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How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent for You
Interview at least three prospective agents and choose one who will represent your interests through the entire process.
Bella Angelos is a contributing writer on the home loans content team at NerdWallet, where she began working in 2023. At NerdWallet, Bella has supported multiple teams across a wide range of personal finance topics. She loves the variety of her work and how every day brings not only something new to share, but even more to learn.
Growing up in Seattle and earning her journalism degree at Louisiana State University, Bella is Pacific Northwest rooted and Southern grown. She’s happiest whether she’s on an Evergreen State trail or back in the Bayou with a bucket of crawfish. She approaches her work with the same value of balancing multiple perspectives and is passionate about making financial topics approachable for anyone.
Barbara Marquand is a former NerdWallet writer covering mortgages, homebuying and homeownership, insurance and investing. Previously, she covered personal finance for QuinStreet and wrote for national consumer and trade publications on topics including business, careers and parenting. Her work has appeared in MarketWatch, MSN Money, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Chris Jennings is a NerdWallet editor specializing in home lending topics. He has been writing and editing about mortgages and personal finance since 2016. He enjoys simplifying complex mortgage topics for first-time homebuyers and homeowners alike. Before joining NerdWallet, he wrote and edited content for a number of respected finance brands, including Bankrate, Forbes Advisor, and GOBankingRates. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Chris now calls Los Angeles home, where he lives with his wife and their dog.
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Hiring a professional real estate agent when buying or selling a home can help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
But not just any agent will fit the bill. Here's how to choose the right real estate agent for you.
Real estate agent basics
Real estate agents help people buy and sell homes. Agents educate their clients about current market conditions, guide them through each step of the process and make referrals to other professionals, such as home stagers and real estate attorneys. Most agents can represent buyers or sellers. Their particular titles in a transaction depend on whom they're representing in that sale.
A buyer's agent helps buyers find and shop for listed homes, make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers.
A listing agent helps sellers price, list and market their homes, and negotiate with buyers.
In some cases, an agent can represent both sides in a single transaction, but it's best to have someone who's solely in your corner. Dual agency is also illegal or severely limited in some states, so it may not even be an option depending on where you’re buying.
All real estate agents must be licensed in the states where they work and abide by national and state laws. Realtors are licensed agents who belong to the National Association of Realtors, which has more than 1.5 million members. Members pledge to abide by the association's standards and code of ethics.
Difference between a real estate agent and a broker
A real estate broker has received additional training, beyond what agents receive, to get a real estate broker license. Like agents, brokers must complete state-required coursework and pass an exam to get licensed. A broker can oversee other real estate agents, work under a managing broker or operate independently.
Ask friends and colleagues for referrals to find several prospective agents. Look up the agents' websites and online profiles, read about their specialties and experience, and check out customer reviews.
Choose at least three agents to interview and dig into specifics about how they would work with you.
You can also get matched with agents through a lender's real estate agent network or a standalone referral service. Before using one of these options, make sure you understand what they require of agents, how you'll be matched and what happens if you don't like the agent you're paired with.
Nerdy Perspective
How did your real estate agent help you?
Taylor Getler
Mortgages writer
As a first-time homebuyer, my agent proved to be essential due to his connections with local mortgage brokers (which got me a great interest rate) and thorough, trustworthy home inspectors. If you're a more experienced buyer, you might feel comfortable going with a greener agent who is willing to compete on fees. If you're new to home shopping, you might value an agent's extensive expertise, even if their fees may be higher. At the end of the day, every buyer must decide their own priorities.
As a first-time homebuyer, my agent proved to be essential due to his connections with local mortgage brokers (which got me a great interest rate) and thorough, trustworthy home inspectors. If you're a more experienced buyer, you might feel comfortable going with a greener agent who is willing to compete on fees. If you're new to home shopping, you might value an agent's extensive expertise, even if their fees may be higher. At the end of the day, every buyer must decide their own priorities.
Taylor Getler
Mortgages writer
Kate Wood
Mortgages writer & spokesperson
I found my first real estate agent by clicking a button in an online listing to tour a home. I did not end up seeing that home, but I did get saddled with a dud of an agent who was mostly interested in showing me her own listings. After a few weeks, I told her I needed to take my search in a different direction and started looking for an agent with expertise in historic homes, since I was hoping for an older property. I ended up finding an agent I liked so well that when I later sold that home, she was my selling agent, too. Choosing my agent based on my needs, instead of letting an app choose for me, made a huge difference.
I found my first real estate agent by clicking a button in an online listing to tour a home. I did not end up seeing that home, but I did get saddled with a dud of an agent who was mostly interested in showing me her own listings. After a few weeks, I told her I needed to take my search in a different direction and started looking for an agent with expertise in historic homes, since I was hoping for an older property. I ended up finding an agent I liked so well that when I later sold that home, she was my selling agent, too. Choosing my agent based on my needs, instead of letting an app choose for me, made a huge difference.
Kate Wood
Mortgages writer & spokesperson
Taylor Getler
Mortgages writer
As a first-time homebuyer, my agent proved to be essential due to his connections with local mortgage brokers (which got me a great interest rate) and thorough, trustworthy home inspectors. If you're a more experienced buyer, you might feel comfortable going with a greener agent who is willing to compete on fees. If you're new to home shopping, you might value an agent's extensive expertise, even if their fees may be higher. At the end of the day, every buyer must decide their own priorities.
As a first-time homebuyer, my agent proved to be essential due to his connections with local mortgage brokers (which got me a great interest rate) and thorough, trustworthy home inspectors. If you're a more experienced buyer, you might feel comfortable going with a greener agent who is willing to compete on fees. If you're new to home shopping, you might value an agent's extensive expertise, even if their fees may be higher. At the end of the day, every buyer must decide their own priorities.
Taylor Getler
Mortgages writer
Kate Wood
Mortgages writer & spokesperson
I found my first real estate agent by clicking a button in an online listing to tour a home. I did not end up seeing that home, but I did get saddled with a dud of an agent who was mostly interested in showing me her own listings. After a few weeks, I told her I needed to take my search in a different direction and started looking for an agent with expertise in historic homes, since I was hoping for an older property. I ended up finding an agent I liked so well that when I later sold that home, she was my selling agent, too. Choosing my agent based on my needs, instead of letting an app choose for me, made a huge difference.
I found my first real estate agent by clicking a button in an online listing to tour a home. I did not end up seeing that home, but I did get saddled with a dud of an agent who was mostly interested in showing me her own listings. After a few weeks, I told her I needed to take my search in a different direction and started looking for an agent with expertise in historic homes, since I was hoping for an older property. I ended up finding an agent I liked so well that when I later sold that home, she was my selling agent, too. Choosing my agent based on my needs, instead of letting an app choose for me, made a huge difference.
Kate Wood
Mortgages writer & spokesperson
Taylor Getler
Mortgages writer
As a first-time homebuyer, my agent proved to be essential due to his connections with local mortgage brokers (which got me a great interest rate) and thorough, trustworthy home inspectors. If you're a more experienced buyer, you might feel comfortable going with a greener agent who is willing to compete on fees. If you're new to home shopping, you might value an agent's extensive expertise, even if their fees may be higher. At the end of the day, every buyer must decide their own priorities.
As a first-time homebuyer, my agent proved to be essential due to his connections with local mortgage brokers (which got me a great interest rate) and thorough, trustworthy home inspectors. If you're a more experienced buyer, you might feel comfortable going with a greener agent who is willing to compete on fees. If you're new to home shopping, you might value an agent's extensive expertise, even if their fees may be higher. At the end of the day, every buyer must decide their own priorities.
Taylor Getler
Mortgages writer
Kate Wood
Mortgages writer & spokesperson
I found my first real estate agent by clicking a button in an online listing to tour a home. I did not end up seeing that home, but I did get saddled with a dud of an agent who was mostly interested in showing me her own listings. After a few weeks, I told her I needed to take my search in a different direction and started looking for an agent with expertise in historic homes, since I was hoping for an older property. I ended up finding an agent I liked so well that when I later sold that home, she was my selling agent, too. Choosing my agent based on my needs, instead of letting an app choose for me, made a huge difference.
I found my first real estate agent by clicking a button in an online listing to tour a home. I did not end up seeing that home, but I did get saddled with a dud of an agent who was mostly interested in showing me her own listings. After a few weeks, I told her I needed to take my search in a different direction and started looking for an agent with expertise in historic homes, since I was hoping for an older property. I ended up finding an agent I liked so well that when I later sold that home, she was my selling agent, too. Choosing my agent based on my needs, instead of letting an app choose for me, made a huge difference.
Kate Wood
Mortgages writer & spokesperson
What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents
Here are the key things to find out, whether you're buying or selling a home.
Is the agent licensed?
Licensure requires agents to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam. Check your state's real estate commission website to find out if a particular agent is licensed.
Will the agent represent my interests?
You might assume any real estate agent you choose will represent your interests only. But in some cases, real estate agents aren't legally required to represent solely the buyer or the seller in a transaction. For example, a "dual agent" represents both the buyer and the seller in the same deal, and a "transactional agent" works with both sides, but has no fiduciary responsibility to either.
Understanding the nature of the agent's role when working with you is critical. Ask prospective agents if they will represent your interests only through the entire process, and request a written form that discloses the relationship, advises the Consumer Federation of America.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Real estate agents can complete educational programs to earn specialized credentials. There are designations and certifications for certain types of consumers, such as seniors and military members, and for dealing with certain types of properties, such as luxury homes. Ask agents what special training they've completed.
What experience and training does the agent have?
How long has the agent been working with clients, and what training or recognition does the agent have? Look for an agent with a good track record of serving clients like you.
Will the agent or assistants work with me?
Agents sometimes have assistants working for them on a team. Will you work more with the agent or with the assistants? An efficient team can serve your needs, but make sure you'll have enough direct access to the agent.
How will the agent communicate with you?
Do you prefer to communicate by text, phone calls or email? Most agents use all three channels. Make sure the agent will accommodate your preferred communication method.
How much will the agent be paid?
A typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the sales price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. Historically, the seller footed the bill. However a major legal settlement with the NAR changed the way real estate agents get paid. Under the new rules, buyers can negotiate who pays — and how — when hiring a buyer’s agent.
Now, buyers can pay their agents a flat fee or hourly rate, or they can stick with paying the standard percentage of the purchase price.
Request references from clients who worked with the agent in the past year. Were they satisfied with the agent's work? What went smoothly, and what didn't go well? How did the agent deal with challenges? Conversations with recent clients will give clues as to whether the agent is a good fit for you.
Finding a real estate agent: Tips for buyers
Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you buy a home.
What challenges will I face as a buyer in today's market? A good agent will set realistic expectations by explaining the availability of listed homes and the level of competition you'll face with other buyers.
How will you help me find listed homes in my price range? Ask for examples of how the agent has recently helped other buyers similar to you. This will give a sense of how well the agent will serve your needs.
How will you help me make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers? Look for an agent who will help you stay grounded within your budget and goals.
What’s covered in our buyer representation agreement? Following the NAR settlement, you can negotiate the terms of this contract, such as its duration (usually 30 to 90 days), fees and the geographic area covered in your search. Read it carefully — if you don’t understand anything, it’s OK to ask questions or hire a lawyer to review.
Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you sell a home.
What are the comparable listings in my area? An agent should provide a comparative market analysis, showing homes similar to yours that were sold in the past six months.
What do you think my home is worth and why? An agent who recommends the highest price isn't always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.
What should I do to improve my home? You may need to fix things up to sell your home, depending on the local real estate market. Listen for solid reasoning about what your home needs and the return on investment for making those improvements.
How will you market my home? Agents will likely suggest putting your home on the Multiple Listing Service and real estate websites, such as Zillow. Get details about other promotional tools the agent will use, such as photos, video tours and advertising. The level of marketing required to sell a home depends on the market. Less marketing may be required when there are more buyers than homes for sale.
While you should compare agents' experience and approaches, it's just as important that the one you choose can establish rapport. Shop around for a competent agent who listens and responds to your needs and has a working style that clicks with yours. You don’t have to sign an agreement with the first agent you consider. In buying or selling a home, people skills matter as much as real estate expertise.
This article has been updated to reflect the most recent fact-checking as of March 11, 2025.
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