How to Spot a Great Real Estate Agent (Before You Hire One)

Not all real estate agents are created equal.
If you’re buying or selling a home in North Carolina, working with the right agent can be the difference between a smooth, stress-free closing — and a total nightmare.

I’m Tiffany Webber, real estate attorney near Lake Norman. I’ve closed thousands of transactions alongside thousands of agents, and I’ve seen firsthand what separates the great ones from the rest.

Here’s exactly how to spot a top-tier real estate agent before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Excellent Communication (It’s Non-Negotiable)

A great agent doesn’t just communicate well with you — they communicate with everyone involved:

• Lenders

• Inspectors

• Surveyors

• Attorneys

• Other agents

At Thomas & Webber, we see the chaos that happens when important information isn’t shared in time. Late invoices, missing documents, last-minute surprises — they can all delay closing day.

Pro Tip:
If an agent keeps you updated without you having to chase them down, you’re working with a pro.

2. Deep Market Knowledge

Especially if you’re buying a home in Lake Norman, your agent needs to know the local quirks:

• What’s the 760 line on Lake Norman properties?

• Can you build within 50 feet of the water?

• Are there special exceptions for older lots?

If your agent can’t answer these questions confidently, it could cost you thousands — or kill your dream home plans.

Pro Tip for Agents:
If you’re new to an area, shadow experienced agents and work closely with closing attorneys to get up to speed fast.

3. Attention to Detail

Real estate is all about the details:

• Setting realistic closing dates

• Ensuring the client is physically available to sign

• Reviewing closing statements for errors before the closing table

A great agent sweats the small stuff, because in real estate, small mistakes create big problems.

4. Honesty and Transparency (Even When It’s Tough)

It’s easy to tell clients what they want to hear.
But a truly great agent tells clients what they need to hear — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Whether it’s about pricing a home realistically or navigating tough inspection reports, honesty upfront prevents disasters later (trust me — I see what happens when honesty is avoided).

5. A Strong Reputation

Anyone can look great during the first meeting.
But agents with a strong reputation have proven themselves over hundreds of deals.

If an agent consistently delivers results, protects their clients, and maintains good relationships in the industry — that’s someone you can trust.

6. A Solid Network

Top agents have a trusted network ready to go:

• Home inspectors

• Handymen

• Surveyors

• Lenders

• Real estate attorneys

This network makes your transaction smoother — because these professionals have worked together before, and they know how to get things done.

Note:
If an agent is newer and building their network, that’s not a dealbreaker. But it’s something to ask about when choosing who to work with.

7. Proactive Problem Solving

Every real estate deal hits bumps. Great agents don’t just point out problems — they offer solutions.

Example:
If the inspection can’t happen before the due diligence period expires, a great agent will either:

• Find another inspector who can move faster, or

• Negotiate for an extension.

They don’t wait for problems to explode — they spot them early and make a plan.

Ready to Work with the Best?

Whether you’re an agent who checks all these boxes — or a client looking for a smooth closing — Thomas & Webber is here to help.

We work with the best agents around Lake Norman, Mooresville, Huntersville, and Denver, NC — and we’d love to help you too.

👉 Send your contract to [email protected] and let’s get your transaction across the finish line!