"Best realtor in El Paso" — here's how to actually find yours.

Why the "best of" lists mislead

Search "best realtor El Paso" and you'll get directories. Some charge agents for placement. Others rank by transaction count — which measures volume, not care. El Paso has several thousand licensed agents and thousands of closings a year; the "best" agent for a $700k Kern Place listing is rarely the best agent for a VA-loan buyer racing PCS orders to Fort Bliss. Fit beats fame.

The 7 questions that actually separate agents

• "How many deals like mine did you close in the last 12 months?" Same neighborhood, same price band, same loan type. Listen for specifics.
• "What's your list-to-sale price ratio?" (Sellers) — and how it compares to the area average.
• "Walk me through your VA loan process." (Military) — hesitation here is disqualifying in this town.
• "Who covers for you when you're unavailable?" Solo heroes get sick during option periods.
• "How do you handle multiple-offer situations?" Strategy, not vibes.
• "What will you tell me that I don't want to hear?" An agent who's never talked a client out of a house is a salesperson, not an advisor.
• "Can I talk to your last three clients?" Not their three best — their last three.

Red flags

• Pressure to sign a representation agreement before answering questions.
• Guaranteed sale prices or "I have a buyer waiting" pitches on day one.
• No clear answer on how they're paid. Since August 2024 a written buyer agreement is generally required before touring, so this should be easy for them.
• Slow first response. If they're slow while courting you, imagine mid-transaction.

Or skip the homework and let me make the introduction

I am a licensed Texas sales agent sponsored by eXp Realty, LLC. In El Paso I can represent you myself; anywhere else in Texas or the U.S., I introduce you to an agent through eXp's referral network and follow up on how it goes. You pay nothing for the referral: the receiving agent pays a referral fee from their commission. Referral fees are negotiable and I disclose the arrangement in writing.

General information only, not legal, tax, or lending advice.