How to Find a Good Property Agent

Finding a good property agent can make a world of difference in your real estate journey. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting a property, a reliable agent will guide you through the process, negotiate the best deals, and help avoid costly mistakes.

But with so many agents out there, how do you know who’s truly trustworthy and effective?

Let’s break it down with simple tips to help you find the right property agent.

Why You Need a Good Property Agent

Buying or selling property is a big decision — emotionally and financially. A good agent can:

Provide expert market advice
Connect you with legal and financial professionals
Manage showings and paperwork
Negotiate deals in your favor

Without the right help, you risk losing time, money, and peace of mind.

Step 1: Do Your Research Online

Start by searching online. Look up agents in your area and read reviews on platforms like:

PropertyGuru
99.co
Google Reviews
Facebook Pages

These platforms often feature ratings and customer feedback, which gives insight into the agent’s professionalism, communication style, and success rate.

Make a shortlist of 3–5 agents who have consistently positive reviews.

Step 2: Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is powerful. Ask family, friends, or colleagues if they’ve worked with any agents recently. Their firsthand experience will tell you more than an online ad ever could.

Ask questions like:

Were they responsive and helpful?
Did they push you or respect your decisions?
Did they help you get a good deal?

Personal referrals are often the most reliable way to find trustworthy agents.

Step 3: Check for Proper Licensing

Always verify if the agent is licensed with your country’s real estate authority. In Singapore, for example, property agents must be registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).

You can check this online by searching their registration number or name in the CEA public register.

Working with an unlicensed agent is risky — they might not follow ethical standards or provide legal protection.

Step 4: Interview the Agents

Once you have your shortlist, set up a meeting or video call with each agent.

Ask these questions:

How long have you been in the business?
Do you specialize in certain property types or districts?
What’s your average transaction time?
How will you market my property (if selling)?
Can you share past client success stories?

This will help you evaluate their expertise, experience, and confidence.

Step 5: Evaluate Communication Skills

A good property agent must be a strong communicator.

During your first chat, pay attention to how they respond:

Do they listen to your needs carefully?
Do they explain things clearly?
Are they easy to reach via phone, WhatsApp, or email?

You’ll be working closely with this person, so clear and prompt communication is key.

Step 6: Assess Local Market Knowledge

A top-notch agent will know the local market like the back of their hand.

They should be able to tell you:

The average price per square foot in your area
Upcoming developments nearby
What kind of properties are in demand
Recent transaction trends

Local expertise allows them to give accurate pricing advice and spot opportunities others might miss.

Step 7: Watch Out for Red Flags

While interviewing agents, be cautious of:

Agents who overpromise unrealistic prices
Those who pressure you to make quick decisions
Agents with vague answers or no portfolio
Poor follow-up or late replies

These are signs they may not be committed to serving your best interests.

Step 8: Understand Their Commission Terms

Before you commit, ask about their commission structure.

Typical real estate agent commissions vary by country and transaction type:

For sellers, agents often charge 2–3% of the sale price
For buyers, the seller usually pays the agent (but double-check)
For rentals, it could be half a month to a full month of rent

Make sure all fees are clearly stated in a written agreement.

Step 9: Ask for a Marketing Plan (For Sellers)

If you're selling a property, your agent should offer a clear marketing strategy.

Ask about:

Professional photography or video tours
Listings on high-traffic property websites
Open houses or private viewings
Social media or email campaigns

A good agent knows how to showcase your property to attract the right buyers.

Step 10: Trust Your Instinct

At the end of the day, your gut feeling matters.

You should feel comfortable and confident working with the agent. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to move on and find someone else.

Remember — this is a professional relationship. You deserve someone who respects your goals, works transparently, and puts your interests first.

Final Thoughts

Finding a good property agent takes a bit of effort upfront, but it’s worth it in the long run. A dedicated agent will help you navigate the complex property market with less stress and more confidence.

To recap: