Let's Ask Katie - July 2025

Let’s Ask Katie

Expert Advice for all your Real Estate questions from Katie Machoskie

Hi Katie,

It seems like everywhere I turn, realtors claim to be a top producer or in the top 1%.  How do I know if any of those statistics are true? We want to hire a realtor to sell our house.  What should we look for? Is a realtor with a big following or someone on a reality TV show a good bet?

Steve, Newport Beach

Hello Steve! 

What great and timely questions! When hiring a realtor to sell your house, it's crucial to verify any claims of being a “top producer” or in the “top 1%.” Statistics can sometimes be misleading, so ask for specific data such as the number of homes sold annually, average sale price, and how their performance compares within the local market. Ask them to show you an actual MLS printout of all of their sales in the last 1-3 years, broken down year by year.  Do they sell in a specific neighborhood? Do they represent more buyers than sellers?  What would their budget be to market your home and what is their marketing plan?  Look for an agent with a proven track record in your area, as local market knowledge is invaluable.  Some agents claim to be a “top agent” or “#1 agent,” but if you read the fine print in an ad, you might find that those numbers were based on sales many years ago and they currently don’t have the sales to back up that claim!

While a large social media following or a presence on reality TV can indicate popularity, it doesn't necessarily translate into real estate expertise. Instead, prioritize an agent's professional qualifications, client reviews, and personal rapport. A good realtor should be communicative, have a strong marketing strategy tailored to your property, and show genuine commitment to your needs. Meet with potential candidates, ask for references, real data from the MLS about their sales,  and choose someone who makes you feel confident and comfortable throughout the selling process.

Lastly, you’re going to spend a lot of time with your agent, so be sure that your communication and personality styles synchronize or compliment one another.