The right real estate agent knows your local market, keeps you in the loop, markets your home well, negotiates calmly, and brings a network of trusted local pros. Here are seven questions that help you find out before you sign anything, whether you’re buying or selling in Glenwood, Southwest Iowa, or the Omaha metro.
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial (and emotional) decisions you’ll ever make. Your agent is more than a name on a yard sign. They’re your strategist, your advocate, and sometimes your therapist.
1. How well do they know the local market?
Every market has its own personality, and Southwest Iowa is no exception. Glenwood, Malvern, Tabor, and the towns around them each have their own pace, pricing patterns, and school district lines that shape what buyers look for.
Ask about recent sales nearby, how long homes are taking to sell, and what’s driving demand right now. An agent who lives and works here can tell you why one side of town moves faster than another, or which areas are picking up.
2. How will they communicate with you?
A great agent doesn’t disappear after you sign the paperwork. Real estate moves quickly, and communication can make or break a deal.
Find out how often they’ll check in, whether they prefer text, email, or phone calls, and how they handle updates when things change. My clients never have to wonder what’s happening. We keep them in the loop from the first showing to the final signature.
3. What’s their marketing plan?
If you’re selling, marketing is everything. Your agent should have a clear plan that goes well beyond putting your home on the MLS.
Ask what they’ll do to reach buyers. Professional photos? Drone video? Social media? Emails to other agents? At Square Deal Real Estate, every listing goes on the MLS and out to sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Homes.com. We also send monthly mailers to about 15,000 households, email more than 4,000 Omaha and Southwest Iowa agents every day, and feature listings across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. See how we sell homes.
4. How do they negotiate?
Negotiating isn’t about being pushy. It’s about strategy. The right agent knows how to read the room, work through multiple offers, and stand up for your goals without losing the deal.
Ask for real examples. How have they helped clients win in a competitive situation? How do they handle inspection repairs or a low appraisal? Their answers will tell you whether they stay steady under pressure.
5. Who’s in their network?
A good REALTOR® doesn’t work alone. Inspectors, appraisers, lenders, contractors, insurance agents, and title companies are all part of getting a deal to the closing table.
When your agent is rooted in Southwest Iowa, you get people who can jump in quickly. Need a reliable handyman before you list? A lender who can close on time? Someone at the county who can answer a zoning question? Those local connections save time, money, and frustration. Ask us for our list of trusted local pros.
6. What do past clients say?
Online reviews tell you a lot, and so does word of mouth. Ask for recent references.
Look for comments about honesty, responsiveness, and follow-through. “Nice to work with” is good. “Helped us sell in three days and kept us calm the whole time” is better.
7. What happens when something goes wrong?
Every deal has a curveball or two: a tough appraisal, an inspection surprise, a last-minute financing hiccup. How an agent reacts under stress tells you everything. You want someone calm, creative, and resourceful.
Why a local agent matters
A local agent knows the back roads, the county offices, and the people who get things done. When you need a fast answer about a county road easement, a septic inspection, or which lender closes on time, it helps to work with someone who’s already part of the community.
Why work with Emily Swinford
I’m a fourth-generation Glenwood native and the founder and broker of Square Deal Real Estate. In 2025, I was honored to be named the #1 Top-Producing Agent with the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS®. That reflects the trust my clients place in me, not just the numbers.
What matters most to me is honest advice (even when it’s not what you want to hear), clear communication, and a plan that fits your goals. Our team is licensed in Iowa and Nebraska, so we can help whether you’re buying in Glenwood or selling in the Omaha metro.
Thinking about buying or selling? Get in touch and let’s talk about what’s next. You can also read more about buying a home with us or meet Emily.