond to calls/texts/emails?

Pay attention not just to answers, but to how they communicate. Are they clear, confident, and easy to understand? A Realtor you can’t communicate with will cause stress later.

5.  Look for Local Market Knowledge

Ohio and Michigan both have very diverse housing markets:

• In Columbus, Ohio, a downtown condo may require totally different pricing and staging than a suburban single-family home.
• In Detroit suburbs, neighborhoods can change in value dramatically just a few blocks apart.

A good Realtor knows these nuances: What sells quickly in your area

• What buyers are looking for right now
• Which pricing strategies attract multiple offers

They should be able to give you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) on the spot, showing recent sales and how your property stacks up.

6.  Understand Their Marketing Strategy

In 2025, marketing isn’t just sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard. A strong Realtor will:

• Use professional photography & videography
• Market on the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and local sites
• Promote on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok for younger buyers)
• Send email blasts to their buyer network
• Possibly host virtual tours or open houses

Ask to see examples of how they marketed past homes. A good Realtor should show you a polished portfolio.

7.  Evaluate Communication and Availability

One of the biggest complaints sellers have? “My Realtor didn’t communicate.”

Signs of a good communicator:

• Replies to calls/texts quickly
• Gives weekly updates on showings, buyer feedback, and market shifts
• Explains things in simple terms
• Proactively alerts you to potential issues

You’re hiring a partner, not just a salesperson. If they don’t feel responsive now, it won’t get better later.

8.  Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every agent is the right fit. Be cautious if:

• They overpromise pricing just to win your listing
• They’re vague about marketing strategy
• They push you to sign a long listing agreement without flexibility
• They can’t show proof of recent sales or references
• They seem too busy to focus on your listing

Trust your instincts: if something feels off, keep looking.

9.  Compare Commission, But Don’t Make It Everything

Yes, commission matters (usually 5–6%, split between listing and buyer agents). But focusing only on “who charges the least” can backfire.

A Realtor who charges a bit more but negotiates stronger offers, markets aggressively, and sells quickly may net you more money overall.

Think in terms of value, not just cost.

10.   Balance Realtor Options with Other Selling Paths

While Realtors often get you the highest net, sometimes your situation calls for alternatives:

• If you need to sell in a week or less, a Realtor may not be fast enough.
• Wholesalers and cash buyers can step in quickly, though usually at a discount.
• Hybrid approaches work too: list with a Realtor for 2–3 weeks, then pivot to a cash buyer if needed.

Knowing your options gives you confidence and lets you make a smart choice.

11.  How Kudyo Fits In

Kudyo isn’t a Realtor, and they’re upfront about that. Instead, they’re a direct cash homebuyer that:

• Buys homes as-is with no repairs
• Closes on your timeline (sometimes in days)
• Provides transparent pricing breakdowns
• Encourages you to talk with Realtors first, so you understand your options

That means Kudyo can be your safety net: interview Realtors, test the market, and if speed or convenience becomes more important than price, Kudyo can step in with a no-pressure cash offer.

Finding a good Realtor is about more than picking a name off a sign. It’s about choosing a trusted advisor who understands your market, communicates clearly, and has the skills to maximize your sale.

• Start with referrals and reviews
• Verify licenses and credentials
• Interview multiple agents
• Ask about marketing, communication, and results
• Watch out for red flags
• Remember: the right Realtor can mean thousands of dollars more in your pocket