Choosing a realtor is one of the most important decisions you will make when buying or selling a home. In a market like Spokane Washington, where neighborhoods, pricing, and timing can vary widely, the right guidance matters.
If you are wondering how to choose the right realtor in Spokane, the answer goes beyond rankings and advertising. It comes down to trust, experience, and how well an agent understands your specific situation.
Here is what to look for when selecting a realtor in Spokane, with real world examples of what that looks like in practice.
Look for Local Market Knowledge
Spokane is not one single market.
Each neighborhood has its own pricing patterns, buyer demand, and pace. A realtor who understands Spokane at a local level can help you avoid overpaying, underpricing, or missing important details that impact value.
Ask how long the realtor has worked in Spokane and which areas they know best.
Rios and Co., led by husband and wife REALTORS® Zech and Emiley Rios, are Spokane locals who work daily across Spokane neighborhoods as well as nearby North Idaho communities. Their local insight helps clients understand not just prices, but how neighborhoods truly function for families, sellers, and investors.
🏘️ Look for Local Market Knowledge
Experience matters, especially in changing markets.
A strong Spokane realtor should have a track record of closed transactions across multiple years, not just during peak markets. Experience shows an agent knows how to navigate negotiations, pricing shifts, and unexpected challenges.
Rios and Co. has closed more than 140 transactions since 2020 and consistently ranks in the top one percent of agents locally. Their experience spans first time buyers, family upsizing, probate, relocations, downsizing, and investment properties, giving clients confidence no matter their situation.
💬 Communication Should Feel Clear and Calm
Real estate decisions can feel overwhelming without the right communication.
The right realtor explains options clearly, answers questions honestly, and keeps you informed without pressure. You should never feel rushed or confused about what comes next.
Clients who work with Emiley and Zech often mention their calm communication style. Zech is known for walking clients through strategy and numbers with clarity, while Emiley focuses on guiding families through emotional decisions with patience and care. Together, they create an experience that feels steady instead of stressful.
Zech also speaks Spanish, allowing Rios and Co. to better serve Spokane’s diverse community with clear communication in both English and Spanish.
🤝 Find Someone Who Understands Your Situation
Not all real estate needs are the same, and the right realtor understands that life context matters.
Some clients are buying their first home. Others are helping aging parents downsize. Some are navigating probate or selling an inherited property. These situations require more than market knowledge. They require empathy, structure, and experience.
Rios and Co. specializes in real life transitions. Emiley leads their Senior Network, supporting families through downsizing, aging parent decisions, and complex care related moves with compassion and clarity. Zech focuses on probate real estate, guiding families through estate sales with structure, transparency, and steady communication.
Together, Zech and Emiley combine strong market strategy and investment insight with emotional awareness, helping clients make confident financial decisions without ignoring the human side of the process.
Pay Attention to Reviews and Reputation
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Client feedback tells a story.
Online reviews reveal how a realtor treats clients not only when things go smoothly, but also when challenges arise. Look for consistent themes like trust, communication, and support.
Rios and Co. has more than 75 verified five star Google reviews. Clients consistently describe feeling heard, protected, and guided rather than pressured. That reputation is built through consistent service, not one time transactions.
👥 Consider the Value of a Team
Working with a real estate team can provide added support and availability.
A team approach often means better communication, faster response times, and multiple layers of expertise. This is especially valuable in complex or time sensitive situations.
As a husband and wife team, Zech and Emiley divide responsibilities intentionally. Clients benefit from both strategic expertise and emotional guidance, without feeling passed around or overlooked.
🛡️ Ask How They Protect Your Interests
The right realtor is your advocate.
They should be able to explain how they price homes, negotiate offers, and help clients avoid costly mistakes. Clear strategy is a sign of strong representation.
Rios and Co. focuses on protecting client interests through thoughtful pricing, strong negotiation, and clear planning. Their goal is not to rush transactions, but to help clients move forward confidently and with clarity.
💡 Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust how you feel.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident in the guidance you receive. The right realtor helps you feel informed, respected, and supported from start to finish.
Many clients choose Rios and Co. because they feel understood from the first conversation. That trust is what turns a complex process into a positive experience.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Realtor in Spokane
Choosing the right realtor in Spokane Washington is about more than credentials. It is about finding someone who understands the local market, communicates clearly, and supports you through the entire process.
For many buyers and sellers, that combination is found with Zech and Emiley Rios of Rios and Co.
