How do I choose the best real estate agent for me? | Insider Guide

If you’ve asked yourself, how do I choose the best real estate agent for me?, you’re not alone—and you’re already asking the right question. This isn’t a decision to wing or rush. When you’re about to make one of the largest financial choices of your life, the guidance you choose can either maximize your outcome—or quietly drain your potential behind the scenes. That’s why this guide offers real, actionable tips for choosing a real estate agent, not fluff, not clichés. Just what works.

With years of teaching real estate agents nationwide, I’ve seen it all—what gets buyers to the closing table with confidence, and what quietly derails a deal. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty. My job isn’t to hand you a business card and smile. It’s to give you clarity in an industry full of noise—and to make your next move your best one yet.

Let’s walk through how to do that—together.

TLDR: How Do I Choose the Best Real Estate Agent for Me?

1. The right agent makes all the difference—Robbie English and his team bring unmatched strategy, deep market insight, and decades of expertise to your advantage.
2. Don’t settle for surface-level credentials—dig into education, experience, and ask the tough questions most buyers don’t.
3. Robbie isn’t just any REALTOR—he’s a national instructor and speaker who trains other agents across the country on how to do it right.
4. Avoid decision fatigue—learn what actually matters when selecting your real estate professional, not just who paid for the most online ads.
5. Get a competitive edge—Robbie’s expert guidance at Uncommon Realty puts you in the best possible position from offer to close.

Understand What You Actually Need

You aren’t just looking for someone to open doors and email you listings. If that’s what you think an agent does, you’ve already missed the mark.

The best real estate agent for you will dig deeper into your goals, your timeline, and your negotiating position. They’ll educate you. They’ll challenge you to think ahead. They’ll keep your risk low without missing out on the homes that truly match your vision.

So, how do I choose the best real estate agent for me? Start by identifying what success looks like for you. Then find the professional who knows how to get you there—and isn’t afraid to tell you when your expectations need a reality check or a strategic adjustment.

Don’t Rely on Popularity—Look for Mastery

One of the most dangerous assumptions buyers make is that online reviews or star ratings reflect true skill. They don’t.

Many real estate agents you’ll find online are running on momentum or marketing money. But that doesn’t mean they’re sharp negotiators, seasoned strategists, or invested in the outcome of your deal.

Instead of choosing the name with the biggest billboard or most polished website, ask deeper questions:

• What continuing education have they completed?
• Do they teach other agents?
• Can they walk you through a recent tough deal they handled successfully?

That’s the difference between someone who “sells homes” and someone who masters real estate for the betterment of their clients. That’s where I come in. I don’t just close homes—I train professionals across the country how to do it right, and I bring that expertise to my own clients every single day.

Have the Hard Conversations Up Front

Want the fastest way to tell if an agent is the right one? Don’t talk about houses. Talk about the problems.

Ask them:

• What could go wrong during my purchase and how do you prepare for that?
• What’s your role in protecting me contractually?
• What’s your plan if I face a multiple-offer situation?
• How would you handle appraisal shortfalls, inspection issues, or tricky sellers?

If they gloss over these questions or pivot the conversation to “don’t worry, I’ll take care of you,” that’s a red flag.

You deserve real answers from someone who has already navigated these storms—and brought their clients out ahead.

Interview With Intention, Not Just Curiosity

You should absolutely talk to more than one agent—but not just for comparison’s sake. Approach it like a business interview.

If someone’s going to help guide your largest purchase, you should care how they operate under pressure, how they stay current on contracts and laws, and how well they advocate when the stakes rise.

Be direct. Ask them what they’ve done to stay educated in the last 12 months. Ask how they approach negotiation strategy—and not just “we’ll try to get you a good deal,” but how.

These are the kinds of questions I love getting asked—because I’ve built my practice around being able to answer them.

Dig Into Experience That Actually Matters

Years in the business alone don’t mean much if they’ve spent those years doing things the wrong way.

I’ve spent decades immersed in real estate, but not just as a practitioner—I’ve led, taught, spoken nationally, and advised agents across the country. I know what’s outdated, what’s risky, and what works in today’s market because I teach those insights every week.

That’s the kind of experience that should work for you—not just sit on a résumé.

Make Sure They Know the Terrain, Not Just the Tools

There’s a huge difference between someone who knows how to search for homes, and someone who knows where to look.

Your agent should have a finger on the pulse of neighborhood dynamics, local inventory, and off-market opportunities. They should understand how zoning changes, school boundaries, or local infrastructure projects might affect your long-term value or resale prospects.

At Uncommon Realty, my team and I don’t just monitor trends—we anticipate them. When we guide clients through a transaction, we’re looking five steps ahead, not just reacting to what’s in the MLS.

Credentials Aren’t Optional

Always verify an agent’s license—but don’t stop there. Ask if they’re a REALTOR (yes, that’s different than just having a license). Ask if they’ve received any disciplinary action or complaints. You have a right to know who you’re dealing with.  You can easily check out their education history, disciplinary records, and more at https://www.trec.texas.gov/

What about designations, certifications, or leadership roles in the industry? Those things aren’t just résumé boosters—they tell you whether this person is committed to their craft or coasting on old habits.

I’ve never believed in coasting. That’s why I’ve committed to teaching others how to elevate their practice—and why I continue to invest in mine.

Prioritize Strategy Over Friendliness

A personable, friendly agent is nice. But that won’t matter much if they can’t write a solid offer, spot contract loopholes, or negotiate effectively.

You need someone who can be calm, confident, and direct when it counts—especially when emotions get high or timelines get tight.

I’m approachable, yes. But more importantly, I’m strategic. That’s what my clients rely on, and that’s what keeps their deals on track while others fall apart.

Past Clients Tell the Real Story

Don’t just look at testimonials—talk to past clients directly. Ask what surprised them during the process. Ask if they’d work with the agent again without hesitation. Ask what didn’t go as planned and how the agent handled it.

My clients will tell you this: I don’t disappear after a contract is signed. I stay involved, I communicate clearly, and I don’t shy away from the hard parts of the process. That’s what separates a real estate partner from just another name on a business card.

Why Robbie English and His Team Are the Right Choice

Here’s the reality: when you’re wondering how do I choose the best real estate agent for me, you’re not just looking for help—you’re looking for someone who can give you an edge.

That’s where I come in.

As a Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, I lead a team built on excellence, precision, and results. I’ve spent decades in the trenches of real estate, and I’ve invested that experience into helping clients win—because I know what’s at stake.

I’m also a national real estate instructor and speaker, which means I stay ahead of the curve, both in legal education and strategic practice. And I bring that knowledge directly to my clients every single day.

From the first conversation to the closing table, I’m hands-on. You’re not passed off to an assistant or left guessing your next step. You get real-time guidance from someone who has made it their mission to master this industry—and help you benefit from that mastery.

So if you’re serious about doing this right—and doing it well—I’m here to help.

Final Thoughts

There’s no magic formula, but there is a right way to go about finding the right person to guide you.

Start with the real questions, trust your instincts, and don’t settle for someone who just checks the boxes. Look for someone who challenges you, educates you, and has a track record of real results.

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, buying a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a strategy, and the agent you choose should know how to play it well.

When you’re ready to move forward with confidence, clarity, and a distinct competitive edge—reach out.

Robbie English and his expert team at Uncommon Realty are ready to help you turn uncertainty into action and opportunity into results.

You’ve asked how do I choose the best real estate agent for me?
Now you know. Let’s get started.