How to Pick a Real Estate Agent for Buying a Home

Steps 1-5: Create a list of potential agents

1. Think about the communication style you prefer

The first step in choosing an agent is to decide what communication style works best for you. This includes how the agent actually contacts you, as well as how they speak and relate to you.

Warren Barnes, a Fort Wayne, Indiana, agent who works with over 76% more single-family homes than other agents in his area, says that buyer/agent compatibility is important, but not necessarily the primary goal. Above all, Barnes says, “You want to have someone who is ultimately looking out for your best interests. And then secondarily, I think it’s good to work with someone that you can have fun with and build a relationship with along the way.”

2. Leverage technology

While old-fashioned methods of picking a real estate agent, like referrals and for-sale signs, are valuable in your search, the ever-evolving Internet offers a wealth of immediate resources. In fact, for 41% of buyers, the first step they took in the home-buying process was to look at properties online, and literally all homebuyers in the survey used the internet to search for a home.

Barnes says that when it’s time to search for an agent, Google and agent review sites provide reliable and relevant information. You can — and should — also check out their social media accounts to see the types of homes they’re helping buyers find. Their tone on social media can also be an indicator of whether you think you’ll get along. Are they fun and playful? Serious and sophisticated? Wry and sarcastic?

There are tools available that can do all the meticulous grunt work for you, like combing through sales records, identifying top agents with proven track records who work with buyers like you, and reading reviews. One service with a built-in algorithm that produces customized results for buyers is HomeLight’s free agent-matching tool.

Many agents are using technology and offering online services to make your life a little easier, such as online bookings, virtual tours, electronic paperwork signings, and even 3D, 360-degree views inside homes. In the coming years, technology like drone footage, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality will become increasingly popular. If having an agent who leverages technology is important to you, be sure to ask about how they’ll use these tools to work for you.

Learn more: See more HomeLight blog posts about real estate technology

3. Get referrals from friends and family

Trusted referrals from your personal network, such as friends or family, are highly effective for finding a real estate agent. With so many choices available, receiving a recommendation from someone who has had a positive and successful experience with an agent can be extremely valuable.

In addition to delivering excellent service throughout the homebuying process, consider agents who went above and beyond and left a lasting impression. According to the NAR, 90% of buyers would either use their agent again or recommend them to others. If friends or family have recently worked with an agent, they’re likely to offer a recommendation, which can be a great starting point.

However, it’s important to approach referrals with caution. Your friends and family might have different financial situations, preferred neighborhoods, and priorities when buying a house. An agent who was perfect for your sister or childhood best friend might not be the best fit for you.

4. Think about what you’re looking for in a home

Different agents specialize in various types of properties, so Barnes advises buyers or sellers to “ensure that the agent you’re looking to work with has performed transactions similar to the type of property you’re looking to buy or sell.”

With this information, you can find an agent better suited to your needs and experienced with similar clients. This prevents you from wasting time on agents who only operate outside your price range or with properties you’re not interested in.

5. Research the neighborhood of interest

When searching for a top-notch real estate agent, it helps to think like a journalist or detective. A little creative investigation can go a long way. One effective method is to drive around the area where you’re interested in buying.

“Look for yard signs in the location that you’re looking to buy. If there are a lot of yard signs for a particular brokerage or a particular agent, that can be a good sign that they might be the best person to work with,” Barnes suggests.

These agents already have extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods, giving them an advantage. If their expertise aligns with your needs, you’ve found a strong candidate.

I feel that the good agents have patience on their side, so any agent that’s looking to push a property — I think that’s a huge red flag. There’s a fine line between educating and advising, and being pushy and demanding. So I would be cautious of an agent who is trying to push, push, push, especially for a specific property or if there was some kind of incentive for that agent.

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  Kim Davis Real Estate Agent

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  Kim Davis Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty Easton

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  Currently accepting new clients

  • Years of Experience 22
  • Transactions 781
  • Average Price Point $340k
  • Single Family Homes 627

Steps 6-11: The vetting process

6. Do background research

By now, you should have a solid shortlist of agents based on referrals, neighborhood research, and online exploration that match your criteria. Next, delve deeper into those specific agents by reviewing their online profiles on sites like HomeLight, their Google business page, Yelp, and their social media sites.

Cynthia Kauffman, a top agent in Ocala, Florida, says to look for what the reviews say about an agent’s “people skills,” such as their communication and work style, as that will give you a good idea if they match what you’re looking for.

“Before you even [interview] someone, the reviews are key,” Kauffman says. “You want someone that is kind, patient, truthful, and has a strong work ethic. You can tell all of that in the reviews.”

Additionally, thoroughly investigate each agent’s credentials, starting by confirming their state license through your state’s real estate commission. Arello is another useful database to verify all licenses associated with an agent’s name and location, although it doesn’t cover every state.

You should also check for any disciplinary actions on the state real estate commission, board, or department websites. As a backup, the Better Business Bureau is a good resource for identifying violations or complaints.

These extra measures can help you make sure you’re working with an honest and ethical agent who truly has your best interests at heart.

7. Identify relevant certifications and specialties

Just as any good expert in any industry would seek to further their education and stay on top of changes or advancements in their field, many real estate agents pursue additional certifications to strengthen their skillset.

The NAR offers several certification programs focused on various real estate specialties, from representing buyers to land consultants, commercial investments, eco-friendly real estate, and more.

Some agents specialize in military relocation, historic homes, and seniors. These expanded skills can make a difference for clients in special or irregular circumstances. If you are one of them, finding an agent certified in one of these particular areas could be a huge bonus.

See related story: What Is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Agent?

8. Interview agents

Interviewing a potential agent is your first step in establishing a relationship with them, says Kim Davis, a top real estate agent in Brockton, Massachusetts, who works with 71% more single-family homes than the average agent in her area. It’s an essential step in finding your perfect match. And Barnes recommends scheduling interviews with two or three agents who made your shortlist.

The most important questions to ask when interviewing real estate agents are primarily about their work history and experience, strategies, and references.

This is also a chance to make sure their communication style fits your needs. If you feel uncomfortable or get a bad vibe, it might not be the right fit for you. Homebuying can be an emotional and complicated process, so make sure the agents are able to answer your questions in a way you understand.

Barnes also advises to watch for whether the agent can proactively answer your questions and if they have a clear process for assisting clients.

Barnes adds that it often comes down to a gut feeling. If you sense that you’re getting along well with the agent, find them competent, and they can answer all your questions, you’re likely on the right track.

See related story: How to Interview a Realtor in a Brief 15-Minute Phone Call

9. Rule out the red flags

Just as important as knowing what you do want in an agent is knowing what you don’t want in an agent. Davis warns to be wary of aggressive agents.

“I feel that the good agents have patience on their side, so any agent that’s looking to push a property — I think that’s a huge red flag,” she says. “There’s a fine line between educating and advising, and being pushy and demanding. So I would be cautious of an agent who is trying to push, push, push, especially for a specific property or if there was some kind of incentive for that agent.”

Watch for warning signs, such as agents speaking vaguely about their experience or showing any subtle signs of dishonesty. Trust your instincts — if you get a negative gut feeling, it’s okay to walk away.

While certain red flags don’t necessarily mean an agent is bad, they may indicate a poor fit for you. However, keep in mind that agents who are also Realtors® and members of the NAR adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, ensuring higher standards of professionalism and integrity. If you suspect unethical behavior, dishonesty, or a lack of genuine concern for your interests, it’s best to move on to another candidate.

See related story: Signs Your Real Estate Agent Is Acting Unethically

10. Ask agents for references

If you need additional references or don’t have any by the interview stage, now is the time to ask. Ideally, the references should be buyers with circumstances similar to yours, giving you a clear understanding of what the agent can specifically offer you. This can provide important insight into how well the agent’s services align with your needs and expectations.

11. Consider compatibility

The interview and initial conversations with your agent are the ideal moments to assess whether you connect with them. You’ll be spending a significant amount of time together and trusting them with one of your major life milestones, so it’s important to ensure there’s good rapport.

“I think the biggest thing is developing that relationship through the interview. You can tell if you’re going to connect with someone. You can tell if you think it’s going to be difficult to work with them based on their personalities,” Davis says.

Steps 12-17: Select an agent to help you navigate the market

12. Evaluate skill

At this stage in the selection process, you should have all the information needed to make your final decision. Based on what you’ve learned, evaluate the key factors to determine the best choice:

• Who best knows the local market?
• Who has the most experience with buyers like you?
• Who has the best reviews?
• Who saves buyers the most money?

“Statistics speak for themselves,” Davis says. Take into account key performance indicators like the number of closings per year, the average number of days their properties stay on the market, the average price of homes bought and sold, and so on.

13. Think about conflicts of interest

A key quality in a real estate agent is being client-focused, meaning they are dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Be wary of situations that may present significant conflicts of interest.

A significant concern is if the agent is serving as a dual agent, representing both the buyer and the seller. Although this is legal in most states, it can result in divided attention and advocacy. Each side may not receive the dedicated focus and support they need if the agent is juggling both roles.

Another red flag is if the agent attempts to guide you away from your preferences or established criteria. This could include pushing you to consider homes outside your budget or discouraging you from co-ops because they are harder to close on.

See related story: Spotting Unethical Real Estate Agent Behavior

14. Make sure the agent is solution-oriented

The home-buying process often involves more than just finding the ideal home, securing financing, and signing the papers. With numerous moving parts and potential obstacles, working with a solution-oriented agent can provide a significant advantage in your search for the perfect house.

For example, despite a slowdown in the market, affordability remains a real issue for many buyers. Barnes notes that while some buyers struggle to secure financing for certain loans due to the home’s condition, he offers solutions that can navigate these challenges. Additionally, agents can assist with affordability by suggesting strategies such as buying down the interest rate, negotiating seller concessions, and advising on saving more for the down payment.

15. Gauge connections

A mark of an experienced agent is how well connected they are to their industry and the resources they have in their network.

“Agents know everyone. We know contractors; we know appraisers; we know banks; we know anyone you would need to know as a homeowner,” Davis says. Ensure your agent is prepared and willing to act as a liaison if you need a reference or assistance during the home-buying process.

16. Choose your agent

Now for the fun part! Compile all the work you’ve done, weigh your findings, and make a final decision. Don’t worry too much — if you’ve followed these steps, you’re likely to make a well-informed choice.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. If you notice any red flags that linger in your mind, address them. And if you’re confident you’ve found the right agent, give them a call.

17. Sign a buyer-broker agreement

Homebuyers, particularly first-timers, might not be familiar with the buyer-broker agreement, but it is a valuable tool that offers protection for both the buyer and the agent.

This document formalizes the relationship between the buyer and the broker, or the agent’s supervisor, and details the agent’s responsibilities and scope of work. It also gives the buyer the option to change agents if needed. Additionally, the agreement specifies the agent’s fees and commission, as well as a timeline for the working relationship.

Barnes notes that while buyer-broker agreements are not very common in his area, they offer significant advantages. They can lead to a higher level of commitment from the agent and eliminate any surprises regarding commission, as the terms are clearly outlined in the agreement.

Barnes says, “Once you’re committed to an agent, you don’t need to be shopping around or getting bogged down by other distractions. So it can be a more streamlined process for a buyer in that respect.”

Choose an agent who can help

Buying a house can be stressful, so it’s crucial to choose an agent who can provide support throughout the process.

This step-by-step guide ultimately should lead you to your dream home, but remember that your work isn’t entirely finished. Kauffman emphasizes that a reliable real estate agent should be with you every step of the way, helping to alleviate much of the stress. If you find that trust has been lost or things aren’t progressing as expected, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. A home purchase is challenging enough without added stress from your team. With everything going as planned, you’ll be set to move into your dream home soon.

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