By Saleem Mubarak
HOUSTON, TX–Buying or selling a home in Houston– or anywhere else– is not just a financial decision—it’s a journey that can have a huge positive or negative impact on your emotions.
The person you choose for guidance can either make things easier or put you into a difficult situation with stress like a nightmare that lingers far longer than expected.
You will find hundreds of agents in the Houston market, finding a realtor with genuine experience, strong connections, and winning strategies can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.
To shed light on this challenge, we approached Jodi Kallus, a seasoned Houston real estate professional, who pulled back the curtain on insider secrets most buyers and sellers overlook when choosing an agent.
From the importance of transaction volume to the hidden power of networking and targeted marketing, her insights show what separates the wheat from the chaff when it comes to trusted real estate agents.
If you’re planning to buy or sell in Houston, this interview is a must-read—it could just save you from costly, irreparable mistakes and help you find an agent who will go the extra mile to make your dream a reality by securing the best deal.
Key Qualities of a Houston Real Estate Agent
Talking to Aims Wireless, Jodi Kallus discussed the most important qualities of a Houston real estate agent. She said that the buyers and sellers should focus on an agent’s experience, including their knowledge of real estate and the number of transactions they’ve completed. Investors should also check whether the agent is a full-time professional.
When asked how experience should be measured beyond the number of years a license has been held, she explained that it’s not necessarily about the years. A full-time agent who actively practices and closes deals could be more knowledgeable than someone who has been in the business longer but handles fewer transactions.
Highlighting the importance of actual transactions, she emphasized that experience matters when evaluating an agent—knowledge alone is not enough; going through the process firsthand is what counts.
“The more transactions you handle, the more situations you encounter. Each transaction brings new challenges, and the more experience you gain, the greater your flexibility in helping clients.”
The Role of Marketing in Selling a Home in Houston
Talking about the role of marketing in selling a home, she emphasized the importance of target marketing over general advertising.
She said that through target marketing , you reach the exact people who are perfect for a property—not just anyone. You’re targeting buyers who are actively looking for a house they can afford, with the right amenities, location, and school district. It’s specific to the most opportune buyers for that property.”
When asked how agents can identify and reach the ideal buyer for a specific property, Jodi Kallus explained mailing lists can be purchased from a broker to specify exact targets. However, she added, a skilled real estate agent already understands the requirements of their clients.
Why Networking and a Database Matter in Houston Real Estate
In response to another query—“Why is having a strong network and database critical for a real estate agent? Is it mandatory for success in Houston in particular?”—she said that real estate is a relationship business. Agents should cultivate strong relationships with other professionals in the industry.
“When submitting offers, if you have good relationships with other agents, your offer might be given priority over someone unknown. Networking and maintaining a large database of past and potential clients is key,” she explained.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Talking about common mistakes people make when selecting an agent and how to avoid them, she noted that many often choose an agent just because they’re a friend or family member, without asking questions.
Many times, those friends aren’t even full-time agents, and some may handle only one transaction a year. Choosing an agent that way doesn’t always benefit clients.
“Trust plays an important role, but experience and expertise are equally critical. Trusting someone doesn’t mean they can do a good job—especially in today’s competitive market.
Most people want someone trustworthy to buy, sell, or rent through, but relevant experience and up-to-date knowledge are essential for a safe deal,” she added.
Staying Updated in the Houston Real Estate Market
The market is always evolving, and I stay updated by reading real estate news, talking to professionals such as lenders and title companies, and keeping up with journals and training. I do a lot of training to stay updated, she remarked.
Saleem Mubarak
Saleem Mubarak is a real estate journalist with a sharp eye for market trends and neighborhood insights. With a background in data-driven reporting and a passion for uncovering emerging investment opportunities. Saleem Mubarak specializes in making complex real estate developments accessible to investors, homebuyers, and industry professionals. His work often features exclusive expert interviews, zip-code-specific analysis, and a focus on the evolving dynamics of Texas' hottest property markets. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him exploring Houston’s hidden housing gems and decoding the next big real estate wave.