Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent: The Tools Every Seller Should Use

Hiring a real estate agent shouldn’t be a quick decision.
Just like you would research a doctor, lawyer, or contractor before trusting them with something important, you should do the same with the person handling one of your largest financial investments — your home.

In today’s world of social media filters, paid ads, and AI-driven marketing, appearances can be deceiving. Representation in real estate isn’t about who shouts the loudest online; it’s about who you can truly trust to protect your best interests.

1. Start with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE)

Every licensed real estate professional in California is publicly listed with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
Here’s what you should look for:

• License Issue Date: This shows how long the agent has been actually licensed — not how long they’ve “worked in real estate” according to a polished bio.

• Active or Restricted Status: Review any disciplinary actions or restrictions — these matter.

• Broker vs. Salesperson: Brokers carry more education, accountability, and oversight responsibilities.

➡ You can search any agent’s license at https://www.dre.ca.gov/

2. Don’t Be Fooled by Inflated Google Reviews

Hundreds of 5-star reviews might look impressive, but quantity doesn’t equal credibility. There are companies that sell review services, creating artificially inflated ratings.

Instead of focusing on numbers, look for real stories:

• Reviews that describe genuine experiences — not vague one-liners.

• Gradual growth in reviews over time (not dozens in one week).

• Clients who mention neighborhoods, challenges, or results that sound authentic.

Real relationships create real reviews — not marketing campaigns.

3. Experience and Tenure Matter

Real estate isn’t learned overnight.
It takes years to master negotiations, contracts, disclosures, and the intricacies of title, escrow, and lending timelines.

A tenured professional knows how to anticipate problems before they occur, navigate complex situations, and build strategies that protect your outcome.
That level of expertise only comes through decades of consistent, hands-on experience — not a crash course or social media presence.

4. Ask for Proof, Not Promises

“Top producer.” “Award-winning.” “#1 in the neighborhood.”
These claims might sound impressive — but what’s the proof?

Ask every agent to show:

• Their license date (for tenure).

• Closed transactions and the markets they specialize in.

• References from past clients.

• How they represent you — exclusively as your agent, or in dual-agency roles where both sides may blur.

True professionals are proud to show transparency in their business.

5. Evaluate the Way They Work

Beyond flashy marketing lies the real skill set: process and protection.
Ask questions like:

• Do they prepare your home strategically before listing?

• How do they handle offers and counteroffers?

• What’s their system for communication and updates?

• Do they have a vetted network for escrow, title, legal, and lending?

Your agent should act like a partner — not just a promoter.

6. Why We Do It Differently at Avant ONE Real Estate

At Avant ONE Real Estate, our success has always been built on client trust and referrals — not cold calls or lead buying.
More than 95% of our business comes from repeat and referral clients who have experienced the difference firsthand.

Our clients know they can count on us to operate with integrity, experience, and full transparency. We don’t chase volume — we build relationships that last decades. Every client receives our undivided attention, supported by a dedicated team managing marketing, negotiations, escrow, and design to make each transaction smooth, strategic, and successful.

When your business is built on reputation, every move matters.

7. You Deserve Real Representation

Buying or selling a home isn’t a one-size-fits-all transaction.
You deserve an experienced advisor who prioritizes you, not the next sale.

At Avant ONE Real Estate, we don’t just do real estate differently —
we do it for you.

Serving Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Lake Sherwood, North Ranch, Agoura Hills, and Calabasas, Avant ONE Real Estate delivers advisory-level service backed by decades of expertise, ethical representation, and a full support team dedicated to keeping every transaction seamless and stress-free.