How we vet
real estate agents
Not all real estate agents are created equal. Learn how we carefully screen
listing agents to find those most qualified to help you sell for the highest price.
Our process for vetting the best-qualified agents
Every agent we consider — whether they request to join our platform or are invited — must meet strict criteria before we’ll recommend them to a seller.
We evaluate their sales performance, online reviews, and track record of putting sellers’ interests first. We also require a listing agreement that gives sellers the flexibility to cancel anytime, without owing a commission.
To date, about 3% of agents have passed our screening process. Below are the exact steps we take to ensure every agent we recommend meets our standards.
Assess local selling experience
Recent sales and local market expertise are the starting point. To be considered, an agent must rank in the top 20% of homes sold in your area over the past three years.
We analyze agents in your area — whether that’s defined by county, zip code, or local market boundaries — using data from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other verified sources. Our review focuses on recent performance, not just lifetime stats, to ensure an agent’s experience is both up to date and relevant to your market.
Whether they’re with a national brand or a local brokerage, only agents with consistent, proven results in your market advance beyond this step.
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Analyze dual agency sales
We eliminate agents who have a history of prioritizing their commission over their clients’ best interests — no exceptions.
Dual agency happens when the same agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction — allowing them to collect both sides of the commission. In some states, this is known as acting as a transaction agent.
Agents with a higher-than-average rate of acting as a dual agent consistently prioritize their own earnings over what’s best for the seller. To prevent this conflict of interest, we analyze each agent’s dual agent history and compare it to that of other top-selling agents in your area.
Only agents with a lower-than-average rate move forward in our process — helping you avoid divided loyalties and work with someone who has a track record of prioritizing the seller’s best interests.
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Evaluate online reviews
We analyze reviews across multiple platforms to confirm that each agent is consistently top-rated and trusted by past home sellers.
Our review analysis scans for patterns that signal exceptional seller experiences — not just star ratings. We look for recurring feedback on communication, negotiation skills, professionalism, and client satisfaction to ensure consistency across platforms.
Only agents with strong, positive reviews tied to real seller outcomes move past this stage — giving you confidence that your Realtor has a proven history of delivering results for sellers like you.
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Interview the agent
An expert on our team personally interviews each agent to understand how they work with sellers and confirm they offer a cancel-anytime listing agreement — with no commission owed if you walk away.
We evaluate the agent’s overall approach to selling a home, including their marketing strategy, communication style, and experience navigating complex situations. We also assess whether they work independently or as part of a team, and how that structure may impact your experience.
Every agent must confirm they offer full contract flexibility — allowing you to cancel the listing agreement at any time, without owing a commission. This ensures that the agent is fully committed to earning your trust and dramatically increases the chances of them prioritizing your sale.
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Monitor ongoing performance
Agents who pass our vetting process must continuously meet our high standards to continue being recommended to home sellers.
We continuously review each agent’s sales performance, online reputation, and homeowner feedback. If an agent falls short of our standards, they’re removed as a potential match for future sellers.
As a quality-first company, our mission is to connect you with a proven real estate professional who’s best qualified to deliver results — so you can sell with confidence and for the maximum price.
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Selected for you and
your home
The agents who pass our vetting process move into a short list — but we take it a step further. We evaluate additional criteria to ensure you get the best-qualified professional for your specific home and situation.
Already thinking of an agent?
We can vet them
for you.
If you’ve already met or spoken with a real estate agent, we can let you know if they meet our standards — and explain why. Our team uses the same vetting criteria we apply to every agent we evaluate, so you can feel confident moving forward with someone who’s truly qualified to sell your home.
Whether you want to move forward with that agent or compare them to others we recommend, the choice is always yours.
What to know before we share feedback on an agent:
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything for you to vet agents for me?
Why should I trust SoldNest’s agent vetting process?
How is SoldNest different from Zillow and other websites?
What If I already have an agent in mind?