Hiring the right Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home in Texas—especially in fast-moving markets like Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, Celina, Plano, and the rest of North Texas.
I’ve seen firsthand how the right representation can save clients tens of thousands of dollars, prevent legal issues, and make the entire process smooth and stress-free. I’ve also seen what happens when someone hires the wrong agent.
This article will help you know exactly what to look for before choosing the Realtor who will guide you through one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
1. Make Sure Your Realtor Understands Texas-Specific Laws & Contracts
Texas has unique real estate laws compared to many other states:
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We are a non-disclosure state
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We use TREC promulgated forms
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We rely on title companies instead of attorneys
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We have Option Periods (rare in other states)
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We deal with MUDs, PIDs, HOAs, PID Notices, T-47s, Surveys, and more
You need a Realtor who understands these nuances inside and out. I spend a huge amount of time helping buyers and sellers navigate these Texas-specific issues correctly.
2. Experience in Your Local North Texas Market Matters
Real estate isn’t national—it’s hyper-local.
You want someone who knows:
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Neighborhood trends in Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, Celina, Plano, Little Elm, Melissa, Anna, and the rest of DFW
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School district boundaries
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New construction communities and upcoming developments
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Builder incentives
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Commuting routes
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Traffic patterns
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HOA quality and restrictions
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Local soil types and foundation concerns
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Price differences block by block
When I advise clients, I’m pulling from years of actual experience living and working in these exact cities.
3. Ask About Their Negotiation Strategy
Negotiation isn’t about being aggressive—it’s about being strategic.
A Texas Realtor should be able to explain:
✔️ How they negotiate price
✔️ How they handle appraisal issues
✔️ How they protect you during the Option Period
✔️ How they negotiate repairs
✔️ How they win multiple offers
✔️ How they structure competitive terms without exposing you to risk
When I negotiate, I’m thinking 4–5 steps ahead. The goal is getting you the best deal without unnecessary risk or stress.
4. Ask How They Communicate
Buying or selling a home requires clear, consistent, and timely communication.
A great Realtor should:
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Respond quickly
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Keep you updated before you have to ask
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Explain everything clearly
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Be available for questions
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Communicate proactively with lenders, title, and inspectors
I treat communication like a professional responsibility—not an afterthought.
5. Make Sure They Have a Strong Network of Trusted Professionals
A Realtor is only as good as their network.
You want someone who can connect you with trusted:
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Lenders
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Inspectors
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HVAC specialists
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Plumbers
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Electricians
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Roofers
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Foundation engineers
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Insurance agents
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Title reps
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Survey companies
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Contractors for any project
I maintain a full list of my trusted North Texas service professionals so my clients always have someone reliable to call.
6. Look for a Full-Time, High-Production Realtor
In Texas, it’s easy to get a real estate license—but it’s hard to be great at this business.
Avoid part-time agents or hobby Realtors.
You want someone who:
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Handles many transactions a year
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Has seen every scenario
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Solves problems quickly
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Stays on top of market changes
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Lives and breathes real estate
My clients get the benefit of my experience from hundreds of North Texas transactions.
7. Your Realtor Should Be Honest, Direct, and Transparent
A great Realtor doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear—they tell you the truth.
I’m always honest about:
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Pricing
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Competition
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Repair issues
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Market conditions
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Appraisal risks
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Offers
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Negotiations
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Resale value
My job is to protect you, not sugarcoat things.
8. Make Sure They Care About Long-Term Relationships, Not Just a Commission
The best Realtors focus on:
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Service
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Trust
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Integrity
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Being there for you after closing
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Being your go-to real estate advisor for life
That’s how I run my business. I want my clients to feel confident calling me years later with questions about:
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Taxes
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Remodeling
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Market value
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Refinancing
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Insurance
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Moving
That’s what real representation looks like.
9. Ask for a Clear, Proven Process
Real estate is complex. Your Realtor should have a clear system.
My process includes:
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Pre-approval guidance
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Preparing showings
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Offer strategies
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Inspection navigation
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Appraisal strategy
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Closing roadmap
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Post-closing support
You should never feel lost or confused throughout the process.
10. Trust Your Instincts
You’re hiring someone to guide you through a major financial decision. You should feel:
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Comfortable
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Confident
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Understood
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Protected
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Supported
If you don’t feel that, keep looking.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in North Texas?
If you want a Realtor who knows Texas contracts, North Texas neighborhoods, builder incentives, negotiation strategies, and the entire transaction process inside and out, I’d love to help you.
