The article explains how experience, market knowledge, communication, and negotiation can help buyers and sellers evaluate a real estate professional.

GLEN ROCK, N.J., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should you look for when choosing a real estate agent?

HelloNation has published an article featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Nena Colligan of The Colligan Group - Keller Williams Realty in Glen Rock, NJ. The article explains how buyers and sellers can evaluate experience, communication, services, and market knowledge before choosing a professional.

The HelloNation article explains that experience is an important starting point, but years in the business do not tell the entire story. Buyers and sellers should ask about recent transactions involving similar properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges. A real estate agent with relevant experience may be better prepared for the circumstances surrounding a particular transaction.

The article also highlights the importance of understanding the local market. Recent sales, available inventory, buyer demand, and pricing patterns can influence decisions for buyers and sellers. Strong local market knowledge can help buyers evaluate asking prices while helping sellers establish realistic expectations about property value.

Different clients may also require different levels of guidance. The article notes that someone beginning the home buying process may need explanations about financing, inspections, contingencies, and closing procedures. Sellers may be more focused on pricing strategy, property preparation, offers, and the timing of a move.

Communication and availability are also important considerations. The article explains that clients should discuss how often they expect updates and how urgent matters will be handled. This can be especially important in a competitive housing market, where showings, offers, and contract decisions may move quickly.

The article also examines the role of negotiation skills throughout a transaction. Repairs, inspection findings, credits, contingencies, and closing dates can all affect an agreement. Effective negotiation skills involve understanding when to seek better terms and when a reasonable compromise may support a client's broader goals.

Buyers may receive help identifying properties, arranging showings, reviewing comparable sales, preparing offers, and monitoring deadlines. Sellers may receive assistance with pricing, marketing, showings, evaluating offers, and coordinating closing requirements.

The article notes that clear explanations can make the home buying process easier to understand. Contracts, disclosures, financing requirements, inspections, and deadlines can create unfamiliar decisions. Clients should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving clear information about each stage.

Professional compatibility also matters because buying or selling a home can take weeks or months. The article encourages clients to consider responsiveness, organization, patience, and communication habits when comparing professionals. Recent client experiences may also provide useful information about whether a real estate agent has a working style that matches the client's expectations.

The article further explains that housing market conditions can influence strategy. Buyers may need to evaluate properties and prepare offers quickly, while sellers may need to compare several offers with different terms. Understanding the local market can help clients consider these choices while keeping their priorities and property value expectations in perspective.

The article concludes that choosing an agent involves evaluating the complete working relationship. Experience, communication, availability, clearly defined services, and negotiation skills can all help buyers and sellers make more informed decisions.

What to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Agent? features insights from Nena Colligan, Real Estate Expert of Glen Rock, NJ, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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