Any business owner can tell you that who you hire matters. Hiring is an art, a science, and a bit of hope — that everything will work out and you’re making the right choice.

Being a realtor myself, I can honestly say that there are certain agents whom I would rather not work with again. They don’t respond to calls, texts, or emails. They forget to submit documents for compliance. And worst of all, they speak negatively of their clients. I think it goes without saying that none of these things are okay.

The agent on the other side of the transaction matters and not every realtor is created equal.

Whether you’re getting ready to buy or sell a home, you need an agent who treats real estate like a business and responds in a timely manner. On the other hand, you don’t want someone who’s burned out because they’re not investing in self-care or their family. Healthy boundaries are important!

You also want an agent who can clearly demonstrate their value. How are they planning to market your home? Will they hire professional photographers? How will they keep in contact with you, and how often can you expect to hear from them?

As a listing agent, are they showing you all the offers on the table and helping you weigh the pros and cons? Are they advising you on counter offers during negotiations? Do they have a team to back them up and take on some of the workload? Are they willing to do what it takes to serve you promptly?

There are so many questions you should have answers to before choosing an agent. Because remember: they’re not all created equal (even in Louisville, where people are generally pretty great).

The agent you choose can make or break your home buying or selling experience. Choose carefully.