Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. The agent you pick can make this journey smooth and rewarding or slow and stressful.
Most people jump straight to Google without knowing what to look for.
Knowing how to choose the right real estate agent can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of worry.
In this blog, we will cover commission structures, how to judge experience, and the red flags that should make you walk away.
Understanding Real Estate Agent Commission
One of the first things people ask when learning how to choose the right real estate agent is, “How much does it actually cost?”
Commission is the main way agents get paid. It is a percentage of the home’s sale price, and it is typically split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. That split is something worth understanding clearly before you sign anything.
Here is something most people do not know: following the National Association of Realtors‘ (NAR) landmark settlement in 2024, new rules now require buyers to sign a written compensation agreement with their agent before touring homes.
What that means for you is simple: no more surprises at the closing table. Commission is now a conversation that happens upfront, which is actually a good thing.
Full-Service Agent vs. Discount Agent: A Simple Comparison
A lot of people think hiring a discount agent is the smart money move. But when you look at what you actually get, the picture changes quickly:
| Features | Full-Service Agent | Discount Agent |
| Commission Rate | Standard market rate | Below market rate |
| Marketing & Listing | Full (photos, MLS, staging) | Limited or basic |
| Negotiation Skills | Strong and experienced | May be limited |
| Local Market Knowledge | Deep and current | Varies widely |
| Time & Attention | Dedicated to you | Often handles high volume |
| Best For | Most buyers & sellers | Simple, budget-focused deals |
Think a lower commission always saves you money? The numbers say otherwise.
NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that FSBO (For Sale By Owner) homes sold for a median of $360,000, compared to $425,000 for agent-assisted homes. (Source)
That is a $65,000 difference. That gap is money you lose by cutting corners on who represents you. A lower commission does not mean a better financial outcome.
How to Evaluate a Real Estate Agent’s Experience
Here is the truth about experience: not all of it is equal. When figuring out how to choose the right real estate agent, years in the business matter, but what they actually did with those years matters even more.
An agent who has closed dozens of deals in your neighborhood over the past year understands today’s market far better than someone who closed a handful of deals years ago and has been coasting since.
1. What to Check Before You Hire
Use this checklist when screening any agent:
- Active Transactions: How many deals did they close in the last year? Recent activity matters more than a long career with slow recent years.
- Background Check: Verify their license is active on your state real estate commission’s website before you go any further.
- Client Reviews: Check Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com. Do not just read the five-star reviews: look at how they handle criticism too.
- Days on Market: How quickly do their listings sell compared to the local Denver average? Speed of sale reflects pricing skill.
- Familiarity with Your Area: Can they speak confidently to specific neighborhoods, current pricing trends, and what is selling fast right now?
One who jumps straight to listing or offers is not truly listening.
2. Why Local Market Knowledge Is Non-Negotiable
An agent who truly knows Denver can price a home better, spot an overpriced listing fast, and find opportunities that never make it to the public market.
At Action Jackson Group in Denver, our team brings over 30 years of local experience. We have guided first-time buyers, seasoned investors, and relocating families through every kind of market: hot, slow, and everything in between.
Real Estate Agent Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Even a well-reviewed agent can be the wrong fit for you. A big part of knowing how to choose the right real estate agent is learning when to trust your gut and walk away.
The right agent makes you feel informed, supported, and in control at every step. If you are feeling rushed, confused, or ignored—that is a signal worth paying attention to.
Here are the most common red flags, listed alphabetically:
- Avoids your questions—A trustworthy agent gives you clear, direct answers every time. Vague or evasive responses are a warning sign, a full stop.
- Bad communication habits—If they are slow to respond before you sign, do not expect that to improve once you are under contract.
- Can’t explain their pricing strategy—Pricing a home correctly takes real skill, current data, and local knowledge. If they cannot walk you through it confidently, that is a problem.
- Doesn’t listen to your needs—Great agents ask a lot of questions. An agent who talks over you or steers the conversation toward their preferences is not working for you.
- Eager to push you into quick decisions—Artificial urgency is a classic pressure tactic. The right agent wants you to feel confident, not cornered.
One red flag might be worth a conversation. Two or more? It is time to move on and find someone else.
Why Action Jackson Group Makes Choosing Easy
Knowing how to choose the right real estate agent is one thing. Finding one who checks every single box is another. That is where Action Jackson Group comes in.
Based in Denver, Colorado, our team has spent over 30 years helping buyers and sellers across the Greater Denver area. That experience matters more than ever.
According to NAR’s 2025 data, 91% of home sellers used a real estate agent, the highest percentage ever recorded. At the same time, only 5% of sellers went the FSBO route, the lowest share in history. (Source)
More people are turning to trusted professionals because the stakes are simply too high to go it alone.
1. What Sets Us Apart
- Banking and Corporate Background: We understand the financial side of real estate, not just the homes. This gives our clients a genuine edge at the negotiating table.
- Commitment to Transparency: We explain every step of the process in plain language so you always know exactly where you stand.
- Denver Market Expertise: Over three decades of watching Denver grow means we know which neighborhoods are trending, where values are climbing, and where the real opportunities are.
- End-to-End Support: From your very first showing all the way to closing day, we are with you at every step of the journey.
- Full-Service Approach: Professional photography, smart pricing strategy, and skilled negotiation are all part of what we bring to the table.
- Hero Rebates Program: Teachers, nurses, firefighters, military members, police, and worship leaders receive special savings at closing, making homeownership more accessible for those who serve our communities.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or investing in the Denver real estate market, our team is ready to guide you with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I know if a real estate agent is the right fit for me?
The right agent listens more than they talk. They ask about your goals, explain the process clearly, and never make you feel rushed. If you feel heard and informed, you are likely in good hands.
Q2. How many real estate agents should I interview before choosing one?
Ideally, speak with at least two or three agents before making a decision. This gives you a real sense of how different professionals approach your situation.
Q3. What is the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent?
Every Realtor is a real estate agent, but not every real estate agent is a Realtor. A Realtor is a licensed agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and is bound by its strict Code of Ethics.
Q4. Does Action Jackson Group work with first-time home buyers?
Absolutely. First-time buyers are one of our specialties. We know the process can feel overwhelming when you are doing it for the first time, and that is exactly why we walk you through every step in plain, simple language.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to choose the right real estate agent, it is time to work with a team that actually checks every box.
Action Jackson Group has been Denver’s trusted real estate partner for over 30 years. Whether you are buying your first home, seeking financial insight, or investing in personal care, you deserve it. Our Hero Rebates Program even puts money back in your pocket at closing.
Stop searching; you have already found the right team. Visit Action Jackson Group, and let’s get started today!
