What Your Real Estate Agent Should Be Doing for You

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. The right real estate agent can make all the difference—guiding you through the process, advocating for your best interests, and ensuring everything goes as smoothly as possible.

At Coldwell Banker Smith Homes, we’ve been helping families and individuals find their perfect homes since 1974. With four local offices in Gautier, Ocean Springs, Leakesville, and Bayou La Batre, we bring deep-rooted community expertise to every transaction. And because we’re backed by Coldwell Banker’s 100+ years of real estate experience, our agents get the best of both worlds—the legacy of a trusted local business and the resources of a global real estate powerhouse.

So, how do you know if your agent is truly working for you? Here’s what a great real estate professional should be doing every step of the way.

1. Listening to Your Needs—Not Assuming Them

A home is more than just a structure—it’s where life happens. That’s why a great agent won’t assume they know what you need. Instead, they’ll ask thoughtful questions like:

What do you love (or dislike) about your current home?
What’s your ideal neighborhood like?
How long do you see yourself living there?
Are schools, commutes, or community amenities important to you?

By understanding your lifestyle and future plans, a good agent can help uncover hidden gems that may not have been on your radar.

2. Connecting You With a Trustworthy Mortgage Lender

Unless you’re buying with cash, securing the right mortgage is just as important as finding the right home. If you don’t already have a lender, your agent should be able to recommend reputable mortgage brokers who can guide you through pre-approval and financing options.

Pro tip: If your agent isn’t asking whether you’re pre-approved early in the process, it might be time to find one who will!

3. Providing Local Expertise on Neighborhoods

Even if you’ve lived in the area for years, there’s always something new to learn about different neighborhoods. A knowledgeable agent should be able to offer insights on:

Property value trends
School districts and local amenities
Traffic patterns and commute times
Community culture—where to shop, dine, and spend your weekends

Because our team at Coldwell Banker Smith Homes is local to the area, we don’t just sell homes here—we live, work, and raise our families here too. We know the hidden gems, the up-and-coming neighborhoods, and the communities that truly feel like home.

4. Helping You Find the Right Home (Beyond Online Listings)

Scrolling through real estate listings online is easy—but finding “the one” takes a skilled agent. Photos can be deceiving, and some of the best properties might never even hit the public market.

A proactive agent will:

Set up custom MLS alerts so you’re the first to know about new listings
Use their network to find off-market opportunities
Preview homes in advance to save you time
Offer creative strategies if inventory is tight

If your agent is just forwarding you listings from Zillow, they’re not doing enough.

5. Pricing Your Home Right (Sellers, Take Note!)

For sellers, pricing a home correctly from day one is crucial. Overpricing can scare away buyers, while underpricing can cost you thousands. A skilled agent will:

Analyze recent sales data (not just throw out a high number to impress you)
Compare price-per-square-foot metrics
Consider market conditions and buyer demand
Set a strategy to attract serious buyers within the first 48 hours

Beware of agents who suggest an inflated price just to win your listing—this can lead to extended time on the market and price reductions later.

6. Creating a Strong Marketing Plan for Your Listing

Listing your home isn’t just about putting it on the MLS and hoping for the best. A well-connected agent will have a marketing strategy that may include:

Professional photography & virtual tours
Social media and online advertising
Open houses and private showings
Email campaigns to targeted buyers
Networking with other real estate professionals

If your agent doesn’t have a clear marketing plan, it could mean fewer offers and a longer selling timeline.

7. Guiding You Through the Inspection Process

Once an offer is accepted, a home inspection is one of the most critical steps. Your agent should:

Help you find a reputable inspector
Review the report with you and explain what’s negotiable
Provide guidance on repair requests and deal negotiations

This isn’t just a formality—it can make or break a deal, and a great agent will ensure you navigate it smoothly.

8. Attending the Appraisal & Advocating for You

An appraisal determines how much a lender is willing to finance for a home. If it comes in lower than expected, the entire deal could be in jeopardy. While some agents skip this step, a dedicated agent will attend the appraisal to provide:

Market data supporting the sale price
Recent comparable home sales
Additional property features that may impact value

Having an agent who’s actively involved in this process can help avoid costly surprises.

9. Keeping You in the Loop (Communication is Key!)

Real estate transactions involve a lot of moving parts—lenders, inspectors, attorneys, and more. Your agent should be the central hub of communication, keeping you updated on:

✔️ Offer negotiations
✔️ Inspection findings
✔️ Loan and appraisal status
✔️ Closing timelines

If you’re constantly chasing your agent for updates, that’s a red flag. You deserve an agent who’s proactive, not reactive.

A Legacy of Trust, Built for You

At Coldwell Banker Smith Homes, we’ve been helping clients buy and sell homes since 1974, combining decades of local knowledge with the expertise of Coldwell Banker’s 100+ years in real estate. Our agents don’t just handle transactions—we build lasting relationships and ensure every client feels informed, confident, and supported.

With four offices across Gautier, Ocean Springs, Leakesville, and Bayou La Batre, we’re proud to be a part of the communities we serve. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, you deserve an agent who puts your needs first.

Looking for a dedicated real estate partner? Let’s connect today!