How to Find a Real Estate Agent

Navigating the luxury real estate market in West Palm Beach requires more than browsing listings and setting a price point. Whether you’re buying a waterfront estate or selling a custom-built home in a gated community, success depends on having the right professional by your side. Choosing a real estate agent with the right skills, connections, and market insight is essential.

In a market where timing, discretion, and negotiation carry more weight than ever, knowing how to find a real estate agent who understands the luxury landscape is key to achieving your goals.

When it comes to high-end properties in West Palm Beach, local knowledge matters. The luxury market here isn’t just about square footage or finishes—it’s about lifestyle, location, and long-term value. An experienced agent will understand neighborhood nuances that impact pricing and desirability, such as waterfront positioning, historic status, proximity to private clubs, and development trends.

Luxury homes in West Palm Beach vary widely, from estates along Flagler Drive to properties in communities like El Cid, SoSo, and Palm Beach Shores. Working with someone who knows how these areas perform—and how to position your property within them—is non-negotiable.

• Area-specific inventory levels and sales velocity
• Off-market opportunities and pocket listings
• Architectural and zoning considerations that affect future value
• Community associations and their influence on property use

Luxury real estate requires a different skill set than standard residential sales. From staging multi-million-dollar homes to evaluating market timing for high-net-worth buyers, not every agent has the expertise or confidence to guide these transactions.

As you begin your search, prioritize agents who specialize in luxury property and have closed deals in your price range. Ask about their recent sales and what percentage of their portfolio is focused on high-end homes. The goal is to find someone who not only knows the market but also understands the expectations of affluent clients.

In luxury real estate, first impressions count. The way a home is marketed directly impacts how it’s perceived—and ultimately how it performs.

• Professional photography, videography, and drone footage
• Detailed brochures and property-specific websites
• Advertising strategies that reach qualified buyers locally and internationally
• Staging resources and curated design consultation when needed

For buyers, this also means working with someone who can offer previews of listings not yet on the market or those only available through discreet channels. The ability to move quickly, quietly, and strategically is often what sets a good agent apart in this space.

Luxury agents often work as part of a broader ecosystem that includes attorneys, wealth advisors, architects, builders, and private lenders. The strength of this network can significantly influence how smoothly a transaction unfolds.

• Introduce you to trusted professionals who handle title, inspection, and financing
• Recommend top-tier interior designers and contractors for post-sale improvements
• Help navigate unique scenarios like trust ownership, 1031 exchanges, or LLC purchases

Ask about the partnerships and resources they provide beyond the transaction. The best agents continue to add value long after the closing date.

In high-end real estate, timing is everything. Whether a deal is lost or won often comes down to an agent’s ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and with confidence.

• Respond promptly and professionally to all inquiries
• Offer honest feedback and strategic recommendations
• Keep you informed without overwhelming you with unnecessary details
• Be available when needed—including after traditional hours

This level of responsiveness should extend across every part of the team, from assistants and transaction coordinators to third-party vendors.

Luxury buyers and sellers often value privacy as much as price. Your real estate agent should understand this instinctively and protect your information with care.

Whether you’re buying through a trust or selling off-market, discretion is a crucial part of the relationship. Ask how they manage client confidentiality and how listings are handled when privacy is a priority.

This is especially important in West Palm Beach, where properties may attract national attention, and many clients split their time between multiple residences.

One of the most overlooked aspects of selecting an agent is establishing expectations at the beginning. This includes everything from communication frequency to commission structure to how success is measured.

• How showings will be scheduled and handled
• How marketing results and buyer activity will be reported
• Whether the agent works independently or as part of a team
• What support is available during contract negotiation, inspections, and closing

If you’re a seller, your agent should be prepared with a pricing strategy, staging recommendations, and a defined launch plan. If you’re a buyer, you should understand how listings will be sourced and how the offer process is managed in competitive situations.

The Costello-Deitz Group offers luxury buyers and sellers a refined, high-level real estate experience rooted in market knowledge, discretion, and results. With a proven track record in the West Palm Beach luxury market, the team provides tailored strategies designed to meet the expectations of affluent clients.

From waterfront homes to architect-designed estates, The Costello-Deitz Group is equipped to represent your interests with professionalism and precision. They offer exclusive access to off-market listings, strategic marketing plans, and a concierge-level approach to every transaction.

Reach out to The Costello-Deitz Group today to start a conversation about your next move in the luxury real estate market. Whether you’re seeking a property that matches your lifestyle or planning to list a high-value home, they are ready to guide you with confidence and expertise.