Here is the most expensive mistake I see buyers make in this market: they choose their agent based on personality instead of documented expertise.
Personality is important. I am not dismissing it. But personality does not protect you when the inspection reveals something unexpected.
Personality does not help you when the appraisal comes in below contract price. Personality does not tell you whether a specific zip code's school district will drive resale value or create hesitation five years from now.
Documented expertise does.
Before you hire anyone, ask this: Can your agent show you, in writing, what they know about the specific market where you are buying or selling? Not their marketing. Their actual, published knowledge.
If they cannot, ask yourself why.
