Best Real estate agents

General Information Before Choosing a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent connects buyers and sellers, or tenants and landlords, of real estate properties and promotes the deal between them in return for a commission calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount, which is charged only when the deal has actually been completed.

Real estate agent - how to choose the right professional for you?

Buying an apartment or selling a property is a significant and complex transaction, and for most people the largest financial transaction they will make in their lives. Choosing the right real estate agent is meant to make the process fast, smooth and efficient, and ultimately more profitable.

The search for a real estate agent may be initiated by someone looking for a property or selling one, but in many cases the contact is initiated by the agents themselves, who approach advertisers with offers. Either way, it is important to understand who the agent in question is, what they offer and what added value they bring to the deal.

It is important to understand that a professional agent does not merely connect buyers and sellers. When asking what a real estate agent actually does, the answer also includes experience, an understanding of the transaction process, familiarity with the local market, screening inquiries, presenting the property, coordinating between the parties, and advanced marketing and negotiation strategies.

Look for an agent with experience in the area where the property is located

Moving to a new apartment requires matching the family's needs in aspects that may vary between families, tenants and buyers alike. A family with children will take into account proximity to quality schools, public parks and community life, young people without a car will look for an apartment close to convenient public transportation, someone who works outside the city will consider the location in terms of proximity to main traffic routes, traffic jams, accessibility and more. An agent who operates in the geographic area where the search is focused, and in the city itself, will know the neighborhoods, municipal services, transportation and education, and will be able to create a location-based match that goes beyond the apartment itself.

Local agents will also know the price range and flexibility and will be able to present options and alternatives according to the parties' needs, in order to move the deal forward and give their clients the best possible solution.

Check experience in the type of transaction you are planning

Like doctors and lawyers, who in many cases have a dedicated area of specialization, real estate agents also base their knowledge and expertise on experience in different types of transactions. A rental agent will usually bring a wide pool of apartments, access to and understanding of advertising channels, and in-depth familiarity with the area and the city. An agent dealing in land for investment and construction, on the other hand, needs in-depth knowledge of real estate appraisal and land status, the municipal zoning plan and rezoning processes. A commercial real estate agent will bring, alongside the portfolio of properties they manage, business and contractual understanding, property classifications for tax purposes, special costs such as signage and business municipal property tax (arnona), operating costs and the like. You can find agents who specialize in luxury properties, who have experience in complex real estate transactions and more.

When choosing a real estate agent, it is especially important to make sure that the prospective agent brings experience in managing and handling relevant transactions similar to the planned one, and knows how, in addition to mediating between the parties, to point out challenges, bureaucratic requirements and quick solutions to move the deal forward.

Read reviews from clients who made a similar transaction

The professionalism of the agent is very important in moving the deal forward and in their ability to bridge gaps between sellers and buyers and/or tenants, and no less important are their service orientation, availability and dedication to clients. Many agents work under a binding exclusivity arrangement, which prevents the property owner from terminating the agreement if dissatisfied, so it is important to choose in advance and work with a recommended real estate agent with recommendations and objective reviews you can learn from.

Platforms that allow you to learn from objective reviews include: a Google Business Profile, which includes an objective customer rating alongside the option of a detailed written review, ratings on the Facebook business page, rating websites and service provider portals.

How much does a real estate agent cost?

What percentage does a real estate agent get

The cost of a real estate agent's services is set within the agreement between the agent and the client and depends on the type of transaction, the value of the property and the service provided. The law does not set a fixed percentage that an agent may or must charge, so the brokerage fee is a figure that can be agreed upon and negotiated before signing the brokerage services order.

In apartment sale and purchase transactions, it is common in many cases to set the brokerage fee as a percentage of the transaction price. A rate of up to 2% of the transaction price plus VAT is recognized as a common market practice, but in practice lower commissions can also be found, depending on the agreement between the parties, the type of property and the scope of the service.

In rental transactions, it is common in many cases to set a commission based on the rent, in an amount equal to one month's rent plus VAT.

It is important not to settle for the question of the overall cost, but to check and confirm in advance what you get in return. An agent who provides a service that includes professional photography, advertising on several channels, a client database, cooperation with other agents, coordination and presentation of the property and management of the negotiations may offer a different package than an agent who provides a more limited service.

Who pays the brokerage commission?

In a sale transaction, the agent may provide services to the seller, the buyer or both. The mere fact that the seller uses an agent does not automatically create a payment obligation on the part of the buyer, and vice versa. Entitlement to a brokerage fee is examined in relation to the agreement between the agent and each of their clients and in accordance with the conditions set by law. A buyer or seller who meets an agent as part of a transaction should find out at the very beginning whether they are required to pay a brokerage fee and at what rate. When an agent provides services to more than one party in the same transaction, they are also subject to disclosure and transparency obligations toward their clients.

Entitlement to a brokerage fee

The fact that an agent showed the apartment or created initial contact between a buyer and a seller is not enough to automatically establish entitlement to a brokerage fee. Israel's Real Estate Brokers Law sets several conditions for entitlement: the agent must hold a valid license at the time of the brokerage activity, the client must sign a written order for brokerage services, and the agent must be the "effective cause" that led the parties to enter into a binding agreement. The term "effective cause" is intended to assess the actual contribution of the agent's work to the creation of the deal.

The question of entitlement may arise, for example, when a long time has passed between the agent showing the property and the signing of the deal, when another agent has entered the picture, or when the parties continued their contacts without the agent's involvement.

What is exclusivity in real estate brokerage and what should you check before signing?

Brokerage exclusivity is an agreement between the property owner and the agent under which the right to sell the property is granted exclusively to the agent for a defined period. For the property owner, this means a commitment to a specific agent, while for the agent, exclusivity makes it possible to invest in advertising, marketing and finding buyers, knowing that the property is in their exclusive care for the agreed period. Exclusivity is not an automatic part of the brokerage services order. Under the Real Estate Brokers Law, the granting of exclusivity and its duration must be approved by the client's signature on a separate document.

Which real estate agent do you need?

To choose a suitable real estate agent, it is important to understand what type of transaction is involved and what complexities are expected, and to choose an agent according to their area of specialization:

An agent for selling an apartment

An agent for selling an apartment acts on behalf of the property owner to find suitable buyers, move the sale forward and obtain the best possible terms in accordance with market conditions and the property's characteristics. The agent's work begins even before the apartment is advertised, with an assessment of its market price based on transactions completed in the area, similar properties offered for sale, the characteristics of the neighborhood, the condition of the apartment and advantages that may affect demand. After setting a price and a marketing strategy, the listing agent will be responsible for photographing and presenting the property, advertising on listing sites and relevant channels, responding to inquiries, screening interested parties and coordinating viewings.

An agent who knows the area well may also have a database of clients looking for an apartment in the vicinity and connections with other agents, thereby expanding exposure beyond public advertising.

One of the agent's most significant roles comes at the negotiation stage. An apartment owner may be emotionally involved with the property or find it difficult to assess how well a particular offer reflects market conditions. The agent acts as an intermediary between the parties, helps convey offers and counteroffers, identifies gaps that can be bridged and coordinates issues such as the date of handing over the apartment, removal of contents and other commercial terms, until the deal matures and is completed in its contractual and legal aspects.

An agent for buying an apartment

While an agent acting for the seller focuses on marketing a specific property, an agent for buying an apartment works to find the property that suits the buyer's requirements, from a variety of properties under their management and others. At the very beginning of the process, the agent will map out the relevant data, including: the budget, the desired area, the number of rooms, the property's features and the non-negotiable requirements, alongside more flexible ones. Based on these, the existing options on the market will be screened, examined and presented to the prospective buyer. The value of a buyer's agent is not limited to sending links to properties advertised on listing sites. Familiarity with the local market may provide access to properties that have not yet been advertised, information about apartments about to come onto the market and cooperation with other brokerage offices. The agent can also help the buyer compare properties not only by asking price, but also with reference to transaction prices in the area, the property's condition, its location, its value-enhancement potential and its fit with the defined needs. Once the right property is found, the agent will help manage the negotiations with the seller or the agent representing them, with the aim of reaching a compromise.

It is important to remember that a real estate agent does not replace a real estate lawyer, an appraiser or an engineer and is not supposed to carry out the professional checks within their areas of responsibility. Their role is to assist with the commercial aspect of the deal, raise relevant information known to them and connect the professionals and the parties on the way to moving the deal forward.

A rental agent

The rental market is usually characterized by faster transactions than purchase and sale transactions, and availability, up-to-date familiarity with the supply of apartments and the ability to respond quickly are crucial. A rental agent may work for the property owner seeking a suitable tenant, for someone looking for an apartment to rent and sometimes with both parties, subject to the ethical obligations that apply to them. For an apartment owner, the service may include advertising and marketing the property, coordinating viewings, collecting inquiries and presenting rental candidates. For the tenant, a local agent can narrow down the search by matching properties to the budget, the move-in date, the desired area and requirements such as parking, an elevator, a safe room (mamad), accessibility, permission to keep pets or a long-term lease.

In a rental transaction, too, it is important to separate the agent's work from the legal checks relating to the lease agreement and the rights to the property. When there are contractual or legal issues that require examination, you should turn to the appropriate professional and not rely on the agent as a substitute for legal advice.

An agent for commercial properties and real estate investments

Commercial real estate differs in its characteristics from residential brokerage, since the match is based not only on the size, price and location of the property, but also on business needs and its economic viability. An office, a store, a clinic, an industrial building or a warehouse may suit one business and not another, even when their basic data are similar. A commercial real estate agent needs to know the commercial and employment areas, the price levels and rents customary in them, the types of properties and the local demand.

When searching for a property for a business, you should also take into account features such as accessibility for customers and employees, parking, visibility and foot traffic, signage options, the building's suitability for the intended activity and maintenance costs. Planning, legal, tax and business licensing issues require examination by the appropriate professionals and authorities.

When it comes to an investment property, the perspective changes according to the investor's goals. Large brokerage firms that specialize in investment properties can help locate properties according to the budget and the investment strategy, and present market data that make it possible to assess the purchase price, customary rents, the level of demand and future potential.

At the same time, yield calculations, taxation, the planning and legal status and the risks of the transaction should be examined independently and with the help of the relevant professionals.

Why is it important to choose an agent who knows the area?

The real estate market is not uniform and is not based on precise formulas. Differences in property prices and demand exist not only between different cities, but also between neighborhoods, streets and sometimes even between different parts of the same street. A local real estate agent who regularly handles transactions in the area knows the supply and demand, the characteristics of the population and the factors that actually influence buyers and tenants. This familiarity can help in pricing a property for sale, in finding buying opportunities and in shortening the search and negotiation process.

Familiarity with transaction prices and similar properties

The price listed in a sale ad is not necessarily the price at which the deal will actually close, and an agent who operates regularly in the area will know properties offered for sale, transactions they were involved in and the customary price levels according to the type of property, the street and the apartment's features. The comparison between properties will take into account more than the number of rooms and the size of the apartment, and will include in the calculation the floor, elevator, parking, safe room (mamad), balcony, the condition of the building and the apartment, exposure, view and location within the neighborhood. All of these can create gaps between properties that look similar on paper. Local familiarity allows the agent to help the seller set a realistic asking price, and to show the buyer whether the asking price matches the price level in the area and what the possible negotiation range is.

Familiarity with the streets, neighborhoods and local demand

A local agent who has a firm grasp of the surroundings and the area knows the differences between neighborhoods and streets, access to transportation routes and public transportation, proximity to schools, shopping centers, parks and community services, and the building characteristics in the area. Familiarity with local demand also helps sellers know which types of properties are more in demand in the area, who the target audience for purchasing the property is, and which features are worth highlighting in advertising and when presenting the apartment.

An agent who is strong in their area will also sometimes have inside information, familiarity with future construction and development plans, statutory plans and urban renewal processes that also affect the value of the property.

Connections with buyers, sellers and other agents in the area

One of the advantages of a real estate agent who has been operating in a particular area for a long time is the network of connections they have built. Alongside properties advertised on listing sites open to the public, an agent may know property owners who are considering selling or renting, buyers looking for a property with specific features and other agents who hold relevant properties. Cooperation between agents can expand the pool of options for buyers and increase the exposure of properties offered for sale. For a property owner, this may mean reaching potential buyers suited to the type of property and price more quickly. For the buyer, this network of connections may provide access to additional opportunities and new properties coming onto the market, sometimes even before they receive wide exposure, at a more attractive price.

How to compare several real estate agents?

When several real estate agents offer to handle the deal, it is easy to focus on two simple figures for comparison: the amount of the brokerage commission and the number of years of experience. In practice, the right comparison should first address how well the agent suits the deal according to the type of property and the client's characteristics, the service they commit to providing and the way they plan to move the deal forward. It is worth talking with several agents, asking the same questions and evaluating the answers based on uniform parameters.

Compare experience in similar transactions, not just years of experience

Ten years of work in brokerage do not necessarily indicate experience relevant to the transaction at hand or the agent's ability to handle complexities if and when required. An agent who deals mainly with apartment rentals may be very experienced in their field, but less suitable for selling a private house, a commercial property or a luxury apartment. Ask which similar transactions the agent has handled recently, in which neighborhoods they are active, which types of properties they work with and what characterizes the transactions they manage. It is important to find out how the agent estimates the asking price and on which transactions and similar properties they base the estimate. An answer based on data and real familiarity with the local market provides a better indication than the number of years of experience, which is sometimes open to interpretation.

Check what the service offered by each agent includes

Brokerage services may include a different scope of activities with different agents. When engaging an agent to sell an apartment, it is important to find out how the agent plans to market the property: whether the brokerage is exclusive and for what period, whether the service includes professional photography, advertising on listing sites and other channels, reaching out to an existing client database, cooperation with other agents, screening inquiries, coordinating viewings and managing negotiations. Will the agent personally accompany viewings; if the sellers live in the apartment or there are still tenants, acceptable viewing frequency and times should be confirmed.

In terms of day-to-day conduct, you should check whether the agent reports to the property owner on the number of inquiries and viewings, what the interested parties' reactions were and whether a change in price or in the way the property is presented is needed. When comparing agents, it is important to compare the full scope of the service offered and not settle for a general promise to advertise the property and find a buyer.

Assess availability, communication and transparency from the very first conversation

A real estate transaction may last weeks and even months and involve quite a few calls, viewings, questions and negotiations. Communication with the agent is almost as important as their professional knowledge, both for assessing the situation and making decisions along the way and for the peace of mind of those involved. Already at the introductory stages, you can get an impression of response time, willingness to answer questions, the ability to explain the process and transparency regarding expectations and market conditions. It is also important to pay attention to how the agent addresses price and timelines. A promise of a particularly high price or a quick sale is not necessarily an advantage and may sometimes indicate eagerness to win the deal through promises that later turn out to be empty. A professional agent should also know how to set realistic expectations, explain which factors may delay the deal and present in advance the terms of engagement, the commission and the actions they commit to carrying out.

Don't choose an agent based only on the brokerage commission

The cost of the service will naturally always be a central consideration when choosing a professional in general and an agent in particular, but it is important to remember that the cheapest price is not necessarily the key to the most profitable deal. In a real estate transaction in which the gap between different offers may reach tens of thousands of shekels and more, the agent's pricing, marketing and negotiation abilities may have greater financial significance than a certain difference in the commission rate. When comparing offers and agents, it is important to examine the amount of the brokerage fee alongside relevant experience, scope of service, marketing plan, availability and level of professionalism. It is also important to confirm in advance and in writing the commission rate as a percentage of the transaction value, whether the price includes VAT, under what conditions entitlement to payment arises and what the terms of engagement are if an exclusivity agreement is signed.

How can reviews help in choosing a real estate agent?

A real estate transaction is expensive and may be complex, and requires professional guidance and assistance in a variety of aspects, including marketing and advertising, pricing, negotiation management, regulation and the legal contract. A professional and experienced real estate agent is an important factor in handling the deal, its success and maximizing its economic viability. To choose the right agent, it is not always enough to read and be impressed by the way the agent describes themselves (although this can certainly reveal their marketing abilities), and it is recommended to rely on external reviews that are as objective as possible.

Look for reviews that refer to a transaction similar to yours

As mentioned, real estate transactions differ from one another in a variety of aspects, and accordingly so do the knowledge and skills required of the agent in the deal. It is important to examine reviews that refer to similar types of transactions and that reflect the agent's ability to cope with the challenges expected in your deal.

Check what clients say about availability and negotiation management

Reviews that amount to "champion", "the best" or "only Danidin, the one and only" usually indicate that the agent has many friends and acquaintances who support them, but do not necessarily reflect their abilities. Real clients who used the service and were satisfied with it will usually elaborate and refer to the service, the effort, the availability, the way the negotiations were handled and the elements that made the service excellent and worth recommending.

Pay attention to issues that recur in several reviews

Even excellent agents may sometimes receive a less positive review for various reasons, and this does not necessarily indicate a lack of professionalism or poor service. At the same time, if the same negative review recurs with reference to the same aspects, it is probably a representative sample of dissatisfied clients whom you would not want to join.

What should you check before contacting a real estate agent?

Before engaging a real estate agent, it is important to check several things:

Does the agent have a valid brokerage license?

Practicing real estate brokerage requires a valid brokerage license issued by the Israeli Ministry of Justice, which attests to integrity (a criminal record check of the applicant) and successful completion of an exam administered by the Registrar of Real Estate Brokers.

Who will actually handle your case if it is a brokerage office?

In many cases, the initial engagement is with a well-known and professional agent, but the actual handling is carried out by other people on their behalf and from their office. It is important to ask and confirm who will actually handle the deal, who will show the property to interested parties and with whom the ongoing communication will take place.

What is the expected work process from the start of the engagement?

It is important to ask and confirm what actions the agent is expected to take immediately upon signing the engagement agreement, what the expected timelines are and what is required of the parties as part of the cooperation. A busy agent may postpone coming to the property by a few days and delay the advertising, which may stress the client and create a feeling of lack of progress. Full alignment of expectations is needed both to understand the process and to prevent misunderstandings.

An independent agent or a brokerage office - which suits you?

Real estate brokerage services are provided both by independent agents and by brokerage offices that employ several agents. It is not possible to point to one model that suits every transaction and every person, and each option may have advantages depending on the type of property, the area, the required scope of exposure and the level of support.

The advantages of working directly with an independent agent

An independent agent accompanies the deal all the way, from the introduction and engagement stage to the signing of the contract. An independent agent operates on a personal service model: they know the property, manage the advertising, talk with interested parties, coordinate viewings and accompany the negotiations. An independent agent who specializes in a limited geographic area may have in-depth familiarity with the local market and with active property owners and buyers in the area, and their personal reputation is based on the service they provide and high personal involvement in every deal. At the same time, during busy periods or in the event of personal circumstances requiring their absence, the process may stall and be delayed. Another disadvantage is the lack of a network of connections and cooperation that characterizes large offices, which can offer wider exposure and backup from other agents.

Large brokerage firms

A large brokerage office will usually assign several agents to the deal, a wider database of clients and properties and a shared marketing and operations system. A property offered for sale will receive greater exposure through several agents working in parallel, and a buyer may gain access to a wider supply of properties handled by the office. Another advantage of a brokerage office may be continuity of service even when the agent handling the deal is unavailable, as the office team can respond, coordinate viewings and handle inquiries.

Large offices may also have professionals who specialize in different areas or types of transactions, contact people for advertising, legal and bureaucratic advice, contact people for dealing with the local authority and more.

What is more important - the size of the office or the experience of the person handling your case?

A well-known name, a large number of agents and a widely distributed office can indicate resources and marketing capability, but in the end the deal is managed by people, and it is important to check who the agent who will actually accompany you is, and not settle for the reputation of the office they belong to. A recommended agent should bring experience relevant to the type of transaction, familiarity with the area, negotiation skills, availability and transparency. At the same time, it is worth examining what tools and resources are at their disposal: a client database, cooperation with other agents, marketing channels and the ability to provide support throughout the process. The choice is not necessarily between an independent agent and a brokerage office, but between the professionals and services that will actually accompany the deal.