Disclaimer: The contents of this article are industry best practices which were sourced from StreetEasy data and interviews with our Agent Advisory Board, unless noted otherwise. Any scripts provided are only meant to act as examples and are not required. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be legal advice. For specific questions about any duties or obligations arising out of a real estate transaction, check your local and state licensing laws and regulations, contact your broker, or an attorney.
If you’re looking to work with more sellers this year, we have good news. The 2025 Consumer Housing Trends Report for Agents by Zillow® reveals that nearly all sellers (93%) work with an agent at some point in their journey. So how can you stand out as an NYC listing agent and win these potential clients? Let’s explore some of the report’s key findings to learn what today’s sellers want in a real estate agent.
Most sellers find their agent online, through referrals, or in the community
Over a third (36%) of sellers found their agent online, making it the most popular way for agents to attract seller leads. This includes the 22% of sellers who found an agent through a real estate website or app, 7% who used a social networking site or app, and 7% who used a search engine.
Referrals were the next most common channel. Sellers relied on friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues (19%), other agents (4%), and home builders (4%) for agent recommendations.
Other sellers looked to their community (11%), or went with an agent they’ve worked with in the past (8%).
Tip: Focus on relationships and a strong online presence
NYC listing agents would do well to cultivate relationships in their community. You never know who might send a referral your way!
Beyond that, creating an engaging online presence can show you understand what sellers want in a real estate agent: trustworthiness, reliability, and market expertise. You can start by creating a strong profile on one of NYC’s most popular listing sites: StreetEasy. To stand out even more, consider joining StreetEasy Experts, which allows you to showcase your selling experience and connect with sellers looking for your specific expertise.
Most sellers rely on their agent to set a list price
Over two-thirds (69%) of sellers relied on an agent to promote their listing and find buyers, while 57% used an agent to set a list price, too. This points to another aspect of what sellers want in a real estate agent: strategic pricing backed by local market knowledge.
Tip: Promote your pricing expertise
When marketing your services, consider highlighting your ability to set the right asking price — not too high, not too low. Sellers may want to know how you use your local knowledge, combined with reliable real estate data (for example, from our Data Dashboard or market reports) to determine a price that’s competitive and strategic.
Sellers prefer agents with digital property marketing tools
If you’re not keeping up with the latest property marketing technology, now’s the time to start. A majority of sellers (78%) are more likely to hire an agent if they offer high-resolution photography, and 71% say the same about agents who use tools like 3D home tours and interactive floorplans.
Tip: Embrace technology and leverage online listing sites
In addition to the tools listed above, try amplifying your digital property marketing with Featured Listings on StreetEasy. Grabbing a top spot in a user’s apartment search can help you attract more buyers and, in many cases, sell a home faster.
Top characteristics sellers look for in a real estate agent
Responsiveness
Responsiveness was top of the list of what sellers want in a real estate agent, with 80% of sellers saying they consider it highly important that an agent responds to their messages in a timely manner. A good rule of thumb is to respond within a few hours if a client reaches out during the workday. If they contact you outside of working hours, consider following up first thing the next morning.
Trustworthiness
Another 80% of sellers prefer agents who give a trustworthy first impression. They want to know their agent will protect their best interests no matter what. This means prioritizing honesty with your clients, advocating for them in negotiations, and avoiding conflicts of interest (such as representing both sides of a transaction).
Positive reputation in the community
When considering working with an agent, three-quarters of sellers weigh the agent’s reputation in the community. This serves as a reminder to continually cultivate relationships in your city, borough, or neighborhood, whether it’s by volunteering, frequenting local businesses, or serving on boards.
Has local market and neighborhood-specific knowledge
Another 75% of sellers look for an agent with specific knowledge of their neighborhood or local market. This is especially true in NYC, where sellers rely on agents’ hyper-local expertise to properly market their home, attract buyers, and protect their interests.
Again, you can put your local expertise on display by becoming a StreetEasy Expert. Once you’re approved and set up on our platform, StreetEasy does the heavy lifting by matching you with sellers who are highly interested in working with you.
Strong sales history
Unsurprisingly, 74% of sellers want an agent who has a high number of sales under their belt. Don’t underestimate the importance of showing off your deal history, which lets sellers know you’re experienced — possibly in their exact neighborhood or building.
Positive online reviews
Two-thirds (67%) of sellers consider an agent’s online reviews and ratings before deciding to work with them. Whenever you close a sale for a client, consider asking them to leave you a positive review on Google, Facebook, and anywhere else you promote your business. Encourage them to be specific about which of your qualities and skills helped them most.
Part of a team
Finding an agent who works with a team is important to 59% of sellers. These sellers know that agents who work on a team are more likely to get one-on-one training, support, and access to knowledge. Plus, if you’re unavailable for any reason, someone else on your team can help them. If you’re a solo agent, consider joining a team within your brokerage or building one of your own.
As a listing agent in NYC, your success hinges on knowing exactly what sellers want in a real estate agent and how you can meet those needs. By keeping these insights in mind, you’re one step closer to attracting more seller leads and turning them into satisfied clients.
StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses. StreetEasy Concierge team members are real estate licensees, however they are not your agents or providing real estate brokerage services on your behalf. StreetEasy does not intend to interfere with any agency agreement you may have with a real estate professional or solicit your business if you are already under contract to purchase or sell property.
