Questions to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Agent
By Emily Swinford, REALTOR® | Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – The Good Life Group
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial (and emotional) decisions you’ll ever make. The process can be exciting, but also stressful if you don’t have the right person guiding you. Your agent is more than just a name on a yard sign; they’re your strategist, your advocate, and sometimes your therapist. So how do you know you’re choosing the right REALTOR® to walk beside you through it all?
Here are some smart questions to ask before you commit, plus why working with a local Glenwood and Southwest Iowa REALTOR® can make all the difference.
1️⃣ How well do they know the local market?
Every market has its personality, and Southwest Iowa is no exception. Glenwood, Malvern, Tabor, and the surrounding communities each have their own rhythms, pricing patterns, and school districts that influence value.
Ask your agent about recent sales nearby, how long homes are taking to sell, and what factors are influencing demand. A local REALTOR® who has lived and raised a family here can tell you why one side of town moves faster than another or which neighborhoods are gaining traction. That kind of knowledge comes only from being part of the community, not just driving in from Omaha for showings.
2️⃣ How will they communicate with you?
A great agent doesn’t disappear after you sign the paperwork. Real estate moves quickly, and communication can make or break a transaction.
Find out how often they’ll check in, whether they prefer text, email, or phone calls, and how they handle updates when things change. My clients know they’ll never wonder what’s happening; I keep them in the loop from the first showing to the final signature.
3️⃣ What’s their marketing strategy?
If you’re selling, marketing is everything. Your agent should have a clear plan that goes far beyond simply listing your home on the MLS.
Ask what tools they use to attract buyers. Do they invest in professional photography? Drone video? Social media ads? Targeted emails to other agents? SEO-optimized listings? The strongest REALTORS® treat each home like a brand launch with custom strategy, professional visuals, and constant performance tracking.
At Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – The Good Life Group, my team and I combine modern marketing with genuine community connection. Every property gets its own spotlight, whether through video reels, Facebook campaigns, or email blasts to thousands of agents across the region.
4️⃣ What’s their experience with negotiations?
Real estate negotiation isn’t about being pushy, it’s about strategy. The right agent knows how to read the room, navigate multiple offers, and advocate for your goals without losing the deal.
Ask your potential agent for examples: How have they helped clients win in competitive situations? How do they handle inspection repairs or appraisal issues? Their answers will reveal whether they’re confident under pressure or just crossing their fingers.
5️⃣ Who’s in their network?
A great REALTOR® doesn’t work alone, they bring an entire support system with them. Inspectors, appraisers, lenders, contractors, stagers, insurance agents, and title professionals… those relationships matter.
When you work with someone deeply rooted in Southwest Iowa, you gain access to trusted people who can jump in quickly and get things done. Need a reliable handyman before listing? A lender who can close fast? A local government contact to check zoning? That’s where local connections save time, money, and frustration.
6️⃣ What do past clients say?
Online reviews can reveal a lot, but so can simple word of mouth. Ask for testimonials or references from people who have worked with them recently.
Look for feedback about honesty, responsiveness, and follow-through. “Nice to work with” is good; “helped us sell in three days above asking while keeping us calm” is better.
7️⃣ What’s their approach when challenges come up?
Every transaction has a few curveballs. Whether it’s a tough appraisal, inspection issue, or last-minute financing hiccup, how an agent reacts under stress tells you everything. You want someone calm, creative, and resourceful, not panicked.
Why a Local REALTOR® in Glenwood, Iowa Matters
Choosing a Southwest Iowa agent isn’t just about market expertise, it’s about connection. Local REALTORS® are woven into the fabric of the community. We know the back roads, the neighborhood Facebook groups, the youth sports schedules, and which restaurants serve the best post-closing pizza.
Working with someone who lives here means you’re getting a guide who can introduce you to the right lenders, explain county zoning quirks, recommend trusted contractors, and help you feel at home long after the paperwork is done.
Big-city agents might mean well, but when you need fast answers from City Hall, insight on a county road easement, or an introduction to a local business owner, you’ll be glad you chose someone who’s already part of the community.
Why Choose Emily Swinford
In 2025, I was honored to be recognized as the #1 Top-Producing Agent with the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS®, a reflection of the trust my clients place in me, not just the numbers.
But titles aside, what matters most to me is transparency, education, and results. I believe in clear communication, honest advice (even when it’s not what you want to hear), and a marketing strategy that evolves with the market. My goal is for you to feel supported and confident from our first conversation to closing day. . . and maybe even find a few new favorite local spots along the way.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Glenwood or anywhere in Southwest Iowa, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about your goals and create a plan that makes sense for you.