1. Local Knowledge You Can Actually Use
Anyone can pull up a list of sales. A local agent knows which streets flood in spring, which school district a house really falls in, and what buyers in a small town care about compared with buyers in Sioux Falls. Ask an agent how many homes they've helped buy or sell in your area, and what they'd tell a friend about living there.
2. A Real Marketing Plan
If you're selling, "we'll put it on the MLS" is not a plan. Ask to see examples: listing photos, video, social media posts, and how they reach buyers who aren't actively searching yet. Most buyers see a home online first, so the first impression happens on a screen.
3. Someone Who Answers the Phone
Ask how fast they respond and who you'll actually be talking to. A good agent has systems, and often an assistant, so deadlines and paperwork are handled while they stay focused on you.
4. Reviews From Real Clients
Read Google reviews and look for specifics. "She was great" is nice. "She found us a house from 1,500 miles away" tells you something.
5. A Clear Agreement
Whether you're buying or selling, you'll sign a written agreement. Read it, ask what every part means, and remember that the terms, including compensation, are negotiable.
Questions to Ask Any Agent
- How will you market my home, and can I see examples?
- What do you think my home is worth, and why?
- How often will I hear from you, and how?
- Who else will be working on my file?
- What happens if I'm not happy with the service?
- Can I talk to a past client?
If you'd like to ask me any of these, book a quick call. No pressure either way.
Common Questions
Do I have to sign an agreement with a buyer's agent?
Yes. Since August 2024, agents who use the MLS need a written agreement with a buyer before touring homes together. The agreement spells out what the agent will do and how they'll be paid, and those terms are negotiable.
Are real estate commissions set or standard?
No. Commissions are not set by law or by any organization. They are always negotiable between you and your agent.
How can I check if an agent is licensed?
South Dakota and Minnesota both let you look up a license online through the state real estate commission. It takes a minute and is worth doing.
Written by Lacie Packard, REALTOR®, White Spruce Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls. Updated October 2026.