In real estate, everyone seems to have an expert opinion. You have heard it from your neighbor, your barista, even your cousin’s dog walker who “almost got a license once.” But before you base a six-figure decision on hearsay, it’s worth asking: Where’s the information coming from? In an industry overloaded with hot takes, half-truths, and TikTok tips masked as expertise, knowing how to separate fact from folklore is essential. Considering the source isn’t just good advice for small talk, it is a vital mantra for one of the largest financial decisions you can make in a lifetime.

If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times (this will make one thousand and one), something needs to be done about the height of the bar set for real estate licensing. However, since I clearly have no control over that, as I have preached over the years to industry deaf ears, I can only attempt to require it in my little corner of the world and then provide education on the matter for the general public.

One of the best resources for real estate advice and assistance obviously starts with a licensed, full-time real estate agent or broker with proven local market experience. Unfortunately, that only narrows the pick down to some 19,000 and some change. Here is where your neighbor, barista and cousin’s dog walker can be helpful. Ask around for referrals and then interview the referrals. Don’t just rely on the number of real estate related social media postings an agent may have. Podcasts, postings, and pictures do not a good Realtor make.  Talk to the agent. Most of us are more than happy to come to your home and answer any questions you have. Find out if they have a strong track record of closed deals. Do they have proven local market experience? Even new agents can be experts if they have a team or mentor to back them up. What has been their training process? Are they working with market experts that are advancing them along the right path?

Local expertise can also lend a level of credibility to an agent. It is one thing to have driven the neighborhoods, it is another to know the micro-markets within it. City planning and zoning is critical knowledge in growing areas. Knowing the areas within a block-to-block radius is crucial to accurately pricing a home.

A good Realtor will return phone calls right away, is clear and responsive and proactive. I teach all my new agents to anticipate issues, solve the problem and then go to the client with a solution and explain it sans jargon. The agent should be a master in negotiation. This requires being able to read a room, advocate effectively and know when to push or pivot.

The right agent should also have a trusted group of people they can refer you to. This includes inspectors, contractors, lenders, house cleaners and subcontractors. These people should all be vetted and available within an appropriate amount of time. They will also advise honestly, outside of their own interests.

Consider the source. With all the photo manipulation and deep-fake text technology in today’s world, nothing beats a face-to-face conversation with a real person. It is difficult to counterfeit that.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.