Choosing the right realtor feels a bit like choosing a partner for a major life decision — because that’s exactly what it is.

Whether you’re selling or buying a home in Southeast Michigan, you’re dealing with money, timing, family needs, and the emotional weight that comes with major change.

You need someone who listens, understands your goals, and puts in the effort to protect your investment.

In a recent Hire It Done episode, I sat down with Tracey Freeman** of **TSF Homes, one of Metro Detroit’s sharpest and most trustworthy real estate professionals. With a background as a CPA and experience in investor relations, Tracey approaches every transaction with the kind of financial clarity and honesty most homeowners don’t even know they’re missing.

And at TSF Homes, the belief is simple: buying or selling a home shouldn’t feel transactional — it should feel intentional.

Your home is part of your story, and the person guiding you through that process needs to respect that.

If you’re trying to figure out how to choose the right realtor for your situation, especially here in Southeast Michigan, these insights from the episode will help you make a confident decision.

Start With Their Track Record

One of the smartest ways to evaluate a realtor is to look at their performance, not their promises. As Tracey said on the show, every homeowner should ask one simple question:

“What’s your track record over the past year?”

This single question reveals how consistent they are, how well they negotiate, whether their pricing strategy actually works, and how familiar they are with neighborhoods like Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Rochester, Novi, or anywhere else across SE Michigan.

For example, Tracey shared that her listings in 2024 sold for 98% of list price, which speaks volumes about her ability to price homes accurately and market them effectively.

A realtor who understands the local market can speak confidently about comparable homes, buyer expectations, and the trends affecting your specific area.

That’s the kind of expertise that protects your equity.

Look for Honesty, Not Empty Promises

This was one of the most important points Tracey made. Some realtors will tell you whatever number you want to hear just to land the listing. But a higher number doesn’t mean a better strategy — and it definitely doesn’t mean a faster sale.

What you really want is someone who isn’t afraid to be honest with you. Instead of saying, “Sure, we can list it for $800k,” the right realtor explains why the market supports $650k and what that means for your timeline.

That honesty prevents your home from sitting on the MLS for months, collecting dust and losing value in the eyes of buyers.

As Adam said during the episode, you become good at what you do when you learn how to say no.

A realtor who knows how to say no — no to bad pricing, no to unrealistic promises, no to shortcuts — is the realtor who will ultimately protect your best interest.

Choose Someone Who Understands Your Timeline

Your situation matters more than you think. Some homeowners need to move quickly. Others need time, flexibility, or a strategy that involves buying and selling simultaneously.

And many need occupancy after closing so they’re not scrambling to move twice.

Tracey approaches this by gathering information first, not rushing you into decisions. She’ll ask where you’re going next, whether you need time after closing, whether you need sale proceeds to fund your next purchase, and what kind of pace you’re comfortable with. From there, she sets realistic expectations and ensures both sides of the transaction move smoothly.

A realtor who listens before listing will save you from stress later. You should feel like they understand your needs before they ever take photos of your home.

Evaluate Their Marketing Strategy

Selling in Southeast Michigan today requires more than an MLS listing and a yard sign. You need a strategic, modern plan — something Tracey emphasized throughout the episode.

This includes professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, boosted online visibility, and in some cases, drone footage to highlight lot size, neighborhoods, or exterior features.

One of the strongest tools she mentioned is the broker open. Unlike public open houses, broker opens bring serious agents into your home before the listing gains traction. It helps generate buzz, attract the right buyers, and get your home in front of agents who have clients actively searching.

Ask your potential realtor how they plan to market your home online, where they will advertise it, and how they plan to attract buyers in Oakland County and surrounding areas. Their answer should be clear, specific, and confident.

Pay Attention to Communication Style

No matter how skilled a realtor is, communication can make or break your experience. You need someone who updates you consistently, explains things clearly, and doesn’t leave you guessing about showings, offers, inspections, or next steps.

Tracey talked about how information overload can overwhelm sellers, especially when they’re juggling work, family, and the anxiety that comes with moving.

A good realtor simplifies everything. You should feel like they’re guiding you through the process step-by-step — not throwing jargon or confusion your way.

If a realtor takes too long to respond or gives vague answers during your initial conversations, it won’t get better once the real work begins.

Choose Skill Over Popularity

A great realtor isn’t always the one with the biggest ads or the most billboards. Sometimes the best ones are the people consistently selling homes, building relationships, and staying sharp without needing flashy marketing.

What you’re looking for is someone with real skill:

• Someone who negotiates well.

• Someone who knows how to price accurately.

• Someone who understands neighborhoods deeply.

• Someone who works with integrity, not ego.

This is why Tracey stands out. She doesn’t try to be the loudest — she focuses on being the most prepared.

And that’s the energy you want on your side when you’re selling or buying in SE Michigan.

Make Sure They Have Reliable Professional Partners

When you’re getting your home ready to sell, you’ll often need painters, carpet cleaners, HVAC experts, stagers, or handypeople. You shouldn’t have to find them alone.

A strong realtor brings a network with them. Tracey mentioned the importance of having trusted contractors she can refer to clients — people who show up, do high-quality work, and won’t sabotage your sale with sloppy results.

This is also where Hire It Done gives you a huge advantage.

Adam’s trusted contractor network includes vetted professionals who understand the standards needed to prepare a home for the market correctly.

When your realtor pairs their strategy with reliable, licensed contractors, you get a smoother, more successful sale with fewer surprises.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Realtor Who Makes You Feel Supported

At the end of the day, choosing the right realtor isn’t about picking the biggest name or the lowest commission. It’s about choosing someone who helps you feel safe, informed, and confident throughout the process.

Someone who listens before selling. Someone who tells the truth even when it’s hard. Someone who can handle the emotional and financial weight of a major real estate decision with care and clarity.

Your realtor should protect your time, respect your goals, and guide you as if your home were their own.

If you want that level of service in Southeast Michigan, connect with Tracey Freeman of TSF Homes. Her financial background and no-nonsense approach make her one of the most trusted advisors in our region.

And if you need reliable licensed pros to prepare your home for sale, visit HireItDone.com to find contractors Adam personally recommends.

You deserve a realtor who puts your best interests first — and when you find the right one, everything else becomes easier.

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About Hire It Done:

Hire It Done is a trusted resource for navigating the home improvement process, led by industry expert Adam Helfman. Focused on educating homeowners, Hire It Done provides key questions to ask contractors, especially those they may avoid answering. Through its weekly national radio show, Hire It Done offers practical advice and connects homeowners with elite contractors for a hassle-free experience. The platform has become a go-to for homeowners seeking expert guidance and reliable contractors.

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About Adam Helfman:

Adam Helfman has been Metro Detroit's trusted home improvement expert for over 35 years. As the founder of Hire It Done, he’s connected homeowners with top-quality contractors for two decades. Adam's popular Saturday morning home improvement radio show has been a go-to resource for Metro Detroiters for 18 years.

With his extensive industry experience, he knows the critical questions homeowners need to ask. Including those contractors often avoid. Tune in to hear how you can hire the right pro and avoid costly mistakes.

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