Before you embark on your house hunt, you are likely starting to search for the perfect real estate agent. While some homebuyers choose to buy on their own, hiring a real estate agent to assist you in the search is a worthwhile investment. Licensed real estate agents have access to a wider variety of listings than what’s available to the general public. Plus, they have the negotiation skills and legal knowledge to better help with your purchase.
The search to find the right agent can be tricky, but we’ve got your back! After working with dozens of real estate agents over the years, we’ve found some useful ways to help you find the right agent:
- Ask your mortgage broker. They’ll usually have a list of preferred real estate agents to work with, and it’ll make the buying process that much smoother for everyone! (pro tip: Ask us about our list of preferred agents.)
- Find the agent with the most listings. Agents with plenty of listings means they’re good at their job, and they’re trusted by other buyers and sellers. However, they may not be able to give your home search the full attention it deserves, so proceed carefully.
- Ask a trusted relocation specialist. If you’ve already picked a relocation specialist, they’ll have a tried-and-true list of agents to recommend.
- Get preapproved! We have an entire article about this to really hammer home how much this will help potential homebuyers — including showing prospective agents how serious you are about the search. Read it here.
- Have your housing priorities in order. Do you need to be in a certain neighborhood, or within a 30-minute drive to work? How many bedrooms? Working out your must-haves and nice-to-haves before approaching a real estate agent will be helpful to them — they’ll be able to dive right into the search knowing exactly what you’re looking for.
- Don’t be afraid to interview multiple agents. It’s kind of like dating — it’s not going to work unless you find someone you like and trust. Narrow your search down to three agents and talk to them. Ask about:
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- Their experience in real estate
- How many homebuyers they have helped in the last year
- Their schedule, availability, and if they’re part of a brokerage or flying solo
- How many clients they currently have
- Their communication throughout the process
- How long, on average, it takes buyers to find and purchase a home with them (be wary if it’s 6 months or longer)
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Still feel a little overwhelmed? You can check out some other tips here.
Finding a real estate agent is possible, but when you find them, you’ll be better prepared to start your search! It’s worth the time and effort.
