How to Find a Real Estate Agent, Plus What They Do and How They Work With Home Buyers

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Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions a person will ever make, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, the process can be utterly confusing—and intimidating, too. But that’s where real estate agents come in. Real estate agents are licensed professionals trained to handle all the ins and outs of buying or selling a home or property. And if you’re serious about completing the transaction smoothly, you’re going to know how to find a reliable real estate agent who can help get you over the finish line.

Choosing the right real estate agent for you is critical. You’re going to be spending a lot of time together, and you need to feel comfortable with them. But how do you know where to start your search and what to expect? From contracts to commissions to red flags and more, we’re here to help demystify the process of finding and working with a real estate agent. Keep reading for the basics on how to begin, along with helpful tips and recommendations from an expert in the field.

What do real estate agents do? 

A real estate agent guides homeowners and prospective homeowners through the entire buying or selling process. That includes helping clients get clear on what they want, finding properties that fit, writing competitive offers, negotiating on their behalf, and managing all moving pieces from contract to closing, including inspections, appraisals, title work, and lender coordination. “We’re essentially the project manager, the negotiator, the market analyst, the problem solver, and therapist all rolled into one,” says Ally Williams, licensed Realtor at Keller Williams Grand Rapids in Western Michigan.

What’s the difference between a Realtor vs. a real estate agent?

Every Realtor is a real estate agent, but not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Both require state licenses, but a Realtor is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors are held to a specific code of ethics and engage in continuous education that goes beyond state licensing requirements. “It’s an added layer of accountability,” Williams explains.

How do real estate agent fees work, and how do they get paid? 

Agents typically work on commission, which means they don’t get paid unless the deal closes. Real estate agent commission rates differ by market, agent, and situation, and they are always negotiable. 

To ensure transparency, buyers sign an agency agreement upfront that outlines the agent’s legal responsibilities and duties, as well as compensation. However, how that commission gets paid can vary by transaction. “Most of the time, sellers offer to pay the buyer agent’s commission to encourage agents to bring their buyer clients and maximize buyer interest,” Williams shares.

How do I find a real estate agent? 

The best way to start your search is to ask for referrals from people you know and trust. Beyond that, do your homework by researching the agent’s website or social media presence, customer reviews, and any specialties. For example, “An agent who does 80% commercial sales isn’t your best bet for finding a lakefront vacation home,” Williams says.

What questions should I ask a real estate agent? 

Keep these questions in mind when interviewing prospective real estate agents:

1. How many transactions did you close last year, and in what price range?
2. Do you specialize in this type of property or neighborhood?
3. How will you communicate with me, and how quickly can I expect to hear back?
4. What does the buying/selling process look like, and what can I expect?
5. What’s your strategy for getting me the best outcome in today’s market?
6. How do you approach competitive offers?
7. Can you share references from past clients?

What red flags should I look out for? 

Just like with anything, not all real estate agents are as equally capable or trustworthy—and with a purchase as big as a home, you want to make sure you choose your agent wisely.

Your agent should be responsive and maintain a clear, open line of communication with you. All agreements and terms around compensation should be transparent, and the agent should be able to answer the questions above directly and specifically. If any of these criteria aren’t met, it could be a sign to move on. “A good agent should be able to discuss numbers,” says Williams. “That includes days on market, list-to-sale price ratios, and how many deals they’ve closed.” 

But the number one way to spot a red flag? Trust your gut. If something seems off to you, you’re probably right.

Interview like you mean it. The agent is working for you on one of the biggest transactions of your life. Make sure they explain what they’ll do for you and what to expect throughout the whole process.

Specialization matters more than you think. Find an agent who actually knows the space you’re in, whether that’s buying your first home, a vacation home, or an investment property. The nuances are real, and they can truly affect your outcome.

The cheapest commission isn’t always the best deal. An experienced agent who negotiates well can easily make up the difference in what you net or save on a transaction.

Get pre-approved before you fall in love with a house. You don’t want to find your dream home and not be able to make an offer.

Ask about the agent’s network. A well-connected agent can get you access to deals before they hit the market and refer you to trusted lenders, inspectors, and contractors.

All in all, your real estate agent will play a huge part in your home buying process and its unique circumstances. Do your research, talk to friends and family about their experiences, and don’t feel rushed into making a decision. It’s okay to shop around, interview multiple agents, and take your time to decide which real estate agent is best for you. With the right agent and a well-prepared search, you’ll be turning the key into your dream home in no time.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.

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