When my husband and I house-hunted a decade ago, we initially went through real estate agents like tissues. It felt like speed dating: One person was aggressive; another ghosted after garbled texts. What did we know? We’d never bought a house before.

We landed with a longtime friend whom we trusted, who grasped our priorities as a young family, and knew our town inside and out — plus, had a vested interest in our happiness.

Since then, Greater Boston’s real estate market has grown more competitive and expensive, with prices for the average single-family home hovering around $1 million this summer and interest rates over 6 percent.

A savvy real estate agent is essential. I asked industry insiders what to ask to find the right one, especially if you don’t have a pal in the business.

Do t

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