How to Find the Best Listing Agent

To choose a listing agent, get referrals, interview multiple candidates and check references.

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Updated · 1 min read
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Written by Taylor Getler
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Edited by Johanna Arnone
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Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the outcome of a legal settlement involving commissions paid to real estate agents representing home buyers. Starting in August 2024, home buyers in most markets must sign agreements with their agents before touring homes, and buyers will set their agents' commissions through negotiation. See how this will affect home sellers and home buyers.

A listing agent represents your interests as the home seller. A good listing agent will advise you on pricing, recommend steps to prepare the property for sale, handle marketing, coordinate open houses and showings, present offers from buyers and negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible price and most favorable terms.

With so many listing agents out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Follow these steps to choose a professional who meets your needs.

FIND AN AGENT AT HOMELIGHT
Visit HomeLight to find the right real estate agent for you. Get started now to see your personalized matches.

Get referrals to listing agents

Ask friends and colleagues if they’ve worked with an agent they would recommend, especially those who have sold a home within the past few years. Find out what it was like to work with their agent and how satisfied they were with the results.

Review listing agents' experience

Verify that potential listing agents are properly licensed by searching for their names in your state's real estate licensing database. Visit agents' websites and read their bios. Check their current and previous listings to see if they're familiar with your neighborhood and have sold similar homes.

Mortgage loans from our partners

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Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Veterans United

Veterans United

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
0%

Check Rate

on Veterans United