What To Look For in a Realtor When Selling Your Home in 2026

By Rick Andrews

Rick Andrews is a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry, specializing in the unique markets of Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina.

Selling your home in 2026 involves more than choosing a price and putting a sign in the yard. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right realtor to guide you through the process. The agent you choose directly affects how your home is marketed, how negotiations are handled, and how much you ultimately walk away with at closing.

I’ve seen many sellers focus heavily on price while overlooking the impact of representation. In one case, a seller chose the first agent they found online without checking reviews or understanding the agent’s local experience. The home was listed quickly but lacked a clear strategy, which left it on the market for months.

Once the seller switched to a local agent who understood the neighborhood and came prepared with a plan, a few adjustments were made, and the home sold within days. The difference wasn’t the home or the market. It was the guidance.

Here’s a quick guide for choosing your Realtor:

1. Recognize that not all agents work the same. Choosing the right realtor starts with recognizing that not all agents approach listings the same way. Some focus on speed and volume, while others focus on strategy, positioning, and results. Sellers who take the time to understand that difference are often the ones who see better outcomes.

2. Look for a hyperlocal expert. Real estate doesn’t operate as one big market. It works block by block, and pricing strategies can change from one street to the next. A single-family home won’t sell the same way a condo does, and buyer demand often depends on school zones, layout, and neighborhood trends.

Your agent should understand these micro markets and be able to explain what’s happening right now in your specific area. Don’t hesitate to ask how many homes they’ve sold in your zip code and what buyer demand looks like today. Clear, direct answers usually signal real experience.

3. Review their marketing game. In 2026, marketing plays a major role in how quickly and successfully a home sells. Most buyers see a listing online before they ever step inside, which makes first impressions critical. Your agent should come prepared with a digital-first marketing plan that includes video tours, social media promotion, email campaigns, and targeted advertising.

4. Invest in professional photos. Strong listing photos are a must, and tools like drone footage and 3D walkthroughs can help a home stand out when they’re used well. Reviewing an agent’s past listings will give you a good sense of the quality and consistency you can expect.

5. Ask for data, not just promises. Confidence alone won’t sell a home. Data matters. A strong agent backs up pricing recommendations with comparable sales, current market trends, and buyer behavior. They should also be able to explain how they attract qualified buyers and what the plan is if the home doesn’t sell within the first 30 days.

The best agents treat a listing as an active process, tracking results and adjusting strategy instead of waiting and hoping for the best.

Make sure the chemistry feels right. Selling a home involves ongoing communication and trust, especially when decisions affect a large financial outcome. Pay attention to how the agent listens, how clearly they explain the process, and how responsive they are. You’re not just hiring a salesperson. You’re hiring a guide.

Selling your home in 2026 doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right agent and a clear strategy, you can attract serious buyers, avoid unnecessary delays, and protect your final sale price. If you’re thinking about selling this year and have questions, feel free to call or text me at 706-896-8633 ** ** or email me at rick@callrickandrews.com.

I’m happy to walk you through your neighborhood, review your options, and help you choose the best approach for a successful sale.