Before you start searching for a real estate agent, smart home buyers get preapproved for a mortgage first. Meeting with a mortgage lender helps you understand exactly how much home you can afford. This critical step saves you from wasting time looking at homes outside your price range.

Getting preapproved shows both real estate agents and sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer. In competitive markets, many sellers will not even consider offers from buyers without a preapproval letter. Top real estate agents prefer working with preapproved clients because it streamlines the home buying process.

Your mortgage lender will review your income, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment funds. The preapproval letter you receive states the maximum loan amount you qualify for. Armed with this information, you can confidently find a real estate agent and start your home search within your budget.

There are many ways to find a real estate agent, but not all methods lead to equally qualified professionals. Here are the best approaches ranked from most effective to least reliable, based on research from industry experts and the National Association of Realtors.

1. Use a Free Agent Matching Service

Online agent matching services connect you with top-performing local agents tailored to your specific needs. These platforms analyze transaction data, online reviews, and agent specializations to recommend professionals who excel in your market. An agent search through these services is free for buyers and sellers, and they pre-screen candidates so you only meet qualified agents. This is a great way to find the best agent for your situation.

When you use an agent matching service, you typically fill out a short questionnaire about your situation. The platform then runs a query against their database of local real estate agents, filtering by factors like sales volume, client satisfaction, and expertise in your neighborhood and price range. You receive a shortlist of top candidates to interview. Look for an agent who has continued their education beyond basic licensing.

2. Ask for Referrals from Friends and Family

Word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the most trusted ways to find a real estate agent. According to NAR data, 38% of sellers who used a real estate agent found their agent through a friend or family member. A personal referral from someone you trust often leads to a positive experience.

When asking for referrals, go beyond just getting a name. Ask your friends and family about their specific experience: Did the agent communicate well? Were they responsive? Did they negotiate effectively? Would they hire the same agent again? These details help you determine if an agent will be a good fit for your situation.

However, remember that your needs may differ from your friend's. An agent who specializes in luxury condos downtown may not be the best choice if you are looking for a suburban single-family home. Make sure any referred agent has relevant experience for your specific transaction.

3. Search Online Real Estate Platforms

Websites like Zillow or Realtor.com and Redfin allow you to search for real estate agents active in your area. These platforms display agent profiles with their recent sales, client reviews, and contact information. You can filter agents by location, specialization, and experience level when house hunting for a new home.

When evaluating agents online, pay attention to their recent transaction history in your specific neighborhood. Look for agents who have closed deals in your price range within the past 12 months. Read multiple client reviews to get a balanced picture of their strengths and weaknesses. Title companies and mortgage lenders often work with specific agents they recommend.

4. Attend Open Houses to Meet Agents

Open houses provide an opportunity to meet real estate agents in action. Watch how the hosting agent interacts with visitors, answers questions, and presents the property. This gives you valuable insight into their communication style and professionalism before you hire an agent to represent you.

If you are impressed by an agent at an open house, ask for their business card and schedule a follow-up interview. However, avoid signing with an agent on the spot. Take time to research their track record and compare them with other candidates before making your decision. Certifications and designations listed on their card indicate additional training.

5. Contact Local Real Estate Brokerages

Major real estate brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, and Compass maintain offices in most markets. You can contact these brokerages directly and ask to speak with an agent who specializes in your area. However, keep in mind that agent quality varies widely within any brokerage.

Real estate agents work as independent contractors under a broker's supervision. The brokerage brand does not guarantee the individual agent's performance. Focus on evaluating each agent's personal track record rather than relying on the brokerage name alone.

6. Check For Sale Signs in Your Neighborhood

Walking or driving through your target neighborhood reveals which agents are actively listing and selling homes in that area. Note the names on for sale signs and research those agents online. An agent who successfully markets homes in your neighborhood likely has strong local market knowledge and buyer connections.

Real estate agents serve as your guide through the complex process of buying or selling a home. They handle dozens of tasks that would be overwhelming for most people to manage alone. Understanding what an agent does helps you evaluate whether a candidate has the skills you need.

What a Buyer's Agent Does for Home Buyers

A buyer's agent represents your best interests throughout the home buying process. They search the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for homes matching your criteria, schedule showings, and accompany you to view properties. A good buyer's agent spots potential issues that inexperienced buyers might miss.

Your buyer's agent provides a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you determine a fair offer price. They write and submit your offer, negotiate with the seller's agent on price and terms, and coordinate with the home inspector, title company, and your mortgage lender. The agent ensures all paperwork is completed correctly and deadlines are met through closing day.

An experienced buyer's agent knows how to navigate multiple offer situations in competitive markets. They understand negotiation tactics that help you win in bidding wars while protecting your interests. The best agents have closed many deals in your target neighborhood and know which strategies work.

What a Listing Agent Does for Home Sellers

A listing agent, also called a seller's agent, helps you sell your home for the best possible price in the shortest time. They prepare a comparative market analysis to recommend an optimal listing price. Pricing strategy is critical: price too high and your home sits on the market; price too low and you leave money on the table.

Your listing agent creates a marketing plan that may include professional photography, virtual tours, staging advice, and listing your home on the MLS and major real estate websites. They host open houses, screen potential buyers, and coordinate showings. When offers come in, your agent helps you evaluate each one and negotiate the best terms.

Throughout the transaction, your listing agent manages the timeline, coordinates with the buyer's agent, handles inspection negotiations, and ensures you meet all legal requirements. They guide you through the closing process and make sure you receive your proceeds on time. The money when you sell goes directly to you at closing after fees are paid.

Many people use the terms realtor, real estate agent, and broker interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Understanding these differences helps you evaluate credentials when choosing a professional to represent you.

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is someone who has completed the required coursework and passed their state's licensing exam. All practicing agents must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. Agents can represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions, and many specialize in one side or the other.

Realtor

A realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Realtors agree to follow a strict code of ethics that goes beyond state licensing requirements. Not all real estate agents are realtors. The term REALTOR® is a trademarked designation that signifies NAR membership.

Real Estate Broker

A real estate broker has completed additional education and licensing requirements beyond the agent level. Brokers can work independently, open their own brokerage, and supervise other agents. When you work with an agent, there is always a broker overseeing the transaction. Some experienced professionals hold broker licenses but choose to work primarily with clients rather than managing other agents.

For most home buyers and sellers, the distinction between these titles matters less than the individual's experience, local market knowledge, and track record. Whether you work with a realtor, agent, or broker, focus on finding someone with proven results in your specific market and property type.

Beyond basic licensing, many real estate agents pursue additional certifications that demonstrate specialized training and expertise. These credentials show an agent's commitment to professional development and may indicate advanced skills in specific areas.

Common Real Estate Designations

• CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Awarded to agents who complete advanced training in residential real estate. CRS designees must demonstrate significant transaction experience.
• ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative): Indicates specialized training in representing home buyers. ABR agents focus on buyer advocacy and understand the unique needs of people purchasing homes.
• SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Agents with this designation have training in serving clients aged 50 and older, including understanding topics like Medicare, Social Security, and reverse mortgages.
• RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert): Demonstrates advanced training in negotiation skills and client advocacy. Valuable in competitive markets where strong negotiation can save buyers thousands.
• ASR (Accredited Seller Representative): Shows specialized training in representing home sellers, including pricing strategies, marketing, and seller advocacy.
• GRI (Graduate, REALTOR Institute): Indicates completion of extensive coursework covering legal, financial, and ethical aspects of real estate. Agents with this credential have continued their education beyond basic licensing.

While credentials demonstrate commitment to the profession, they should not be the only factor in your decision. An experienced agent without designations may outperform a newer agent with multiple certifications. Evaluate credentials alongside transaction history, client reviews, and interview performance. Finding the perfect home requires both the right agent and the right approach.

Once you have a shortlist of potential agents, schedule interviews with at least three candidates. This is your opportunity to evaluate their experience, communication style, and fit for your specific needs. Come prepared with questions that reveal how each agent works.

Essential Questions to Ask

• How long have you been a full-time real estate agent? Look for agents with multiple years of dedicated experience. Part-time agents may not be available when you need them.
• How many transactions did you close in the past 12 months? Active agents typically close 10 to 20 or more deals per year. Low volume may indicate inexperience or poor performance.
• Do you specialize in working with buyers or sellers? Many agents work with both, but some specialize. Make sure your agent has relevant experience for your situation.
• What neighborhoods do you know best? Local market expertise matters. An agent should have recent experience in your target area.
• How will you communicate with me, and how often? Discuss preferred communication methods (phone, text, email) and frequency of updates.
• What is your availability? Understand their schedule and responsiveness, especially if you can only view homes during evenings or weekends when house hunting.
• Can you provide references from recent clients? Speak with past clients to get a sense of their experience firsthand and learn if this agent is a good realtor.
• How do you handle multiple offer situations? In competitive markets, an agent's strategy for winning bidding wars matters greatly.
• What is your commission rate, and how is it paid? Understand the cost structure upfront, especially given recent changes to commission practices.
• What makes you different from other agents? Listen for specific examples and achievements, not just generic claims.

Pay attention to how agents answer your questions. Strong candidates provide specific examples, explain their process clearly, and ask questions about your needs in return. Red flags include vague answers, pressure to sign immediately, or an agent who talks more about themselves than listening to you.

Understanding real estate agent commissions helps you budget for buying or selling a home. Recent changes to industry practices have made commission transparency more important than ever. Here is what you need to know about agent fees.

Traditional Commission Structure

Historically, home sellers paid the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The total commission typically ranged from 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between the two agents. For a $400,000 home, that meant $20,000 to $24,000 in total agent fees, paid from the seller's proceeds at closing.

Recent Changes to Commission Practices

New rules that took effect in 2024 changed how real estate commissions work. Sellers are no longer automatically expected to pay the buyer's agent commission. This means home buyers may need to negotiate who pays their agent's fee or potentially pay their agent directly.

Before signing any agreement with a real estate agent, make sure you understand exactly how much they charge and who will pay. Get the commission structure in writing. Many sellers still choose to offer compensation to buyer's agents because it attracts more buyers to their property.

Are Commissions Negotiable?

Yes, real estate commissions are always negotiable. There is no standard or legally required commission rate. Different agents charge different amounts depending on their experience, the services they provide, and market conditions. Discuss fees openly during your agent interviews and compare what each agent offers for their rate.

Not every real estate agent will serve you well. Some agents are inexperienced, disorganized, or more focused on their commission than your best interests. Recognizing warning signs early helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Poor Communication: An agent who does not return calls, responds slowly to emails, or fails to keep you updated is a major red flag. Communication problems only worsen under pressure.
• Lack of Local Knowledge: If an agent cannot answer basic questions about your target neighborhood, schools, or market trends, they may not have the expertise you need.
• Pressure to Sign Immediately: A good agent gives you time to make decisions. Agents who pressure you to sign a contract before you are ready may prioritize their interests over yours.
• No References Available: Every experienced agent should have satisfied clients willing to provide references. An agent who cannot or will not provide references raises concerns.
• Part-Time Status: Real estate moves fast. A part-time agent with another job may not be available when you need them or lack the dedication to serve you well.
• Too Many Clients: An agent juggling too many transactions may not give your deal adequate attention. Ask about their current client load.
• Inflated Price Estimates: For sellers, beware of agents who suggest an unrealistically high listing price just to win your business. This often leads to price reductions and extended time on market.
• Unprofessional Presentation: An agent's proposal or presentation style reflects how they will market your home or represent you in negotiations.
• Dismissive of Your Questions: Your agent should welcome questions and explain concepts clearly. An agent who makes you feel uninformed or dismissed is not the right partner.

Trust your instincts during the interview process. If something feels off about an agent, keep looking. You will work closely with this person for weeks or months. The relationship should feel comfortable and professional from the start.

Before working with a real estate agent, you will sign an agreement that outlines the terms of your relationship. Understanding these contracts protects your interests and ensures you know what you are agreeing to.

Key Contract Terms to Review

• Duration: Most contracts specify a time period, such as 90 days or 6 months. Aim for shorter terms (6 months or less) so you can switch agents if the relationship is not working.
• Commission Rate: The exact percentage or flat fee the agent will earn. Make sure this matches what you discussed verbally.
• Exclusive vs Non-Exclusive: An exclusive agreement means you commit to working only with that agent. Non-exclusive agreements allow you to work with multiple agents, though these are less common.
• Cancellation Terms: Understand the process for ending the agreement early if needed. Some contracts include penalties; others allow termination with written notice.
• Scope of Services: What specific services the agent will provide. For sellers, this includes marketing activities. For buyers, it covers the search and negotiation process.
• Agency Relationship: The contract should clearly state whether the agent represents you exclusively or might represent other parties (such as in dual agency situations).

Never sign a contract you do not fully understand. Ask the agent to explain any unfamiliar terms. Consider having a real estate attorney review the agreement, especially for high-value transactions.

Once you find a real estate agent you trust, maintaining a productive working relationship helps ensure a smooth transaction. Here are tips for getting the most from your agent partnership.

• Be Clear About Your Needs: The more specific you are about your requirements, timeline, and budget, the better your agent can serve you. Communicate openly about your priorities and deal-breakers.
• Respond Promptly: Real estate moves quickly. When your agent sends you listings or requests information, respond as soon as possible. Delays can cost you opportunities.
• Trust Their Expertise: You hired a professional for their knowledge and experience. While you should always make informed decisions, give weight to your agent's recommendations.
• Ask Questions: No question is too basic. A good agent welcomes the opportunity to explain processes and help you understand each step of your transaction.
• Be Realistic: Market conditions affect what you can achieve. Work with your agent to set realistic expectations about price, timeline, and potential challenges.
• Stay Engaged: While your agent handles many details, stay involved in the process. Attend showings, review documents carefully, and participate in key decisions.

Finding the right real estate agent is one of the most important steps in buying or selling a home. Take time to research candidates, interview multiple agents, and choose someone with proven experience in your local market. A great agent saves you money, reduces stress, and guides you confidently through closing day. The agent in your local area should be active in the area where you want to buy a home.

Remember these key steps: Get preapproved for a mortgage if you are buying, gather referrals from trusted sources, interview at least three agents, check credentials and references, understand commission structures, review contracts carefully, and trust your instincts about fit.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or selling your family home, the right real estate professional makes all the difference. Start your search today and find an agent who will advocate for your interests every step of the way.