How do I know if my agent is doing a good job?
Is my agent actually working for me—or just collecting commissions? Read this fast.
Why measurement beats promises
If you hired an agent and you’re not tracking things, you’re trusting luck. Real estate success is measurable. I help clients win by focusing on metrics, not talk. If you want real results, demand real numbers.
What good performance looks like when working with agents
Good agents do four things well: market aggressively, price smart, negotiate like pros, and communicate clearly. If any of those fail, you pay for it.
Key performance indicators every client should check
- Days on Market (DOM): Compare the agent’s DOM to the neighborhood average. Longer DOM often means weak pricing or poor marketing.
- List-to-Sale Price Ratio: Final sale ÷ list price. Aim to be at or above the market average. Low ratios cost you money.
- Showings per Week & Conversion Rate: How many showings convert to offers? High showings with no offers means messaging problem.
- Marketing Spend & Reach: Professional photos, floor plans, targeted online ads. Ask for ad reports and views.
- Time to Respond: Lead response within hours, not days. Buyers and leads cool off fast.
- Offer Quality: Not just number of offers. Were contingencies minimized? Did the agent negotiate repairs and terms that protect you?
- Feedback Rate: How often the agent collects and shares buyer feedback after showings?
Benchmarks differ by market. A good agent should explain the numbers and how they stack up locally.
Actionable checklist: Ask your agent today
- Show me last 6 months of results for my neighborhood.
- Give me your DOM and list-to-sale ratio vs. market average.
- Share the marketing plan, ad spend, and performance report.
- Tell me your average response time to new leads and buyer inquiries.
- Show examples of negotiation outcomes—repair credits, price adjustments, contingency wins.
If they stall or give vague answers, they’re not performing.
Real-world example
A seller I worked with had a house listed for 90 days with another agent. The listing had mediocre photos and no targeted ads. We re-priced based on comps, invested in pro photos, launched targeted ads, and followed up daily with buyer agents. Result: multiple showings in the first week and a firm offer above the market average within 14 days. The difference? Metrics, not hope.
Use numbers to make decisions
When working with agents, don’t hire on personality. Hire on measurable outcomes. Demand regular reports. Compare their KPIs to the market. If performance lags, change course quickly.
If you want a frank, data-first review of your listing or agent performance, I’ll give you a clear report you can use. Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for examples and client results.
Want a free performance audit? I’ll show you the numbers and the fixes.
Author: Tony Sousa — Local Realtor and results-first market expert.
