Let’s get one thing straight: buying or selling a home is not like ordering brunch. It’s more like elective surgery you hope to never repeat, and you want someone with real experience, steady hands, and great bedside manner. So why is it that so many people pick their agent like they’re picking a brunch spot? (“My cousin just got her license!”)
We’re not trying to yuck anyone’s yum, but when it comes to one of the biggest financial decisions of your life? You want someone who’s not just likable, but lethal in the negotiation room. Someone who gets the emotional stuff and the math. Someone who doesn’t flinch when your appraisal comes in low and the roof suddenly needs replacing. You know, a pro.
This post is your behind-the-scenes guide for how to interview a real estate agent, like your financial future depends on it. (Because it kinda does.)
FIRST THINGS FIRST: DON’T BE SHY
We love when clients come prepared. Got a list of questions on your Notes app? Whip it out. Want to stalk our reviews before the first call? Go off. We’ll wait.
The best clients we’ve worked with have done their homework. They’ve asked about our volume (we do enough to stay sharp, but not so much we forget your dog’s name). They’ve asked about negotiation style (collaborative when we can be, bulldog when we have to be). They’ve asked what systems we have in place (hi, we have an email for everything).
If we were buying or selling right now, here’s what we’d ask any agent:
- How many deals do you do a year?
- What’s your communication style?
- How do you handle multiple offers or inspection issues?
- How do you prep your clients? (Are you answering questions before they ask them?)
- Who else is on your team?
- Can I read your reviews? (Yes, and please do.)
If you are upgrading from your starter home or finally stepping into that dream layout you’ve had saved on Pinterest, check out what $800K–$1M really gets you in Portland in 2025. It might help you level-set your expectations before the first showing.
RED FLAGS? WE GOT ‘EM
We’ve seen a few things. And while we’re not naming names, we are here to help you dodge the duds.
🚩 They’re the listing agent AND want to represent you. If someone suggests you’ll have a better chance at getting the house if they “do both sides,” be cautious. That can quickly blur the lines of who’s really advocating for you.
🚩 Agents who say “yes” to everything. A good agent tells you the truth, not what you want to hear. We will absolutely tell you not to buy a house if we know it’s a bad investment. (And yes, it’s awkward. And no, we won’t sugarcoat it.)
🚩 Agents with no online presence or sketchy reviews. Not everyone needs to have five stars (although we do, just saying ¯\(ツ)/¯), but pay attention to the patterns. Are people consistently saying they felt ignored, misinformed, or unprepared? That matters.
🚩 No systems, no structure. If it feels chaotic during your first convo, it’s not going to get more organized once you’re under contract. We’ve built our business around systems that prioritize transparency, communication, and you never having to ask, “What happens next?”
GREEN FLAGS (A.K.A. HOW TO SPOT THE GOOD ONES)
- They ask questions about your lifestyle and goals (not just your preapproval).
- They’re upfront about how they work.
- They can explain comps, inspections, timelines, tax implications, and market trends in human language.
- They talk about values. (Yes, it matters. Do you know where your agent stands on issues that matter to you? Do they see you as a transaction or a whole person?)
- They make you feel smarter and more relaxed.
Bonus points if they love a spreadsheet. Just saying.
REAL TALK: YOU’RE NOT JUST HIRING AN AGENT. YOU’RE BUILDING YOUR FINANCIAL TEAM.
We’re not just handing you a cute keychain and calling it a day. We’re part of your financial ecosystem. That means we collaborate with your accountant, your lender, your financial planner, and sometimes your therapist (jk, but not really). We see the big picture and help you navigate all the pieces.
We’re going to know a lot about your life. Are you planning to have kids soon? Want to retire early? Need room for a side hustle or a second dog? That’s all relevant. We’re not trying to be nosy. We’re just really into helping people buy homes they won’t regret in three years. And if that next home needs to be pup-friendly, you might enjoy this read on sniffing out the perfect home for your dog.
And if you’re buying? You’ll probably get to know Maria. She’s a huge part of our team and leads many of our buyer relationships these days, especially as we help more people relocate or navigate the Portland market for the first time. I’m still here every step of the way, making sure strategy, negotiations, and major milestones all stay on point. You’re not just hiring a person. You’re hiring a team that’s dialed in, collaborative, and fully in your corner.
MARIA SAYS: TRUST YOUR GUT, BUT ALSO YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH
“You know when someone’s energy just feels off? That’s real. But also, check their receipts. Look at their recent listings. Read reviews. Ask how they’ll advocate for you when things get hard. Buying a house is vulnerable! You deserve someone who’s not just good at the job, but aligned with your values.”
(And if you want to talk Philly cheesesteaks vs. Portland sandwiches while you tour homes? Maria’s always down.)
TL;DR: CHOOSE THE REALTOR WHO CHOOSES YOU BACK
Look, this is personal. Whether you’re buying or selling, your agent should get you. They should care about your goals, your boundaries, your budget, and be damn good at what they do. They should tell you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear.
So take your time. Ask the questions. Vet your people. And if you’re ready to talk next steps (or just want to see if we’re a match), we’re always happy to chat.
xo,
Lauren & Maria
