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Realtors

Top 5 realtors near you. Find the best match for your project.

Realtors Comparison

Top providers ranked by reputation, value, and service quality

Best Overall
1
Windermere Real Estate logo
4.8

Excellent

2,847 reviews

LicensedInsured
  • Residential sales
  • Luxury properties
  • Relocation services
  • Property management
  • Market analysis

Best for: Those seeking deep Pacific Northwest market expertise

Founded 1972Seattle, WA
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2
Compass (Seattle Office) logo
4.8

Excellent

1,654 reviews

LicensedInsured
  • AI-powered search
  • Custom marketing
  • Compass Concierge
  • Bridge loans
  • Coming soon listings

Best for: Tech-savvy buyers and sellers seeking modern experience

Founded 2012New York, NY
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3
Lake & Company Real Estate logo
4.8

Excellent

687 reviews

  • Neighborhood expertise
  • Buyer representation
  • Seller marketing
  • Investment guidance
  • First-time buyer support

Best for: Personalized service with deep local neighborhood expertise

Founded 2001Seattle, WA
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4
John L. Scott Real Estate logo
4.7

Very Good

2,156 reviews

  • Buyer representation
  • Seller services
  • New construction
  • Investment properties
  • Mortgage referrals

Best for: Traditional real estate experience with innovative tools

Founded 1931Seattle, WA
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5
Coldwell Banker Bain logo
4.7

Very Good

1,893 reviews

LicensedInsured
  • Residential sales
  • Global luxury
  • Commercial real estate
  • Concierge services
  • International referrals

Best for: Luxury properties and those needing global reach

Founded 1972Seattle, WA
Read full review
6
Keller Williams Greater Seattle logo
4.6

Very Good

1,987 reviews

  • Buyer services
  • Seller services
  • Investor support
  • Team collaboration
  • Technology tools

Best for: Working with well-trained, supported agents

Founded 1983Austin, TX
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7
RE/MAX Northwest Realtors logo
4.5

Very Good

1,432 reviews

  • Residential sales
  • Commercial properties
  • Relocation
  • Property valuation
  • Market reports

Best for: Those wanting experienced agents with global reach

Founded 1973Denver, CO
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What does a realtor do?

Realtors guide buyers and sellers through pricing, marketing, negotiation, and closing with a structured, step by step process. They use local market data to set realistic expectations and reduce surprises.

A great agent is both a strategist and a coordinator, keeping timelines on track while protecting your interests in a high stakes transaction.

Real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people make. A skilled realtor brings market expertise, negotiation leverage, and process management that can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful, costly experience.

For sellers: pricing and positioning

Pricing is a strategy, not a guess. Realtors analyze comps, market trends, and property condition to position your listing competitively and attract qualified buyers.

They also advise on prep, staging, photography, and listing copy to showcase value and drive showings.

Overpricing leads to stale listings; underpricing leaves money on the table. An experienced agent finds the sweet spot that generates urgency and competitive offers.

For buyers: opportunity and leverage

Realtors help buyers evaluate value, compare neighborhoods, and structure strong offers. They often identify listings early and advise on competitive terms beyond price.

During escrow, they coordinate inspections and negotiate repairs or credits to protect your long term investment.

In competitive markets, your agent's relationships and reputation can give your offer an edge. Listing agents are more likely to work smoothly with buyer agents they trust.

Negotiation and contract management

Contracts are full of deadlines. Your agent tracks contingencies, disclosures, and appraisal milestones so you do not miss critical steps.

Skilled negotiation can save money, reduce risk, and keep deals intact when issues arise.

A strong negotiator knows when to push, when to concede, and how to frame requests so the other side says yes. This skill is especially important during inspection negotiations, appraisal gaps, and multiple-offer situations.

Understanding commissions and agent compensation

Real estate commissions have traditionally been 5–6% of the sale price, split between buyer and seller agents. Recent industry changes have increased transparency around how agents are compensated.

Ask your agent to explain their fee structure clearly. Some agents offer tiered services or flat-fee options. What matters most is the net result: your final sale price minus costs, or for buyers, the total acquisition cost relative to market value.

Local market knowledge matters

Real estate is hyperlocal. An agent who knows your neighborhood understands micro-trends, school boundaries, development plans, and buyer preferences that data alone cannot capture.

Ask prospective agents how many transactions they have closed in your area in the past year and what market shifts they are seeing right now.

How to pick the right agent

Look for local expertise, a clear marketing plan, and a responsive communication style. Ask about average days on market, list to sale ratio, and how they handle multiple offer scenarios.

The best agents are proactive and transparent, especially about tradeoffs and timelines.

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding. Pay attention to who asks the best questions about your goals — not just who gives the best pitch.

How much does a realtor cost?

Typical costs and pricing to expect

Seller commissions typically range from 4% to 6% of the sale price, often split between listing and buyer agents. On a $500,000 home, that is $20,000 to $30,000 total.

Buyers traditionally have not paid their agent directly, though industry changes may shift some costs. Always ask your agent to explain the fee structure before signing a representation agreement.

Some discount brokerages offer lower commissions but may provide fewer services. Full-service agents justify their fees through better pricing strategy, stronger negotiation, and smoother transactions — but the best value depends on your specific situation.

Realtor selection checklist

Key items to review before making your decision

  • Verify active real estate license in your state
  • Ask about recent transaction volume in your target area
  • Review their marketing plan (for sellers) or search strategy (for buyers)
  • Discuss communication preferences and response time expectations
  • Ask for client references and follow up on them
  • Understand their commission structure and what it includes
  • Confirm they have experience with your property type (condo, single-family, investment, etc.)
  • Evaluate their negotiation approach with scenario-based questions
Top Pick

Windermere Real Estate

Those seeking deep Pacific Northwest market expertise

4.8 rating2,847 reviews
View Full Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about realtors

You are not legally required to use one, but a buyer's agent provides access to listings, market analysis, negotiation support, and contract management at what has traditionally been no direct cost to the buyer. Going without representation means handling inspections, appraisals, and legal deadlines on your own.

Ask for a comparative market analysis (CMA) that shows recent sales of similar homes in your area. A good CMA includes adjustments for differences in condition, size, and features. If the suggested price feels too high or too low, ask your agent to walk you through the reasoning.

All realtors are real estate agents, but not all agents are realtors. A realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and subscribes to a code of ethics. In practice, the distinction matters less than the individual agent's experience, skill, and local market knowledge.

The average time varies by market, but a well-priced home in a balanced market typically goes under contract within 2 to 4 weeks. From listing to closing, expect 45 to 75 days total. Overpriced homes or those in slower markets may take significantly longer.

It depends on your agreement. Most listing and buyer representation agreements have terms and cancellation clauses. If you are not satisfied, start by having an honest conversation with your agent. If that does not resolve the issue, review your contract or consult a real estate attorney about your options.

How We Rank Realtors

Customer Reviews

We analyze thousands of verified customer reviews to assess satisfaction and service quality.

Credentials & Experience

We verify licensing, insurance, years in business, and industry certifications.

Value & Pricing

We evaluate pricing transparency and overall value for the services provided.

The Bottom Line

Buying or selling a home is a significant life event, and the right realtor can make the process smoother, faster, and more financially rewarding. Focus on finding someone with strong local knowledge, a clear process, and a communication style that gives you confidence throughout the transaction.