Your first step in the home-buying process can feel overwhelming.
Finding the right real estate agent feels like finding a new doctor or dentist after you move to a new city.
Where do you even start? Who do you trust?
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent
If you’re a first-time home buyer, we have a few pieces of advice for you when searching for the right fit. For all of these suggestions, it’s best to do your own deep dive on a recommended agent (on Google, any review sites, and on social media to ensure they live up to your expectations).
Friends, family, and coworkers.
You’re saying “duh” in your head, but word of mouth really does go a long way! It’s easy to shoot out a quick text or email to gather some intel on reputable agents.
Online realtor search.
You can use an online real estate agent tool to find realtors who are active near you — like realtor.com, Zillow (which shows the ratings of agents near you), or the NAR (which would have a list of realtors who have to comply with the Realtor Code of Ethics).
Find a referral agent if you’re looking out of state.
Moving states is hard. A real estate referral agent can help you find the best area and prices for you in your new community. A referral agent will receive a cut of your local agent’s commission as payment. (You can search for one at the same sites you search for a realtor listed above.)
Keep an eye out when driving around.
Look for real estate signs and see who is active in your community. You can even attend open houses and see who you connect with.
But first, no matter what route you take, check with your personal connections to see if there are any recommendations. You want someone you connect with and trust in such a big life decision. Take your time choosing the right one, and make sure you have some people in your life to talk through this decision with!