The Best Realtor in Rochester: How to Find Your Ideal Agent

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who your realtor is. The right agent can make the difference between a smooth, profitable transaction and a frustrating, drawn-out one. With dozens—or even hundreds—of realtors in the Rochester area, how do you find the best one? In this article, we’ll walk you through what makes a standout realtor in Rochester, how to spot them, and how to decide which one fits you best.

Table of Contents

What Makes a “Best” Realtor?

When we say “best,” we’re not just talking about someone with a big smile or flashy ads. Here are key traits that top realtors share:

Experience

A realtor who has been active in Rochester for years has likely seen many cycles of the market, understands local neighborhoods, and knows how to handle unexpected issues.

Local Market Knowledge

The housing market in Rochester has its own quirks—neighborhoods that appreciate faster, types of homes that sell quicker, buyers who expect certain features. A top realtor knows these. For example: resource profiles show that agents with many sales in Rochester are highly ranked. FastExpert+1

Communication & Transparency

You want an agent who keeps you in the loop, explains clearly, and is honest about what’s realistic. If they’re vague or hard to reach, that’s a warning sign.

Marketing Ability

Homes don’t sell themselves. The best realtors know how to stage, photograph, price right, and market broadly (online, social media, local networks) so your property stands out.

Understanding the Rochester Real Estate Market

Before selecting a realtor, it helps to understand what they’re dealing with:

According to agent-ranking data: homes in Rochester have a median listing price around $400,000 (as of recent figures) and median days on market around 49. FastExpert
There are many real estate agents in Rochester—Zillow lists nearly a thousand active agents. Zillow
That means choosing an agent who truly knows your niche matters—whether you’re selling a starter home, luxury property, or investment.

Top Realtor Qualities in Rochester

Here are more specific signs you can look for:

Many completed sales in the last 12–36 months in your area and price range.
Strong reviews and testimonials from past clients—especially those whose experiences match your situation.
Works your property type / neighborhood (for instance, if you’re selling in Northwest Rochester, find someone active there).
Good fit for your personality and goals: if you’re hands-on, you want someone collaborative; if you prefer to delegate everything, find someone proactive.

Spotlight: Top Agents in Rochester

Let’s highlight some realtors who stand out as examples:

Shawn Buryska

With 38 years of experience and nearly 197 sales in the last 3 years in Rochester, Shawn’s name appears at the top of many rankings. FastExpert+1 His long tenure suggests deep local knowledge, which can be particularly valuable in “how much will resale value move in this neighborhood?” questions.

Kyle Swanson

Another strong contender: 16 years experience, over 100 reviews, and 113 sales in the last 3 years in Rochester according to one ranking. FastExpert Indicates a high-volume, still active agent who likely knows the rhythm of the Rochester market.

Dwell Realty Group

A firm rather than just one individual, this team is noted for its strong testimonials. For example, clients praise agent Jon Ryan (of Dwell) for treating sellers like family and being “extremely knowledgeable of the housing market.” dwellrochester.com If you prefer a team-based approach (rather than a solo agent), this might be a good model.

These are just examples—you should still interview multiple agents and pick the one who matches your goals.

How to Interview and Choose Your Realtor

Here are some of the key questions you should ask every candidate:

How many homes have you sold in Rochester (specifically my neighborhood / price range) in the past year?
What is your average days on market for those listings?
How do you plan to market my home?
Can you provide references from recent clients (especially sellers)?
What is your commission structure and what services are included?
How will you communicate with me, and how often?
What do you see as the biggest challenge with my specific property?

What to look for in answers:

Specific numbers rather than vague generalities.
A clear plan for your property.
A partner-mindset: you feel listened to and you feel like they have your best interests in mind.

Red flags to avoid:

They can’t provide client references.
They don’t have recent sales in your area.
Their marketing plan is weak or generic.
Communication is unclear or slow even in the interview.

What Your Realtor Will Do for You

With the right agent, you’ll benefit from their full service:

Market analysis & pricing strategy: They’ll conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) so you list at the right price—not too high (which may discourage buyers) nor too low (which leaves money on the table).
Home preparation & staging: Good agents help you understand what improvements or decluttering will make a difference.
Marketing & exposure: They’ll list on the MLS, promote online/social media, coordinate photography or virtual tours, and sometimes network with other agents.
Showings, negotiations & closing: When offers come in, they’ll help you evaluate terms, negotiate counteroffers, navigate inspections and contingencies, and guide you through the closing paperwork.

Costs & Commission: What to Consider

In Rochester, like many places, the standard commission is around 6 % total (split between buyer’s and listing agents). Clever Real Estate+1
However, there are discount options: for example, listings with ~1.5 % listing fees through certain brokerages—but these may come with trade-offs (less personalized service or fewer extras) as noted by the review. Clever Real Estate
When discussing commission, ask: what services are included? Are professional photos, staging advice, marketing materials part of it? Some agents may charge extra for premium services—get that in writing.

Case Study: A Smooth Rochester Home Sale

Let’s imagine a homeowner in Northwest Rochester who engaged the right realtor:

Realtor did initial consultation, reviewed home, neighborhood comps, set target price.
Home was prepped: minor repairs done, decluttering and professional photography scheduled.
Listing launched on MLS and social media with high-quality photos.
Within two weeks of listing, multiple showings and two competitive offers came in.
Realtor helped choose the offer not just on price, but on best terms (less contingency, strong financing).
Closing completed smoothly. Seller ended up with higher net after costs than expected—thanks largely to the agent’s marketing and negotiation.

This kind of outcome can happen when the “best realtor” is paired with the right property, preparation and timing.

Common Mistakes When Selecting an Agent

Choosing an agent solely because they advertise the lowest commission—without looking at experience or service.
Focusing on agents who do many sales but not necessarily in your area or your type of home.
Waiting too late to engage an agent—some prep work (repairs, staging) takes time and the earlier you start, the better.
Not checking references or reading recent reviews—past performance matters.

When to Engage Your Realtor

If you’re selling, it’s wise to contact potential agents as soon as you decide you’re going to list. That way you can get their input on timing, prepping the home, and strategy.
If you’re buying, engaging an agent earlier gives you a chance to understand the market, see homes, and be ready when the right one appears.
According to one resource, talking to a realtor up to several months before listing is smart because you may need to do some prep work. FastExpert

Questions Sellers & Buyers Will Ask

Here are examples of questions you (as the client) will want answers to:

For sellers: What is your recommended list price and why? How will you handle multiple offers?
For buyers: How will you search properties not yet listed? What’s your strategy for bidding if there’s competition?
For both: What do you feel will be the biggest challenge in my transaction? How will you communicate updates?
And: What are your expectations of me (the client)? What will I need to do?

Vision for Your Future with the Right Realtor

The “best realtor” isn’t just about this transaction—it can be about your long-term real estate relationship. The right one will build trust, help you now, and continue being a resource for future moves, referrals, and advice.

Conclusion

Finding the best realtor in Rochester takes some legwork—but when you do your homework, interview carefully, and pick someone who aligns with your goals, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more profitable real estate experience. Whether you’re buying or selling, Rochester’s market demands local knowledge, solid marketing, and strong negotiation skills. Let your realtor be your partner, advocate and guide—and don’t settle for less than what you deserve.

FAQs

Q1: How soon should I pick a realtor before listing my home in Rochester?
A1: Ideally several weeks or even months before listing. Early engagement allows for home preparation, strategic pricing and scheduling of marketing materials.

Q2: Do I have to sign a long contract with a realtor in Rochester?
A2: It depends. Many realtors use listing agreements with specific terms (duration, commission). Ask about the term and what happens if you’re not satisfied.

Q3: How much does a full-service listing agent typically charge in Rochester?
A3: Commonly around 3% listing agent fee plus buyer’s agent fee, totaling around 6% commission. Some discount options exist but may trade off service. Clever Real Estate

Q4: Can I switch realtors if I’m unhappy?
A4: Possibly — it depends on your contract terms. Always ask upfront what happens if you want to change agents.

Q5: Is there a difference between a “realtor” and a “real estate agent”?
A5: Yes. A “Realtor” is a licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adheres to its code of ethics. A “real estate agent” may or may not be a Realtor. For many people, working with a Realtor gives an extra level of trust and professionalism.