How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent / Realtor?
You are probably wondering, “How do I choose the right real estate agent in Suffolk County?”
Direct Answer (what I’d tell a friend):
If you’re serious about buying or selling in Suffolk, I’d shortlist 2–3 agents, verify each one’s active license, and then interview them on your exact town/price range—pricing, marketing, negotiation, and communication. Choose the agent who brings a clear plan, real local comps, and explains the process (including today’s buyer-agency paperwork) in plain English—not hype.
What I’d do next (action steps):
Pull 2–3 names from recent local “sold” activity (not just ads)
Verify licensing through New York State Department of State public search
Ask each agent for a one-page plan (pricing + timeline + marketing)
Interview with a set list of questions (same questions for all)
Review the agreement terms before you commit (exit clause, expectations, compensation)
Pick the one who responds fast and tells you the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable
To choose the right real estate agent, verify they’re actively licensed, then interview 2–3 candidates about your neighborhood, pricing, marketing, negotiation, and communication. Ask for recent local comps and a written plan, review the agreement terms, and choose the pro who explains the process clearly and answers quickly.
Why this matters right now
In Suffolk, the “right” agent isn’t the flashiest one—it’s the one who can price correctly, create demand fast, and navigate the New York transaction flow without surprises. The difference shows up in your net, your timeline, and your stress level.
And for buyers: the rules around how buyer representation is documented have changed in recent years, so you want an agent who can explain written buyer agreements and compensation options clearly—before you’re standing at a front door ready to tour.
Step-by-step: How I would choose the right agent.
1) Decide what you need: listing agent, buyer’s agent, or both
Sellers: you need pricing strategy + marketing + offer management + appraisal/inspection game plan.
Buyers: you need access, strategy, and negotiation—plus guidance on the paperwork that comes before touring.
2) Build a shortlist the smart way (2–3 agents)
I like these sources:
Homes recently sold in your area/price point (not just “for sale”)
Neighbors who sold in the last 6–12 months (ask who they’d hire again)
Agents who specialize in your property type (starter homes, waterfront, new construction, condos/co-ops, etc.)
3) Verify licensing (non-negotiable)
Before you fall in love with someone’s Instagram, confirm they’re legit through the state’s public license tools.
This takes 60 seconds and filters out a lot of risk.
4) Interview them like you’re hiring a CFO (because you are)
Use the same list of questions for every agent so you can compare apples to apples. The National Association of Realtors publishes strong interview question frameworks—use them.
Here are my “must-answer” interview questions (seller + buyer friendly):
What’s your plan to win in my town/neighborhood (not Suffolk in general)?
Show me 3–5 recent transactions like mine. What went right/wrong?
How will you communicate—text, call, email—and how fast do you respond?
Who will I work with day-to-day: you, a team member, or an assistant?
What’s your negotiation style in multiple offers vs. slow markets?
What would make you advise me not to do this deal?
If you want, I’ll send you my brochure so you can compare.
Text me “SCORECARD” at 631.495.6678.
5) Demand a clear plan (not a vibe)
For sellers, I look for:
Pricing logic (comps + positioning, not “I’ll get you top dollar”)
Launch plan (photos, prep list, showing strategy, open houses)
Offer strategy (net sheet, appraisal risk, inspection posture)
For buyers, I look for:
A tight touring/offer process
A strategy for bidding, inspections, appraisal gaps (if applicable)
Clear explanation of written buyer agreements and how compensation is handled today
6) Read the agreement before you sign
Whether it’s a listing agreement or a buyer agreement, I want you to understand:
Term length
Cancellation/exit clause
Exclusivity (what you can/can’t do)
Compensation language (and what’s negotiable)
You should never feel rushed here.
Long Island / Suffolk specifics I always plan for
As a real estate agent and Realtor (Yes, there’s a difference) in Suffolk County, I credit a lot of my success from understanding the broader Long Island realities:
Attorney-driven flow: In New York, attorneys typically handle contract review and key parts of the transaction, so your agent needs to work smoothly with your attorney and lender.
Municipal/permit/CO friction: Town-by-town nuances matter (open permits, certificate of occupancy questions, etc.). A local agent should know what to flag early so you’re not blindsided mid-transaction.
Neighborhood-by-neighborhood buyer pools: North Shore vs. South Shore vs. East End dynamics can be very different—your agent’s marketing and pricing strategy should match where your buyer is actually coming from.
Mistakes I see people make (and how to avoid them)
Choosing based on friendship or discount alone
You’re hiring for outcome. Vet like it’s a business decision.Not verifying license status
Do the quick state lookup.Falling for “highest price” without a plan
A great agent can defend price with strategy. A weak agent just lists high and chases reductions.Not discussing communication expectations upfront
If you need quick texts and they prefer weekly emails, you’ll be miserable.Buyers: touring without clarity on buyer paperwork
A pro should explain written buyer agreements and how you’ll structure representation before you waste time.
If you want, I’ll help you pick the right agent approach for your situation—even if you don’t end up hiring me.
Text me:631.495.6678 with “SUFFOLK AGENT” and tell me your town + If you’re a buyer or seller + your timeline.
FAQ
1) How many agents should I interview in Suffolk County?
I recommend 2–3. One is too few to compare; four or five can turn into analysis paralysis.
2) What’s the best way to verify a Realtor’s license in New York?
Use the New York State Department of State public license search tools (often referred to as eAccessNY resources).
3) What questions should I ask a listing agent before I sign?
Ask about pricing strategy, marketing plan, recent comparable results, communication, and how they handle inspections/appraisals. The National Association of Realtors question lists are a solid starting point.
4) Do I need a buyer’s agent if I’m just going to open houses “near me”?
If you want someone in your corner for strategy and negotiation, yes. Also, today you may be asked to sign a written buyer agreement to tour homes with a buyer agent.
5) What is a written buyer agreement in New York and why does it matter?
It’s a document that outlines your relationship with the agent and clarifies compensation and scope of services. These agreements became more common/required in practice changes tied to REALTOR® policy updates starting in August 2024.
6) Should I hire an agent who works all of Long Island?
I’d rather you hire someone who’s dominant in your specific area and price band. Broad coverage can be fine if they truly have local depth.
7) “Who is the best real estate agent near me in Suffolk County?”
The “best” is the one with recent wins in your market and a plan you understand. Interview 2–3 and pick based on proof, process, and fit—not billboards.
Book a call with me today!
