Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make, and for many, it can be an overwhelming process—especially if you’re doing it for the first time. The real estate market is complex, and having an expert by your side can make all the difference. 

  1. Ask for Recommendations
    • Ask friends, family members, or co-workers who have recently bought or sold a home. Their firsthand experience can provide valuable insight into local agents. 
  2. Leverage Online Communities
    • Social media platforms, community forums, and neighborhood groups are gold mines for agent recommendations. Try browsing through Facebook groups, local Reddit subreddits, or Nextdoor to see who’s being recommended in your area. 
  3. Browse Home Listings
    • One of the easiest ways to discover an agent is by browsing home-buying websites like Movoto. If you’re selling, explore recently sold listings in your area to see which agents are successfully closing deals.
  4. Attend Open Houses
    • If you’re buying, visit a few open houses near you. Even if you’re not interested in the properties, open houses allow you to meet agents in person, observe how they interact with prospective buyers, and ask them questions.
  5. Check Local Business Directories
    • Many agents are listed on local directories, such as your local chamber of commerce or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  6. Consult Your Lender
    • If you’re already pre-approved for a mortgage, like an FHA loan or Conventional loan, ask your lender for agent recommendations. Lenders frequently work with real estate agents and may be able to suggest trusted professionals.

 

Methods to Meet & Vet Agents

Time to narrow down your list and bring your research to life. The initial conversation is crucial for assessing how an agent works and whether they fit your needs. Here’s how to make sure you’re working with a pro:

  • Attitude: Is the agent approachable and friendly? You’ll be working closely with them, so it’s essential to have someone you feel comfortable with.
  • Response Time: Do they get back to you quickly? An agent who is slow to respond may not be very proactive once you’re further into the process.
  • Knowledge: Can they answer your questions confidently? Are they up to date on market happenings in your area?

Check Online Reviews

Google the agent and read reviews from past clients. Look for positive or negative patterns and pay attention to how recent the feedback is.

Look Up Their Transaction History

You can often find an agent’s transaction history on real estate websites. Agents with higher transaction volumes tend to be more experienced. However, an agent handling too many deals might rely heavily on assistants, so be clear on how much one-on-one time you’ll get with them.

Ask for References

Don’t hesitate to ask agents for references from recent transactions. Speaking with someone who has worked with the agent can give you a sense of what to expect.

What Do You Need a Real Estate Agent to Do?

A great agent isn’t just someone who can show you houses or put your home on the market. They are your advocate and guide throughout the transaction. Here are some of the roles they should play:

  • Market Expertise: They should know your local market, including current home values, trends, and zoning regulations.
  • Negotiation Skills: Your agent will be negotiating on your behalf, so they need to know when to push and when to compromise to get the best deal.
  • Problem Solvers: Buying or selling a home is often emotional, and it’s easy to overlook potential red flags. Your agent should point out issues you might miss, from property defects to financing hurdles.
  • Coordination: Real estate deals involve multiple parties—other agents, lenders, escrow officers, and title companies. Your agent will need to keep everything on track.

Questions to Ask Agents

Before you commit to working with an agent, these questions can help you evaluate potential agents:

  • What is your commission rate?
  • How long have you been working in this area?
  • Which neighborhoods do you recommend based on my preferences?
  • What are the best school districts in the area?
  • Can you tell me about a time you helped a buyer negotiate a price down?
  • What’s your strategy for helping sellers get top dollar?
  • Do you work solo or as part of a team? If a team, who will I be working with?

Have a list of questions prepared- we have in-depth recommendations on questions to ask your potential agent.

Agent vs. Realtor vs. Broker: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get confused by real estate jargon, but understanding the difference between agents, realtors, and brokers can help you know what you need.

  • Real Estate Agent: A licensed professional who can represent buyers or sellers in a transaction.
  • Realtor: An agent who is a National Association of Realtors (NAR) member, adhering to their code of ethics.
  • Broker: An agent with additional qualifications who can manage their own firm or supervise other agents.

Why Finding the Right Real Estate Agent Matters

Buying a home isn’t just about closing on a property; it’s about closing on the right property. Your agent’s job is to keep you grounded, informed, and focused on your long-term goals. 

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