Buying a home is a major life moment. It’s exciting, but also potentially stressful and confusing. Luckily, there are real estate agents to guide you through the process.
Finding a real estate agent who is well connected, hard working, and trustworthy can save consumers time and offer some much-needed peace of mind.
Key Points
• A skilled real estate agent can help locate a dream home, navigate negotiations, and handle paperwork.
• Ask around among friends, family, and neighbors to find a trustworthy agent.
• Research trustworthy agents by checking reviews on Zillow, Realtor.com, and local real estate association websites.
• Interview potential agents to assess experience, availability, and communication style.
• Before signing an agency agreement, read all sections of the contract, or have a lawyer review it for you, to avoid any surprises or obligations you didn’t agree to.
Benefits of Hiring a Good Real Estate Agent
A skilled real estate agent can help a buyer locate their dream home, navigate negotiations, and wrap up all that tedious paperwork. An agent with a strong professional network and familiarity with the housing inventory where you’re hoping to buy may even get early word of so-called “whisper listings” — properties that are about to come on the market.
First-time homebuyers may find an agent’s guidance to be especially helpful. But even seasoned buyers can benefit from expert advice. (If you do feel confident you have the skills to go it alone, buying a house without a real estate agent is possible.)
But you also should know that a 2024 legal settlement created sweeping change to the real estate industry, and the protocol for agents getting paid is still in flux. Revisions by the National Association of Realtors® to the way homebuyers and sellers work with agents on home purchases — and the way those agents are compensated — affect homebuyers and -sellers as well.
If you plan to buy (or sell) a home, it’s important to ask any agent you’re considering hiring how they will be compensated for their work, and to understand the details of an agent’s commission before entering into an agreement.
First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.
Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.
How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent
In many housing markets, a dizzying number of professionals are standing by to help with your home purchase. Take these steps to choose smartly.
Learn the Terms
Before launching a search for the perfect real estate agent, it can be helpful to brush up on the job titles you may encounter.
Most commonly, consumers will come across real estate agents, Realtors®, and brokers, all of whom can act as agents, but who can have varying levels of experience, education, and certifications.
• Real estate agent: Holds a license to practice real estate.
• Realtor®: To have this designation, an agent must be a member of the National Association of Realtors®, which is a trade association.
• Broker: A real estate agent must complete a certain amount of working hours, have additional education, and may have demonstrated leadership abilities among other agents in order to qualify as a broker.
Keep It Personal
A little networking can go a long way when looking for a good real estate agent.
Asking trusted friends, family members, or neighbors which real estate agent they worked with is a great place to start. Additional avenues that can lead to finding a good real estate agent may include:
• Checking out local magazines and area “best of” lists featuring real estate agents.
• Reviewing local real estate association websites.
• Considering agents who are listed often on for-sale signs in the area.
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
Once you’ve made a list of possible agents, you’ll want to do your homework.
Leave No Stone Unturned
Just as “location, location, location” is an important factor in buying property, research, research, and more research will help in the search to find a good real estate agent. This is also the time to think seriously about your finances and to start the process of lining up a home mortgage loan, as your real estate agent will ask about your price range.
Recommended: How to Get a Mortgage in 2025
Looking up reviews on websites like Zillow (click on “Find an Agent”) or Realtor.com (“Find Realtors”) can be a good place to find a good real estate agent.
When reading reviews or considering references, it can be helpful to seek answers to the following questions:
• Does the agent have good communication skills?
• Is the agent easy to touch base with, and do they have ample availability?
• Did they show interest in the process even after a deal was under contract?
• Are they known to regularly have disagreements with other agents?
If you find a real estate agent online or as a result of the agent’s marketing efforts, ask for references before making a decision.
Following a Hiring Process
Narrow the field to a handful of possible agents, then interview them before making a decision.
This process can feel similar to hiring an employee. The interview can give you an idea of what it will be like to work with an agent. Here are some sample questions to ask when interviewing agents:
• How long have you worked as a real estate agent? Experience is key, especially for first-time buyers or sellers who need extra guidance in a hot market.
• How many clients do you usually have at once? Their answer will help determine how much time they have to devote to each client and how accessible they will be.
• Do you work with a team? For busier agents, having team members who can provide assistance can be helpful.
• What areas do you cover? Finding an agent who is familiar with the area you’re looking in can give you a leg up in your search.
• How do you prefer to communicate? Make sure your communication styles mesh well together, whether that be over text, phone, or email.
(Selling a home? The interview questions are different. You’d want to ask how the agent would market the home, what fees might be included, and how they would price the home based on recent sales in the area.)
Recommended: 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Realtors
When It’s Time to Buy
Some real estate agents may request that homebuyers sign a contract known as an agency agreement. Before making any real estate working relationship official, take a close look at the contract to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.
The agreement may obligate you to only work with the agent for a set period of time. These contracts are not always required, but they provide the real estate agent with more assurance that they will be paid for their services.
Those selling a home also sign a contract, known as a listing agent contract, with the real estate agent who is listing their home. Typically, these agreements include the commission (usually as a percentage of the sale price), listing duration, cancellation clause, responsibilities, disputes, ownership, expiration date, and details regarding dual-agency restrictions in the states where it is allowed.
Good Real Estate Agents’ Tips
You think you’ve found a qualified real estate agent to assist you in buying a house. What now? A good agent will accompany you on home tours, advise you when you are ready to make an offer, and recommend other professionals to assist you in the process, such as a home inspector.
The home-buying process can be complicated and a good real estate agent should hold your hand every step of the way. Your agent will submit your offer on your behalf and provide you with a list of the documents you need to buy a house, including mortgage documents, that you will need for the closing.
The Takeaway
Finding a good real estate agent can be key to closing the best deal as a buyer. A thorough research and interview process can help you land an agent you feel, well, at home with — and who will work hard for you.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
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FAQ
What do buyers want most from real estate agents?
Buyers most want an agent who will help them find the right home, so a well-connected agent familiar with the community and its housing inventory is a top priority.
What is an offer to purchase a home called?
An offer to purchase contract, also called a real estate purchase agreement, contains the address and description of the property, as well as the purchase price, down payment information, other deal terms, and an expiration date. It helps ensure that the buyer and seller are in agreement about the deal.
How do I get the best out of my real estate agent?
Knowing what you are looking for in a home, knowing your budget, and communicating openly about what you like and dislike can help ensure best results. Keep in mind that your real estate agent works on commission: Be organized, only visit properties you are truly interested in, and come to appointments on time.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
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