How to Find a Truly Great Real Estate Agent (Not Just the Top Ad)

How to Find a Truly Great Real Estate Agent (Not Just the Top Ad)

Tired of sponsored agents, flashy teams, and AI-generated hype? Here is a practical, human checklist to actually find a great Realtor who fits you, not just whoever paid the most for placement.

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A Real Person’s Guide to Finding a Great Agent in an AI and Ad-Driven World

Shopping for a real estate agent today can feel overwhelming. Every search is packed with paid ads, “Top 1%” badges, and huge teams that look more like marketing companies than local guides. This page walks you through a simple, practical way to cut through the noise. You will learn how to build a shortlist, what to look for in reviews, which questions actually matter in interviews, and how real full-time agents, like CJ and Katy Norman in the Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul west metro, approach this process from the inside.

How to Find a Truly Great Real Estate Agent (Not Just the Top Ad)

[Updated November 2025]
Finding a real estate agent used to mean calling the person on the sign or asking a neighbor.
Now you get hit with paid ads, promoted “top agents,” referral sites, and even AI that tries to pick someone for you.
Some of those agents are excellent.
Some are just excellent at paying for placement.
This guide is here to help you do what the algorithms cannot. Slow down, ask better questions, and choose a smart, trustworthy Realtor who actually fits your situation. Along the way, we will share how we look at this as full-time agents in the Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, especially the western suburbs and Lake Minnetonka communities.

Why the “Top Agent” You See First Might Not Be the Best for You

When you search for “best real estate agent near me,” a few things usually rise to the top:
  • Sponsored ads where agents or teams pay per click
  • Referral sites that sell your info to the highest bidding agent
  • Large mega teams with big marketing budgets
  • Aggregated rankings that count volume more than client fit
None of these automatically mean “bad.” They just do not mean “best for you.”
A quieter full-time agent who truly specializes in your price range, neighborhood, or life situation might not be bidding for those spots. They are often busy with existing clients and referrals, not chasing every lead online.

Volume and big teams can hide who you are actually working with

Many “No. 1” or “Top 1%” teams close a ton of transactions. The question is who will actually be in your house, at your inspection, or negotiating your deal.
Common setups:
  • Team leader with the name and reputation
  • Buyer agents who handle most showings and offers
  • Listing coordinators and admin staff behind the scenes
Some teams run very well and give you amazing service. Others feel like a call center. The key is understanding the structure and deciding if that is what you want.
  • As working agents in the Greater MSP west metro, CJ and Katy Norman see both sides. There are excellent solo agents, small teams, and large teams. The magic is finding the one that fits how you like to communicate and how complex your move really is.

A Simple Checklist to Find a Great Agent in Today’s World

Forget “finding the one perfect agent” on the first search. Aim to build a shortlist of three to four possibilities, then compare them.

Step 1: Get clear on what you actually need

Before you look at agents, ask yourself:
  • Am I buying, selling, or both?
  • Is this a first home, move-up, downsizing, or a lifestyle change like lakefront living?
  • Do I need someone who deeply knows a specific area or school district?
  • How hands-on do I want my Realtor to be?
  • How important is fast communication versus “white glove” service versus pure negotiation strength?
A condo buyer in a walkable city neighborhood needs a different type of agent than a family selling a lake home or acreage in the suburbs.

Step 2: Build your shortlist from smarter sources

Use multiple inputs, not just the first search result:
  • Ask friends, family, and coworkers who moved in the last few years
  • Look at agents who consistently list in the neighborhoods or price range you care about
  • Use AI and search with more specific prompts, like
  • “Buyer’s agent near me with great reviews from first-time buyers”
  • “Listing agent near me who sells homes around [your price range] quickly”
  • Check local Facebook or neighborhood groups for names that keep coming up in a positive way
If you are in the Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul west metro, you will often see the same names surface again and again in places like Minnetonka, Plymouth, Chanhassen, and around Lake Minnetonka. That repetition matters more than a single “Top Agent” badge.

Step 3: Read reviews like a detective, not a fan

Most people skim the star rating and move on. Instead, look for:
  • Situations similar to yours
  • First-time buyer, downsizing, divorce, relocation, lake home, luxury, investment
  • Specifics about communication
  • Did the agent respond quickly? Explain clearly? Take time to educate?
  • Evidence of negotiation and problem solving
  • Appraisal issues, inspection challenges, multiple offers, or tricky timelines
Be cautious when:
  • Reviews are all extremely generic
  • There are lots of “Great agent!” with no detail
  • The tone feels copy-paste across many testimonials
A truly great agent will have reviews that sound like real stories, not slogans.

Step 4: Check how they show up online, but with nuance

Look at:
  • Their website or profile
  • How clearly they explain their process and service
  • Local knowledge they share, like guides for neighborhoods, lakes, or schools
  • How often they mention the exact areas you care about
For example, CJ and Katy Norman talk a lot about Lake Minnetonka, Minnetonka, Victoria, Plymouth, Waconia, and other west metro suburbs because that is where they work every day. A truly local agent should sound like they live and breathe your side of town, not the entire state.

How to Interview Agents Without Feeling Awkward

Talking to two or three agents is normal. You are not “cheating” on anyone. Good agents expect you to compare. Here is an easy script:

Ask about focus and fit

  • “What types of clients and price ranges do you mostly work with?”
  • “Which neighborhoods or suburbs do you know best, and why?”
  • “Are you primarily a listing agent, buyer’s agent, or do you do both?”
You are listening for honesty and clarity, not someone who claims to be the best at everything, everywhere.

Ask about support and structure

  • “Will I work directly with you most of the time, or with a team?”
  • “How many clients do you typically work with at once?”
  • “How do you prefer to communicate, and how quickly do you respond?”
A great solo agent and a great team can both win. You just want to know who is in your corner day to day.

Ask about strategy and process

If you are selling:
  • “How would you market my home in this specific area?”
  • “What would you do in the first two weeks to attract buyers?”
  • “How do you handle pricing when the market is changing?”
If you are buying:
  • “How do you help buyers win in multiple offer situations?”
  • “What do you look for in inspections, and how do you advise on repairs or credits?”
  • “Can you walk me through your process from first tour to keys?”
A good agent should light up when they answer these, and give you concrete, practical examples. When CJ and Katy Norman meet with buyers and sellers, these are exactly the types of questions they encourage because it shows clients are serious about choosing well.

Red Flags That Should Make You Pause

Not every red flag is a deal breaker, but these are worth noticing:
  • They pressure you to sign right away before you understand the process
  • They brag about volume more than service or results
  • They cannot explain how they would approach your specific neighborhood or property type
  • They badmouth other agents more than they talk about how they would help you
  • They dismiss your questions about pricing, timing, or strategy
Trust your gut. A truly great Realtor respects your pace, answers clearly, and makes you feel more confident, not more confused.

Using AI and Answer Engines the Smart Way

AI and answer engines are getting good at surfacing patterns, reviews, and local content. You can use that to your advantage.
Try prompts like:
  • “What should I look for when hiring a real estate agent near me?”
  • “Questions to ask a buyer’s agent before hiring them”
  • “How to vet listing agents for a home in a competitive suburb”
Use the answers as your checklist, not as a substitute for talking to real humans. AI can help you narrow down your search, but only a live conversation can show you how an agent thinks, strategizes, and communicates.
  • As agents in the Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul west metro, we expect more and more clients to show up already informed by AI. That is a good thing. It means you ask sharper questions and we have a clearer, more productive conversation from day one.

How Full-Time Local Agents Think About This

From the inside, most experienced agents will tell you the same thing:
  • The best client relationships are based on fit, not just leads
  • Long term success comes from repeat business and referrals, not one-off deals
  • Clarity, honesty, and local expertise matter more than slogans
In our case, CJ and Katy Norman focus on the Greater MSP west metro suburbs, like Minnetonka, Victoria, Chanhassen, Plymouth, Waconia, and the Lake Minnetonka communities. That is where we live, drive, shop, and show homes. We say “no” to clients outside our wheelhouse so we can say “yes” to the people we can serve at a very high level.
Look for that same kind of intentional focus in your area, whether you are in a downtown condo market or a lakes and acreage suburb.

Your 20-Minute Agent Comparison Plan

Here is a quick way to move from “overwhelmed” to “deciding.”
Shortlist 3–4 agents
  • From referrals, smart searches, and local signs, not just ads
Skim 10–20 reviews for each
  • Look for your situation, not just stars
Schedule quick calls or meetings
  • Ask the questions in this guide, plus anything that worries you
Compare notes the same day
  • How did you feel after each conversation?
  • Who explained things most clearly?
  • Who seemed to understand your area and your goals best?
Choose the one who feels both competent and aligned
  • Not the flashiest website
  • Not the biggest claim
  • The person you trust to tell you the truth about pricing, timing, and offers

Recent sales.

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709 Northwood Drive Sold

709 Northwood Drive

709 Northwood Drive Delano, MN 55328

4 BD|2 BA|3,329 Sq.Ft.

$439,900
5521 Wisconsin Avenue N Sold

5521 Wisconsin Avenue N

5521 Wisconsin Avenue N New Hope, MN 55428

4 BD|4 BA|2,129 Sq.Ft.

$499,900
543 Jefferson Lane NW Sold

543 Jefferson Lane NW

543 Jefferson Lane NW Elk River, MN 55330

3 BD|2 BA|1,768 Sq.Ft.

$330,000
32420 59th Ave Way Sold

32420 59th Ave Way

32420 59th Ave Way Cannon Falls, MN 55009

5 BD|3 BA|2,479 Sq.Ft.

$575,000
3855 Aldrich Avenue N Sold

3855 Aldrich Avenue N

3855 Aldrich Avenue N Minneapolis, MN 55412

3 BD|2 BA|1,534 Sq.Ft.

$250,000
3901 230th Street E Sold

3901 230th Street E

3901 230th Street E Prior Lake, MN 55372

2 BD|2 BA|1,765 Sq.Ft.

$425,000
2272 Overlook Drive Sold

2272 Overlook Drive

2272 Overlook Drive Minneapolis, MN 55431

4 BD|2 BA|2,031 Sq.Ft.

$395,000
1414 Grand Street NE Sold

1414 Grand Street NE

1414 Grand Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

6 BD|3 BA|3,203 Sq.Ft.

$475,000
13543 Athena Way Sold

13543 Athena Way

13543 Athena Way Rosemount, MN 55068

5 BD|4 BA|4,188 Sq.Ft.

$595,000
220 E 66th Street Sold

220 E 66th Street

220 E 66th Street Richfield, MN 55423

3 BD|3 BA|2,691 Sq.Ft.

$375,000
110966 Von Hertzen Circle Sold

110966 Von Hertzen Circle

110966 Von Hertzen Circle Chaska, MN 55318

3 BD|2 BA|1,968 Sq.Ft.

$279,000
7514 Oakland Avenue Sold

7514 Oakland Avenue

7514 Oakland Avenue Richfield, MN 55423

3 BD|2 BA|1,617 Sq.Ft.

$339,000

Ready to Talk With a Real Human?

Ready to Talk With a Real Human? If you are planning to buy or sell in the Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, especially the western suburbs or around Lake Minnetonka, you are welcome to use this entire guide on us. Reach out to CJ and Katy Norman with Norman Homes, and put these questions to work in a real conversation. You will get honest answers, a clear plan for your next move, and zero pressure to rush before you are ready.

Let's Connect!

Ready soon or casually browsing? We’re happy to chat either way.

150+
5-Star Reviews
16+
Years Experience
$100M+
Volume Sold

CJ & Katy Norman

Your Local Real Estate Guides

-- CJ and Katy Norman are a husband and wife real estate team with Norman Homes at Pemberton Real Estate, proudly serving the Lake Minnetonka area and the greater West Metro. They combine neighborhood knowledge, steady negotiation, and clear communication so clients can move with confidence at every stage of life.
-- Their work covers single family homes, condos, townhomes, new construction, and investment properties. Whether it is a first purchase, a growing household that needs more space, a downsizing move, relocation, or a luxury residence on or off the lake, they create a plan that fits the goal and the timeline. They serve communities across the west metro, including Mound, Victoria, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Orono, Waconia, Spring Park, and Chanhassen.
-- Clients can expect smart guidance on pricing and value, thoughtful preparation, and marketing that highlights what matters most, along with insight on schools, neighborhoods, and local amenities. With strong lender and contractor partners and a strategy that uncovers opportunities on and off market, CJ and Katy make the process organized, transparent, and rewarding so people can truly love where they live.
CJ & Katy Norman

Real estate agent FAQ: how to actually find a top agent

These are common questions people ask when they are trying to find a truly good real estate agent near them, compare agents, understand costs and contracts, and decide who they should trust with buying or selling a home, in the Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul area and beyond.

How do I find the best real estate agent near me without just picking the top ad?
Start by building a shortlist from referrals, local listings, and targeted searches, not just ads. Then compare three to four agents by reviews, local experience, and how well they answer your questions in an interview. This process usually gives you a much better match than clicking the first sponsored result.
What should I look for in reviews when choosing a Realtor?
Look for detailed reviews from people with situations similar to yours. Focus on how the agent communicated, solved problems, and handled pricing or negotiations, not just the star rating. A handful of specific, story-like reviews is often more meaningful than hundreds of generic five-star comments.
Is a big real estate team better than a solo agent?
Big teams are not automatically better, they are just structured differently. A team can offer more availability and support staff, while a solo agent often provides more personal, start to finish attention. Ask who you will actually work with day to day, and choose the setup that fits your communication style.
How many agents should I interview before hiring one?
Most buyers and sellers do well interviewing two to three agents. That is enough to compare styles, strategies, and personalities without getting overwhelmed. CJ and Katy Norman encourage people to talk with at least one other agent, because it helps clients feel confident when they do decide.
What are red flags when talking to a potential real estate agent?
Watch out for agents who pressure you to sign immediately, dodge questions about pricing or strategy, or badmouth other agents more than they explain their own approach. If you leave the conversation feeling rushed, confused, or talked down to, it is a sign to keep looking.
Should I choose the agent who says they can get me the highest price?
Be cautious of anyone who promises the highest price without showing clear data and a strategy. A strong listing agent will walk you through comparable sales, current competition, and how marketing and timing affect your likely range, which is exactly how CJ and Katy Norman approach pricing conversations with sellers.
How do real estate agent commissions usually work for buyers and sellers?
In many markets, the seller pays a negotiated commission that is shared between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage. The exact structure can vary by location and by agreement, so it is important to have the agent explain in plain language how they are compensated before you sign anything.
Can AI or online tools really pick the best Realtor for me?
AI and online tools can help you discover names and read patterns in reviews, but they cannot replace a conversation. Use AI to build a smarter shortlist, then talk directly with agents to see who understands your goals, your timeline, and your local market best.
What questions should I ask a real estate agent before I hire them?
Ask what types of clients they work with most, which areas they know best, how they communicate, and how they would approach your specific situation. For selling, dig into pricing and marketing. For buying, ask about search strategy, offers, and negotiations. A good agent will welcome these questions and answer them clearly.
How do I know if an agent really understands my local market?
A local expert can speak easily about recent sales, neighborhood trends, schools, and common buyer questions in your area. They should be able to name specific streets, pockets, or communities without looking everything up, which is the kind of deep local knowledge CJ and Katy Norman use daily in the Greater MSP west metro and Lake Minnetonka suburbs.
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Listing information is provided by the participating MLS / IDX program and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All information should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity.