How to Choose the Best Realtor in Northeast Ohio: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and the realtor you choose can make or break your experience. A great real estate professional will guide you through every step, protect your interests, and help you achieve your goals with confidence.

But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the best realtor in [Your City] for your needs? Start by asking these seven essential questions before you commit.

1. How Well Do You Know the Market?

Local expertise matters. Your agent should know more than just the MLS — they should be able to tell you about school districts, commute times, upcoming developments, and neighborhood trends.

Pro Tip: Ask your agent how many homes they’ve sold in your target area in the past year. An experienced local agent can provide data-driven advice and help you avoid overpaying or underpricing your home.

2. How Do You Market Homes (or Find Off-Market Opportunities)?

In today’s competitive market, simply putting a sign in the yard isn’t enough. Sellers should look for an agent with a strong digital marketing strategy — including professional photography, social media promotion, and targeted online advertising.

If you’re buying, ask how your agent finds properties before they hit the market or helps you compete when there are multiple offers.

3. How Do You Communicate with Clients?

Fast, clear communication is critical when buying or selling a home. Find out how quickly the agent responds to calls and texts, what platforms they use (phone, email, text, video), and how they keep you updated throughout the process.

4. What Is Your Track Record?

Experience isn’t everything — but it matters. Ask for stats such as:

• Number of homes sold in the past 12 months

• Average days on market compared to the area average

• Average list-to-sale price ratio

This gives you insight into how effectively the agent represents clients.

5. How Do You Help Clients Save Money or Get Better Terms?

The best agents are skilled negotiators. Ask for examples of how they’ve helped clients get a better deal — whether that’s negotiating repairs, saving on closing costs, or crafting a winning offer in a multiple-offer situation.

6. Do You Work Solo or With a Team?

A solo agent can offer personalized attention, but a team often provides more support and availability. Teams may offer showing assistants, dedicated transaction coordinators, and marketing specialists — meaning fewer delays and a smoother process for you.

7. What Do Past Clients Say About You?

Reviews matter. Check the agent’s Google reviews, Zillow profile, or testimonials page. Look for consistency — do past clients mention great communication, strong negotiation skills, and a smooth process?

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right realtor can save you time, money, and stress. By asking these seven questions, you’ll find an agent who not only understands the [Your City] market but also has the experience, strategy, and dedication to help you succeed.

If you’re ready to buy or sell in [Your City], let’s talk. My team and I have helped hundreds of local families achieve their real estate goals — and we’d love to help you next.

📲 Schedule a Consultation or call/text me at 440-521-1704 to get started today.