How to Find a Real Estate Agent Who Actually Calls You Back
What Every Home Buyer and Seller Needs to Know Before Hiring an Agent in Today’s Market
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. You’d think the person guiding you through that process would be easy to reach.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
I’ve lost count of how many people have called me after saying something like:
“Our last agent never answered the phone.”
“We had no idea what was happening.”
“We always had to chase them down.”
“It felt like we were bothering them every time we asked a question.”
That’s frustrating—and honestly, it shouldn’t happen.
Communication isn’t a bonus in real estate. It’s one of the most important parts of the job.
After more than 14 years helping hundreds of families buy and sell homes, I’ve learned something simple:
People rarely remember every detail of the transaction. They remember how you made them feel.
Did they feel informed?
Did they feel heard?
Did they feel like they mattered?
Or did they feel ignored?
If you’re looking for a real estate agent, here’s how to find one who won’t leave you wondering if your text message disappeared into another dimension.
Why Communication Matters More Than Ever
Today’s market moves fast.
Sometimes homes receive multiple offers in just a few days. Inspection deadlines are short. Financing can change overnight. Appraisals create surprises. Negotiations happen quickly.
Every decision has a deadline.
If your agent takes 24 hours to return your call, that could mean the difference between getting the house you love and watching someone else move into it.
For sellers, delayed communication can be just as costly.
Imagine receiving an offer with a 12-hour expiration. Your agent is busy, doesn’t notice the email until the next day, and the buyer moves on.
That isn’t just poor customer service.
That could literally cost you thousands of dollars.
A Fancy Billboard Doesn’t Mean Great Service
We’ve all seen them.
The giant billboards.
The bus benches.
The smiling faces on grocery carts.
Marketing is great.
But marketing doesn’t automatically equal great service.
Some of the biggest-producing agents have large teams, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, many teams provide incredible service.
The important question is this:
Who are you actually hiring?
Will you be working directly with the agent you met?
An assistant?
A transaction coordinator?
A showing specialist?
A brand-new agent?
There’s nothing wrong with teams—as long as expectations are clear.
Ask questions like:
Who answers my calls?
Who handles weekends?
Who negotiates my offers?
If you’re on vacation, who takes care of me?
A good agent won’t be offended.
A great agent will already have a system.
Here’s My Favorite Trick: Test Them Before You Hire Them
This might be the easiest piece of advice in this entire article.
Don’t wait until you’ve signed paperwork to find out how responsive someone is.
Test them.
Call them.
Text them.
Send an email.
Ask a few real questions.
Then watch what happens.
Do they answer?
If not, how long before they call you back?
Did they actually answer your question?
Did they sound interested in helping?
Or did you get a one-word text that felt like they were too busy for you?
Here’s something I’ve noticed over the years:
The level of communication you receive before you become a client is usually the best communication you’ll ever get.
If you’re already waiting two days for a response, don’t expect it to magically improve after you’ve signed a listing agreement.
Reviews Tell a Story—If You Know What to Look For
Most people only check one thing:
“Five stars.”
That’s a good start.
But it isn’t enough.
Instead, read the actual reviews.
Look for phrases like:
“Always answered the phone.”
“Kept us updated.”
“Explained every step.”
“Quick to respond.”
“Made us feel comfortable.”
“Answered every question.”
Those comments tell you what it’s actually like to work with that person.
Anyone can have one great transaction.
Consistent communication shows up over and over again in client reviews.
Ask About Their Communication Plan
One of the first things I explain to new clients is exactly what they can expect from me.
Not because they asked.
Because they shouldn’t have to wonder.
Professional agents have a communication plan.
Ask questions like:
How often will I hear from you?
Will you check in weekly?
Only when something happens?
Will you call after every showing?
What’s the best way to reach you?
Text?
Phone?
Email?
Video updates?
What’s your average response time?
Nobody can answer instantly 24 hours a day.
But they should have clear expectations.
I’d much rather tell someone, “I’ll return every call within a few hours,” than leave them guessing.
Clear expectations eliminate unnecessary stress.
Interview More Than One Agent
Here’s something people rarely do.
They hire the first agent they meet.
Would you buy the first car you test drive?
Probably not.
Interview two or three agents.
Compare:
Experience
Personality
Communication
Strategy
Marketing
Local knowledge
One will probably stand out.
Not because they have the fanciest presentation.
Because they actually listened.
One of the biggest mistakes agents make is spending the entire appointment talking about themselves.
The best agents spend more time asking questions than answering them.
Local Knowledge Still Wins
Google is amazing.
But Google doesn’t know why one side of the neighborhood sells faster than the other.
It doesn’t know which subdivisions have special assessments coming.
It doesn’t know that one street floods after heavy rain while another never has issues.
That’s where local expertise matters.
An experienced local agent understands:
Pricing trends
Buyer behavior
Neighborhood demand
School districts
Local lenders
Home inspectors
Contractors
Title companies
You’re not just hiring someone to unlock doors.
You’re hiring someone to help you make smart decisions.
Technology Should Help—Not Replace People
Real estate has changed dramatically over the last decade.
Today you can:
Sign documents electronically.
Schedule showings from your phone.
Receive instant listing alerts.
Track your transaction online.
That’s fantastic.
Technology makes the process smoother.
But here’s where some agents get it wrong.
Technology should improve communication.
Not replace it.
An automated email can’t answer your concerns after an inspection.
A text notification can’t calm your nerves when financing gets delayed.
Sometimes you simply need a real human being who picks up the phone.
Watch for These Red Flags
Sometimes your instincts are right.
If something feels off before you’ve hired an agent, pay attention.
Some warning signs include:
They take days to respond.
They constantly reschedule appointments.
They rush through your questions.
They talk more than they listen.
They promise unrealistic prices just to win your business.
They pressure you into signing immediately.
You feel like you’re interrupting their day.
Buying or selling a home is stressful enough.
You shouldn’t have to wonder whether your own agent is going to call you back.
The Best Agent Isn’t Always the Busiest
I hear this all the time.
“They must be amazing—they’re everywhere!”
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Being busy isn’t the same thing as being available.
Some incredibly successful agents have built systems that allow them to provide exceptional service.
Others become so overwhelmed that communication suffers.
What you’re really looking for is someone who has both experience and systems.
Someone who treats every client like they’re important—not just another transaction on a spreadsheet.
My Personal Philosophy
One thing I’ve learned after helping hundreds of families over the years is this:
Real estate isn’t really about houses.
It’s about people.
Behind every transaction is a story.
A growing family.
A first-time buyer.
A divorce.
A retirement.
A job relocation.
Someone starting over.
Someone achieving a lifelong dream.
That’s why communication matters so much.
People aren’t just hiring an agent to write contracts.
They’re trusting someone to guide them through one of the biggest moments of their lives.
That trust has to be earned every single day—not just during the first meeting.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right real estate agent isn’t about choosing the biggest name, the flashiest marketing, or the person with the most signs in town.
It’s about finding someone who answers the phone, communicates clearly, listens to your goals, and makes you feel like a priority from the very first conversation.
Take your time. Ask questions. Read reviews carefully. Interview more than one agent. And don’t be afraid to test their responsiveness before making a decision.
At the end of the day, the best real estate agent isn’t just the one who sells the most homes.
It’s the one who shows up when you need them, keeps you informed, and earns your trust every step of the way.
Because when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, you deserve more than a salesperson.
You deserve an advocate who actually calls you back.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to the Reliance Real Estate Team today!
https://www.reliancerealestateteam.com/contact/
414-659-6965 / jsingsheim@kw.com
If you’d rather listen instead of read, check me out on Spotify:
🎧 Listen on Spotify or Listen on Apple Podcast
Perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break!
#RealEstateTips #PodcastLife #HomeSellingAdvice #HomeBuyingTips #RealtorLife #WisconsinRealEstate #MilwaukeeRealEstate #WaukeshaCounty