What Makes Someone the Best Realtor? 7 Signs You’ve Found the One

So, you’re finally ready to sell your home—or maybe buy one—and the search begins. Not just for the right property, but for the right person to help you navigate the maze of open houses, negotiations, paperwork, and… emotions. That’s right, selling or buying a home is personal. So is choosing the best realtor.

Now, maybe you’ve typed “best realtor in Pittsburgh” into Google at 2 a.m. while half-asleep on your couch, or maybe your cousin “knows a guy.” But what really makes someone the one—the real estate pro you’ll actually want by your side when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life?

Let’s talk real signs. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just real, honest clues you’ve found the best realtor to sell your house—or buy your next one.

1. They Actually Listen (And Not Just to Sell You Something)

Ever had a conversation with someone who just… waits for their turn to talk? Yeah, not great. The best realtor in Pittsburgh won’t bulldoze through your concerns with a rehearsed pitch. They’ll ask questions that matter—about your goals, your timeline, and your must-haves (or can’t-stands).

Whether you’re selling a four-bedroom colonial in Mt. Lebanon or a cozy condo in Lawrenceville, they should be paying attention to what you’re saying, not just nodding along while mentally drafting the listing.

2. They Know the Local Market Like the Back of Their Hand

You want someone who doesn’t just “do” Pittsburgh. You want someone who knows it. The neighborhoods. The school districts. The parking situations (yes, that is a thing). The best realtor to sell your house won’t just talk square footage—they’ll talk strategy.

“Oh, this is part of Squirrel Hill? Homes here tend to move fast in early spring—here’s how we time it.” That kind of insight? That’s gold.

3. They Don’t Sugarcoat (Even When It Stings a Bit)

Let’s be honest—some feedback is hard to hear. Maybe your house needs decluttering, or your kitchen tile screams 1998. A top-tier realtor won’t tiptoe around the truth. They’ll tell you what buyers really see, and more importantly, what you can do about it. It might feel like a gut punch in the moment, but trust me—honesty sells homes faster than flattery.

4. They’ve Got the Receipts (a.k.a. A Track Record That Speaks Volumes)

The best realtor in Pittsburgh isn’t just someone who’s “passionate about real estate” on Instagram. They’ve sold homes—a lot of them. Ask about their stats: how many homes have they sold in your neighborhood? What’s their average days on market? Do they typically get above asking? And don’t be shy about asking for testimonials. The best ones don’t just have satisfied clients—they’ve got raving fans.

5. They’re Quick, Responsive, and (Let’s Be Real) Not Annoyingly Pushy

There’s a difference between being proactive and being… well, extra. The best realtor to sell your house knows when to push and when to pause. They’ll respond to texts and calls without ghosting you—or hounding you with “Just checking in!” messages every few hours. You shouldn’t feel like you’re chasing them down or being chased.

6. They Have a Killer Marketing Plan (and No, Just Throwing It on Zillow Doesn’t Count)

Selling a home isn’t just about tossing up a few iPhone photos and praying for offers. The best realtor comes armed with a marketing plan that includes staging advice, professional photography, social media teasers, video tours—the whole deal.

They understand that your home is a product now, and how it’s presented can add thousands to your final sale price. And hey, if they know how to make your backyard look like a staycation-worthy dream on Instagram? Bonus points.

7. You Like Them (Seriously, That Matters)

Here’s the wild card. You might find someone with the perfect credentials, a slick website, and all the right buzzwords… but if the vibe’s off? That matters.

You’ll be spending weeks—maybe months—with this person in your life. You’ll share personal details, have tough conversations, and lean on their advice. Trust your gut. If they give you a weird feeling, or you’re walking on eggshells around them? Hard pass.

The best realtor in Pittsburgh isn’t just the most experienced—they’re the one you actually feel good working with.

A Final Thought

Finding the best realtor to sell my house isn’t about fancy titles or who’s got the flashiest car. It’s about connection. Trust. Local know-how. And someone who gets that this isn’t just a transaction—it’s your life. You’ll know when you’ve found the right one. There won’t be a neon sign, but there will be peace of mind. And maybe even a little “finally!” exhale.

So if you’re searching for that person right now, pause for a second. Ask yourself: “Do they see me? Do they get it? And are they going to fight for my home like it’s their own?” If the answer’s yes? You just might have found the one.