Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent: Your Guide to Success


Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make, and the right real estate agent can make all the difference. Whether you're looking to buy a luxury vacation home in Lake Geneva, WI, or you’re ready to sell your property, finding the perfect agent is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful process. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the one who’s right for you?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to finding the perfect real estate agent, and why working with a local expert like Janis Hartley can make all the difference in achieving your real estate goals.

Start with Local Knowledge

When looking for a real estate agent, especially in a resort destination like Lake Geneva, finding someone who knows the area inside and out is essential. Lake Geneva isn’t just any market—it’s a vacation hotspot with unique properties, seasonal trends, and a distinct buyer pool. Local knowledge is crucial in navigating this specialized market.

A Lake Geneva-based agent like Janis Hartley has a deep understanding of the area’s neighborhoods, lakefront properties, and historical estates. Janis can provide valuable insights into the specific locations that might suit your lifestyle, whether you’re seeking a quiet, private retreat or a lively spot with easy access to boating, water skiing, and other lake activities.

Additionally, agents with local expertise are aware of the market's seasonal nuances. For example, in Lake Geneva, the real estate market typically picks up after the Super Bowl and runs strong through the summer months. Knowing when new listings are likely to hit the market and when buyers are most active can give you a competitive edge.

Look for Experience and Expertise

Experience matters. The best real estate agents have years of experience in the industry, which means they’ve handled various types of transactions and have seen both the highs and lows of the market. An experienced agent will be able to guide you through the entire process, from pricing and listing strategies to negotiating offers and closing the deal.

But experience goes beyond just time in the business—it also includes a deep understanding of the local market. For buyers looking to purchase a luxury home in Lake Geneva, an agent with expertise in high-end properties is essential. Luxury homes often come with unique features, such as private docks, lake views, or historic architecture, and an experienced agent will know how to highlight these aspects and understand the special considerations that come with luxury real estate.

Ask for Referrals

One of the best ways to find a great real estate agent is to ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold a home. Personal recommendations can give you insight into an agent’s communication style, professionalism, and ability to get results.

Online reviews and testimonials can be a great resource if you don't have any personal recommendations. Look for agents with a strong track record of success and positive feedback from past clients. A well-reviewed agent is likely someone who provides excellent customer service, is responsive and knows how to close deals efficiently.

Janis Hartley’s clients frequently praise her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients. With numerous five-star reviews and a long list of satisfied clients, Janis has established herself as one of Lake Geneva’s top real estate agents.

Interview Multiple Agents

Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential agents, set up interviews to learn more about them and see if they fit your needs. During the interview, ask about their experience, their familiarity with the Lake Geneva market, and how they plan to help you achieve your real estate goals.

Some important questions to consider asking include:

  • How many transactions have you closed in the past year?
  • What types of properties do you specialize in?
  • How familiar are you with the Lake Geneva area and its market trends?
  • What is your approach to marketing and selling homes in this area?
  • How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Interviewing multiple agents lets you compare their strategies and personalities, helping you find someone you feel comfortable working with. Real estate transactions can take time, so having an agent who communicates well and aligns with your goals is essential.

Check Credentials and Licensing

It’s important to ensure that the agent you choose is properly licensed and in good standing with the local real estate board. You can check an agent’s credentials by visiting your state’s Real Estate Commission website, where you can verify their license status and see if there have been any disciplinary actions against them.

In addition to basic licensing, agents with advanced certifications or specializations should be considered. For example, agents who specialize in luxury properties often hold certifications like the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation, which signals expertise in high-end real estate.

Janis Hartley is a licensed real estate agent with extensive experience in luxury homes and lakefront properties. Her credentials, combined with her deep local knowledge and commitment to excellence, make her an ideal choice for clients looking to buy or sell in Lake Geneva.

Choose Someone You Connect With

Ultimately, real estate is a people business, and it’s important to work with someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Your real estate agent will be your advocate throughout the entire process, and a strong relationship built on mutual respect and communication is key.

During the interview process, pay attention to how well the agent listens to your needs and answers your questions. Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you? Are they approachable and easy to talk to? The right agent will make you feel confident and supported from the first meeting to the closing table.

Janis Hartley’s friendly and enthusiastic approach has earned her loyal clients who return time and again for her expertise. Whether you’re searching for your dream vacation home or selling a beloved property, Janis is committed to providing a positive, stress-free experience.

Work with Janis Hartley, Your Lake Geneva Real Estate Expert

If you’re ready to buy or sell a home in Lake Geneva, WI, there’s no better agent to have by your side than Janis Hartley. With years of experience, a deep understanding of the Lake Geneva market, and a reputation for outstanding client service, Janis will guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury lakefront estate, a cozy vacation home, or anything in between, Janis knows how to find the perfect property to meet your needs. Ready to get started? Contact Janis Hartley today and let her help you make your Lake Geneva real estate dreams a reality!




Work With Janis

Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Contact me today.

Let's Connect

Follow Me on Instagram