3 Things to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Topeka
Buying or selling a home is a big decision. Here's how to find a real estate agent you can trust to guide you through the process.
Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying or selling a home.
For most people, real estate is one of the largest financial transactions they'll ever be involved in. And the person you choose to represent you can have a significant impact on your experience, the decisions you make, and ultimately the outcome of your transaction.
I've always believed that real estate is about much more than houses. It's about people, relationships, and helping clients navigate some of life's biggest decisions.
That's why I think it's so important to take your time when deciding who to work with.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling a property you've lived in for years, or making your next move in the Topeka area, there are three things I'd encourage you to look for when choosing a real estate agent.
1. Reviews and recommendations from past clients
The first thing I'd recommend doing when researching a real estate agent is looking at what their past clients have to say.
Reviews can tell you a lot about how an agent communicates, handles challenges, and treats the people they work with.
After all, anyone can tell you they're a great real estate agent. Hearing it from someone who has actually worked with them carries a little more weight.
Start with personal referrals
One of the best ways to find a trustworthy real estate agent is by asking people you already know.
Talk to friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors who have recently bought or sold a home.
Ask them who they worked with and what their experience was like.
Did their agent communicate well? Were they available when questions came up? Did they feel supported throughout the transaction?
Those firsthand experiences can be incredibly valuable when deciding who you want representing you.
Read online reviews
Another great place to start is by looking at online reviews.
Search for the agent on Google, Facebook, or other real estate platforms and spend a little time reading through what previous clients have shared.
Don't just look at the number of five-star reviews. Pay attention to what people are actually saying.
Are there consistent comments about communication, professionalism, negotiation, or attention to detail?
And if you come across a negative review, don't automatically write the agent off. Read it carefully and consider how the agent responded, if they did.
Ultimately, you're looking for someone with a history of providing the kind of experience you'd want for yourself.
If you'd like to see what clients have shared about working with us, you can read our Armbruster Team testimonials.
2. A strong online presence and marketing strategy
The second thing I'd encourage you to consider is the agent's online presence.
Today, so much of the homebuying and selling process begins online. Buyers are searching for homes, researching neighborhoods, comparing agents, and exploring listings long before they ever schedule a showing.
Because of that, I think it's important for real estate agents to understand how to effectively use digital tools and marketing.
Can you find them online?
Start by searching for the agent's name.
Do they have a professional website? Are they active on social media? Can you find information about their experience, listings, and approach to real estate?
A strong online presence can help you get a better sense of who they are and how they conduct their business.
You can often learn quite a bit about an agent before ever picking up the phone.
For sellers, marketing matters
If you're planning to sell your home, this is especially important.
One of the biggest questions you should ask a potential listing agent is how they plan to market your property.
Will they use professional photography? How will they present the home online? Do they have an established audience? What strategies will they use to help your listing reach potential buyers?
Simply putting a home in the MLS is an important part of the process, but I believe a thoughtful marketing plan should go beyond that.
Every home is different, and your agent should be able to explain how they plan to position your property in the market.
For buyers, technology can make the process easier
A strong online presence isn't just important for sellers.
Buyers can also benefit from an agent who uses technology to communicate, share listings, organize showings, and keep everyone informed throughout the transaction.
That doesn't mean an agent without a large social media following can't do a great job. Experience, knowledge, and service matter far more than follower counts.
But I do think it's worth asking how an agent uses the tools available to better serve their clients.
You can explore more about our approach through the Armbruster Team website, Facebook page, or Instagram.
3. Personality, communication, and trust
This might be the most important factor of all.
When you're buying or selling a home, you're going to spend a lot of time communicating with your real estate agent.
You'll be asking questions, discussing finances, navigating inspections, negotiating contracts, and making decisions that can have a lasting impact on your life.
You need someone you feel comfortable talking to and someone you trust to give you good advice, even when that advice isn't necessarily what you want to hear.
Find someone who listens
A good real estate agent should take the time to understand your goals.
If you're buying, they should want to know what matters most to you in a home, what your budget looks like, and what your long-term plans might be.
If you're selling, they should understand your timeline, priorities, and expectations before developing a strategy.
In my opinion, the best relationships in real estate start with listening.
Communication makes a difference
Real estate transactions can move quickly, and unexpected situations sometimes come up.
When that happens, you want an agent who's responsive, communicates clearly, and helps you understand your options.
You shouldn't feel like you're constantly chasing down your agent for updates or wondering what's happening next.
Before hiring someone, ask how they typically communicate and how often you can expect to hear from them.
Make sure you're comfortable working together
At the end of the day, real estate is a relationship business.
You don't have to become best friends with your agent, but you should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and having honest conversations.
I'd encourage you to have a conversation with any agent you're considering before making a commitment.
Sometimes a simple phone call or coffee meeting can tell you more than anything you'll find online.
Questions to ask before hiring a real estate agent
Once you've narrowed down your options, I'd recommend asking a few questions before deciding who to work with.
Here are some that can help you get a better understanding of their experience and approach:
- How long have you been working in real estate?
- How familiar are you with the Topeka market and the neighborhoods I'm considering?
- How do you communicate with clients throughout a transaction?
- What does your process look like for buyers or sellers?
- How do you handle negotiations and unexpected challenges?
- If I'm selling, what is your marketing strategy?
- Will I work directly with you or with other members of your team?
- What services do you provide, and how is your compensation structured?
- Can you share references or testimonials from past clients?
There's no single right answer to every question, but the conversation should help you determine whether the agent is a good fit.
And remember, you should never feel pressured into signing an agreement you don't understand. Ask questions about the services, duration, compensation, and terms before making a commitment.
What makes a great real estate agent?
There are plenty of talented real estate agents in Topeka, and I don't believe there's only one right person for every buyer or seller.
Different people value different things, and that's okay.
But I do believe the best agents combine local knowledge, strong communication, and a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
Look for an agent who...
- Has positive feedback from past clients
- Understands the local market
- Communicates clearly and consistently
- Explains the process and your options
- Has a thoughtful marketing or home search strategy
- Prioritizes your goals
Be cautious if an agent...
- Pressures you to make decisions
- Won't clearly explain their fees or agreements
- Makes promises they can't support
- Struggles to answer basic questions
- Doesn't listen to your priorities
- Is consistently difficult to reach
Remember, the agent with the most listings or the largest social media following isn't automatically the best choice for your situation.
The right agent is someone whose experience, approach, and personality align with what you need.
Final thoughts
Choosing a real estate agent isn't a decision I'd encourage anyone to take lightly.
Buying or selling a home is a big milestone, and you deserve to have someone in your corner who genuinely cares about helping you make the best decisions for your situation.
For me, real estate has never been just about buying and selling houses. It's about the people I get to meet, the relationships built along the way, and the opportunity to walk alongside clients through some of life's biggest decisions.
That's what makes this career so rewarding.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Topeka, I'd love the opportunity to sit down, learn more about your goals, and see if we'd be a good fit to work together.
Even if you're just beginning to explore your options, I'm always happy to have a conversation.
FAQ about choosing a real estate agent in Topeka
How do I choose a good real estate agent in Topeka?
Start by researching reviews, asking friends and family for recommendations, and interviewing agents. Look for someone with local market knowledge, strong communication skills, and an approach that fits your goals.
Should I interview multiple real estate agents?
Yes. Speaking with more than one agent can help you compare experience, communication styles, marketing strategies, and services before deciding who to hire.
What should I ask a REALTOR before hiring them?
Ask about their experience, familiarity with your market, communication process, negotiation approach, services, compensation, and how they handle challenges during a transaction.
Do online reviews matter when choosing an agent?
Online reviews can provide useful insight into past client experiences. Look for consistent themes in the feedback, but consider reviews alongside personal referrals, interviews, and other information.
Does a real estate agent need to have social media?
No. A strong social media presence isn't required to be an effective agent. However, an agent's digital marketing strategy may be especially relevant if you're selling a home and want to understand how the property will be promoted.
How much does it cost to hire a real estate agent?
Real estate compensation is negotiable and depends on the services and agreement involved. Before signing a representation or listing agreement, ask your agent to explain the compensation terms and any obligations you may have.
Can I change real estate agents if I'm unhappy?
Possibly. Your options depend on whether you've signed a representation agreement and what its terms require. Review the agreement and discuss any concerns with your agent or their supervising broker before making changes.
