What Buyers and Sellers Love About Their Real Estate Agents (And the Tools They Value Most)

When it comes to buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate agent can make all the difference. But what exactly do buyers and sellers really want from their agents? What makes an agent stand out? And which website features are the most helpful in making the entire process easier? Let’s break it down.

🤝 What Buyers and Sellers Appreciate Most in Their Agents

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your fifth, working with a trustworthy, knowledgeable agent can take the stress out of the experience. Here’s what clients consistently say they value most:

1. Responsiveness & Availability

Quick, clear communication is the #1 thing both buyers and sellers mention. Real estate moves fast, and knowing your agent is just a text or call away brings peace of mind.

2. Market Knowledge

Agents with a deep understanding of local neighborhoods, pricing trends, and market conditions are invaluable. Sellers want to price their home right; buyers want to know they’re making a smart investment.

3. Negotiation Skills

A skilled negotiator can save clients thousands of dollars—or help them get top dollar for their home. People want someone who will fight for their best interests without derailing the deal.

4. Professionalism & Trust

Clients want agents who are reliable, honest, and keep their word. Trust is everything when you’re dealing with such a major financial transaction.

5. Guidance & Support

The process can be overwhelming. A great agent explains each step, answers questions, and helps clients feel confident and informed.

💬 Top-Ranked Agent Communications

How an agent communicates can make or break the experience. According to surveys, here are the top communication preferences among clients:

Text Messages: Quick updates, appointment confirmations, and fast answers.
Phone Calls: For in-depth discussions or sensitive matters like offers and negotiations.
Email: Ideal for sending contracts, documents, and listings.
In-Person Meetings: Still valued for walkthroughs, open houses, and major decision-making.

The key takeaway? Clients want agents who match their preferred communication style and keep them in the loop consistently.

⭐ Most-Liked Qualities in Top Agents

Here’s a short list of the personality traits and qualities that buyers and sellers love:

Friendly and personable – someone who’s approachable and easy to talk to.
Proactive – doesn’t wait to be asked, but anticipates client needs.
Patient – especially important with first-time buyers or long, complex transactions.
Detail-oriented – clients appreciate when nothing slips through the cracks.
Confident – but not pushy. They want an expert, not a salesperson.

🖥️ Top Real Estate Website Features Clients Value

In today’s digital world, a real estate agent’s online presence matters just as much as their personal one. These are the features that stand out on real estate websites:

Accurate, Real-Time ListingsClients want to see what’s available now, not stale or outdated info.
Interactive Map SearchBeing able to search by neighborhood, school district, or commute time is a huge plus.
Virtual Tours & High-Quality PhotosHomes with visual content are far more likely to generate interest.
Saved Search AlertsBuyers love being notified instantly when a home that matches their criteria hits the market.
Home Value EstimatorsSellers use these tools as a starting point to understand what their home might be worth.
Easy Contact OptionsA simple way to text, call, or email the agent directly from the listing page can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best agents are those who combine market savvy with genuine care for their clients. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling a place full of memories, having the right agent—and the right tools—makes the journey smoother and more rewarding.

Thinking about making a move? Make sure your agent checks all the boxes above, and don’t underestimate the power of a great website to help you along the way.

Mel & Zack Durham

360.481.2073

melandzack@pnwhomesgroup.com