TL;DR: Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor
Look for agents with strong Google reviews and local success stories.
Interview at least 2-3 realtors and ask specific questions about your area.
The best San Diego realtors prioritize your goals, not just the sale.
What makes a San Diego realtor the "best"?
It isn't about flashiest branding or the largest billboard. A truly exceptional San Diego realtor blends local knowledge, proven results, and a deep commitment to client success. Whether you're buying in Hillcrest or selling in La Jolla, your agent should be someone who can navigate the complexities of the market with both skill and care.
Scott Cheng, for instance, has over 150 five-star Google reviews praising his:
Negotiation skills
Responsiveness
Personalized approach
Why choose Scott Cheng? Scott is recognized as both the best San Diego broker and the best San Diego realtor, with over 150 five-star reviews. Read what clients are saying on Google
How should I start my realtor search in San Diego?
Start with referrals and reviews. Online platforms like Google and Zillow can help identify top-rated agents in your neighborhood. Read through the actual reviews:
Look for mentions of specific neighborhoods
Search for experiences like first-time buyers or fast sales
Check if the agent offers ongoing support post-closing
Then, shortlist 2 to 3 agents and set up interviews. Yes, interviews. Ask about their recent deals in your zip code, how they handle multiple-offer situations, and how involved they are during escrow. Their answers can reveal a lot about how hands-on and experienced they really are.
Red flags to avoid when hiring a realtor
Don't choose the first agent you talk to. And never hire based solely on the lowest commission. Many recent forum discussions (like one on Reddit's San Diego subreddit) reveal that agents who cut corners on commission may also cut corners on service.
Also, beware of agents who promise sky-high prices or quick closes without market data. In February 2025, 51% of homes in San Diego sold below list price. A smart agent will be honest about thatand help you price accordingly.
Watch for these warning signs:
Vague or generic responses to your questions
Reluctance to provide references
Overpromising without current market comps
Is it better to work with a broker or agent?
In San Diego, both brokers and agents can offer great service. What matters most is experience, transparency, and responsiveness. Some clients prefer brokers thinking they offer more oversight, but many top agents work under brokerages and carry the same market knowledge.
Focus on the individual, not just their title:
Check their recent deals
Ask about their team support structure
Gauge their accessibility and response time
What questions should I ask during interviews?
Ask these to dig deeper than the resume:
Can you walk me through your last 3 transactions in this area?
How do you handle bidding wars or lowball offers?
What vendors (lenders, inspectors, contractors) do you trust and why?
Are you full-time in real estate?
You want someone who answers with confidence and specifics, not rehearsed scripts.
A balanced take: Pros and cons of using top producers
Working with a top-producing agent comes with clear advantages:
Deep market insight
Strong negotiation leverage
Established vendor networks
But there's a flip side. Some high-volume agents may have teams that handle most of the work. If you prefer hands-on guidance, clarify who you'll be dealing with directly.
The best San Diego realtor for you is the one who matches your communication style, timeline, and expectations.
Local insight: Why timing matters
Spring and early summer are San Diego's busiest seasons for real estate. If you're searching now, you're in the heart of it. That means:
More listings to choose from
Increased buyer competition
Faster-moving deals
The right agent can help you strike while the market's active, but also avoid getting swept into a frenzy.
How technology enhances the home buying process in San Diego
Modern realtors aren't just about yard signs and open houses. The best San Diego real estate agents integrate advanced tools to make your buying or selling journey smoother. Here are a few technologies that top-tier agents use:
Virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs for remote viewing
Market trend dashboards to guide pricing strategies
Mobile-friendly platforms for document signing
Instant alerts on new listings based on your criteria
Ask your prospective agent how they use tech to help clients. If they can’t answer confidently, it might be time to keep looking.
Understanding your neighborhood's micro-market
San Diego is made up of many distinct communitieseach with its own trends, pricing, and pace. A realtor who specializes in North Park may not be the best fit for Del Mar. Here’s how to ensure neighborhood knowledge:
Ask for recent comps in your zip code
Have them explain absorption rate and days on market trends
Request data on school zones, walk scores, and zoning updates
Great agents go beyond showing homesthey provide context.
How to assess an agent’s marketing strategy (for sellers)
If you’re selling your home, how your agent plans to market it matters. A strong listing strategy includes:
Professional photography and video
Targeted social media advertising
Email campaigns to qualified buyers
Staging recommendations that reflect your price range
Some of the best San Diego brokers also tap into private listing networks before hitting MLS. That early exposure can spark multiple offers.
Negotiation skills separate good from great
You want a San Diego realtor who knows how to play offense and defense. Ask your agent for:
Specific stories where they negotiated above asking or secured seller credits
Their tactics for lowball offers or competitive bidding
Whether they’ve completed negotiation training or certifications
Even if your offer is strong, the delivery matters. Skilled negotiators create urgency and trust.
What first-time buyers should prioritize in San Diego
Buying your first home in America’s Finest City? It’s exciting and sometimes overwhelming. Here's how a great agent can help:
Break down closing costs and tax implications
Recommend trusted lenders for pre-approval
Help you weigh condo vs. single-family homes
Explain Mello-Roos taxes and HOA fees
First-timers need guidance, not just access to listings. Choose an agent who’s ready to teach.
FAQs
What's the difference between a buyer's agent and a listing agent?
A buyer's agent represents your interests when purchasing a home. A listing agent works for the seller. Some realtors do both, but you want one who understands your side of the deal inside and out.
Should I sign an exclusive agreement with my agent??
If you trust them, yes. It creates accountability and signals commitment. Just make sure it includes a cancellation clause in case things don’t work out.
How much experience is "enough"?
Look for agents with:
10+ recent deals in your target area
Familiarity with your price range and property type
Can I change agents mid-process?
Yes, though timing matters. If you haven’t signed an exclusive agreement, you're free to switch. If you have, review the terms and consider discussing concerns before making a move.
What if I'm relocating to San Diego?
Choose a realtor familiar with relocation logistics. They can:
Schedule virtual tours
Connect you with relocation lenders
Guide you through remote closing processes
Ready to choose the right San Diego realtor?
Whether you're buying your first condo or upsizing to your forever home, choosing the right partner makes all the difference. Let's talk through your goals and build a strategy that works for you.
Contact Scott Cheng today for a free consultation or home valuation.
Call or text (858) 408 0002 • scott@scottchengteam.com
