What should I look for when choosing a real estate agent to buy a home?

Look for an agent with buyer-specific credentials like the ABR® designation, deep knowledge of your target neighborhoods, a client education philosophy, full-time availability, and verified reviews from past buyers. In Kansas City, also confirm your agent is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas if you're open to homes on either side of the state line.

What does the ABR® designation mean for a real estate agent?

ABR® stands for Accredited Buyer's Representative. It means the agent has completed specialized training in representing buyers' interests throughout the home purchase process, including negotiation, contract review, and protecting the buyer's position in competitive situations.

Should my real estate agent be licensed in both Missouri and Kansas?

If you're searching in the Kansas City Metro area, yes — many buyers cross the state line during their search. Team Fosgate agents are licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, so you're never limited in which homes you can tour or purchase.

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Kansas City

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make in a home purchase — and in a competitive market like Kansas City, it can be the difference between getting the home you want and watching it go to another buyer. Here's what to look for.

Credentials and Specialized Training

Not all REALTOR® designations are equal. Look for agents who have invested in post-license education. The Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation, for example, means an agent has completed specific training in representing buyers' interests — not just facilitating transactions. A Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA®) certification means your agent can interpret market data to help you make offers that win without overpaying. At Team Fosgate, both Chris and Felicia hold multiple designations earned through the National Association of REALTORS® and affiliated organizations.

Local Market Knowledge

Kansas City is not one market — it's dozens. The Northland (Gladstone, Liberty, Parkville, Platte County) behaves differently than South KC, the East Side, or the Kansas suburbs like Leawood and Overland Park. Your agent should be able to tell you absorption rates, average days on market, and typical seller concession patterns for the specific zip codes you're targeting — not just quote you a metro-wide average.

A Client Education Philosophy

The best agents don't just open doors — they teach you to make confident decisions. Ask any prospective agent: "How do you help buyers understand what they're signing?" An agent who can explain inspection contingencies, earnest money risks, and financing timelines in plain language is an agent who is working for you.

Responsiveness and Availability

In a fast-moving market, a delayed response costs you houses. Ask how quickly an agent typically responds to messages, whether they work full-time, and who covers for them when they're unavailable. Real estate is Felicia Fosgate's full-time profession — when you're ready to move, she's ready to move with you.

Verified Reviews and References

Look beyond the agent's own website. Check Google reviews, Zillow ratings, and ask for references from clients who had transactions similar to yours — first-time buyers, investors, seniors downsizing. Each situation has different pressure points.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

- How many buyers did you represent in the last 12 months?

- What is your average list-price-to-sale-price ratio for buyers?

- Are you licensed in both Missouri and Kansas?

- How do you handle multiple-offer situations?

- What happens if I'm unhappy with your service?

Team Fosgate is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, serving buyers throughout the Kansas City Metro area. To schedule a no-obligation buyer consultation, call Felicia at (816) 516-6551 or email Team@TeamFosgate.com.