How To Find A Real Estate Agent: A Complete Guide

Finding a real estate agent is one of the first steps in the home buying or selling process. Agents arrange the transaction and represent their clients during negotiations to get their clients the best deal possible. 

The agent’s responsibilities differ depending on their certification level, who they represent in the transaction, and the brokerage firm they work for. Read our guide to learn more about how to find a real estate agent and how they can help you buy or sell your home.

What Does A Real Estate Agent Do?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who organizes real estate transactions by providing home buyers and sellers with expert knowledge of the local area, market conditions, and the transaction process. Real estate agents typically work for a sponsoring broker or brokerage firm and are most often paid on commission.

You may have also heard the term REALTOR^®. The terms “real estate agent” and “REALTOR^®” are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. A REALTOR^® is any real estate professional – agent, broker, property manager, etc. – who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR). REALTORS^® are expected to adhere to NAR’s standards and code of ethics, and they must complete regular training.

How Agents Help Sellers

A seller’s agent, also known as a listing agent, helps the seller get the best possible price for their home and assists them through the selling process. Before listing the home on the multiple listing service (MLS), the real estate agent performs a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help price the home. Then, the agent will stage the home to make a positive first impression and appeal to buyers. 

To generate interest in the property, real estate agents will market it online and in person, usually by coordinating showings and open houses. Once prospective buyers start making offers, the listing agent will facilitate negotiations and then help the seller prepare for closing.

How Agents Help Buyers

The buyer’s agent represents the home buyer during the real estate transaction and is legally obligated to protect their client’s best interests. The buyer’s agent will work with the buyer to determine what properties are within their price range and what they want and need in a home.

The agent will then help with scheduling home tours and submit an offer on the buyer’s behalf. If the seller makes a counteroffer, the agent will negotiate the best possible price. Once both parties agree on the price and terms of the sale, they will sign a purchase agreement, and the buyer’s agent will coordinate with third parties, such as title agents and home inspectors. Before closing, the buyer’s agent will complete all necessary paperwork for the transaction.

Real Estate Agent Vs. Real Estate Broker

A real estate agent and a real estate broker are both real estate professionals, but how they differ comes down to the responsibilities they have. To be a broker, an agent must meet their state’s minimum real estate agent experience requirements and pass a broker license exam. 

A broker can do everything an agent can do, but they can also work independently, gain the legal ability to move money in and out of escrow, and hire other agents. These firms, called brokerages, allow agents to pool resources and assist each other in transactions. Agents also pay a percentage of their commission to their broker.

How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent

Here are a few things you should do when finding a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home.

1. Get A Referral

Referrals are often the best source when looking for a real estate agent. According to NAR, referrals by friends, neighbors, or relatives remain the primary method most buyers use to find their real estate agent, and 65% of recent home sellers used either a referral or the same real estate agent they had worked with previously. If anyone you know has recently gone through the real estate transaction process, ask them if they’d recommend any agents in your area. 

You can also browse through official referral sources. Check with the local chamber of commerce and ask for the names of the most respected agents. You can also contact brokerages to find the names of agents who work in the local area.

2. Do Research Online

You can do research online to find a good real estate agent. Read through an agent’s website to get a general idea of their experience and the houses they’ve helped buy or sell in the past. You can also read reviews on the agent.

3. Interview Multiple Agents

Interview multiple agents before choosing one. Each agent has different experience levels and specialties. By interviewing several agents, you can learn more about their personalities, compare their skills and expertise, and assess their level of commitment.

Ask agents questions to get to know them better, such as:

• How long have you been a real estate agent?
• Are you a full-time agent?
• How will you communicate with me?
• What is your commission percentage or fee?
• How will you help me buy or sell my home?
• What qualities set you apart from other agents?
• Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, etc.?

4. Check Their Licensing And Certifications

Make sure the agent has all the legal certifications your state requires to work as a real estate agent. You can also ask if they’ve continued their education with additional certifications and designations, such as Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and more.

NAR and other groups provide programs and services to help members increase their skills and hone their craft. Designations and certifications are both forms of real estate education. The difference is that a designation requires annual dues, while a certification only requires an application fee.

5. Learn About Their Experience And Track Record

The amount of time in the industry isn’t the only thing you need to know about the agent’s experience. Take time to learn more about their experience and track record. Ask how many homes they help their clients buy or sell every year. This will tell you how much experience they have and how knowledgeable they are about current market trends. You can also ask how many days it takes them to sell a home on average or what the typical variation is between their buyer clients’ initial offers and final sales price.

6. Ask About Their Availability

Deals move quickly in real estate, so you need an agent who will be ready to assist if your dream home hits the market and you need to make a last-minute visit or make an offer as quickly as possible. If an agent is over-committed or doesn’t work full-time, they may not be able to call or text as fast as you’d hoped. Find out if they’re willing to dedicate enough time to your needs.

7. Make Your Decision

Keep in mind that the real estate agent you choose will be working with you during a stressful time and you’ll be relying on them to guide you through the buying or selling process. Make sure you ask as many questions as you need, and they check every box. You’re much more likely to be satisfied with the outcome of the transaction if you find an agent who has the experience, expertise, availability, and personality that compliments your own.

8. Review The Contract

When you’ve found the right agent, review the contract they give you to confirm the commission structure and everything else you discussed. The contract should also include an exclusivity agreement, which means you cannot work with other real estate agents after you’ve signed.

The Bottom Line: Find The Right Real Estate Agent For You

Finding a real estate agent is one of the most important steps in the home buying and selling process. Buyer’s agents and listing agents can assist with every aspect of the real estate transaction, but not all real estate agents are equal. Take the time to interview agents and do your due diligence before making a decision.

Ready to begin the home buying process? Start a mortgage application today and see what you qualify for.