Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life — and the real estate agent you choose can make or break the experience. The right agent can save you thousands of dollars, help you avoid costly mistakes, and get the deal done smoothly. The wrong one can leave you frustrated, overpaying, or watching your dream home slip through your fingers.
So how do you find a good real estate agent? With over 3 million licensed real estate professionals in the United States, the challenge isn’t finding an agent — it’s finding the right one for your specific situation.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to find a good real estate agent in 2026: where to search, what credentials to look for, questions to ask during the interview, red flags to watch out for, and how to make your final decision with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor vs. Broker: What’s the Difference?
- Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent?
- Where to Find a Real Estate Agent
- What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent
- Questions to Ask When Interviewing Agents
- Red Flags to Avoid
- Tips for Buyers vs. Tips for Sellers
- Understanding Agent Commission
- How to Make Your Final Decision
- Frequently Asked Questions
Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor vs. Broker: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing — and understanding the difference helps you make a smarter hire.
A real estate agent is anyone who has passed their state’s real estate licensing exam and is legally authorized to help people buy, sell, or rent properties. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include coursework, a background check, and a written exam.
A Realtor (capital R) is a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Realtors are bound by NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which includes obligations of honesty, client-first representation, and professional transparency. Not every agent is a Realtor — you have to pay dues and agree to the code to use the title.
A real estate broker has completed additional education and licensing beyond the agent level. Brokers can work independently and can also hire other agents to work under their supervision. Many experienced agents eventually become brokers. When you hire an agent, they typically work under the supervision of a licensed broker.
For most home buyers and sellers, hiring a Realtor (as opposed to a non-member agent) offers the added assurance of ethical standards — but what ultimately matters most is the individual’s experience, local market knowledge, and track record.
Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent?
In a world where you can search listings on Zillow and file paperwork online, you might wonder if an agent is even necessary. For most people, the answer is still a clear yes — and here’s why.
Real estate transactions involve complex contracts, tight deadlines, legally binding disclosures, title searches, inspection negotiations, and financing contingencies. A single misstep can cost you far more than the agent’s commission. Experienced agents know how to spot problems, negotiate effectively, and navigate the legal paperwork without errors.
For buyers, a buyer’s agent typically costs you nothing out of pocket — their commission is usually paid by the seller as part of the transaction (though this has been changing post-2024 NAR settlement, so it’s worth asking upfront). For sellers, the commission (usually 2–3% per side) is deducted from the sale proceeds, and a skilled agent can more than make up for that cost by pricing your home correctly and negotiating a higher sale price.
That said, if you’re an experienced investor doing a simple transaction, or selling to a known buyer, going without an agent might make sense. But for a standard first or second home purchase or sale? Having a great agent is almost always worth it.
Where to Find a Real Estate Agent
The good news: there are more ways than ever to find qualified real estate agents. Here are the most reliable methods.
1. Ask for Referrals
Word of mouth remains the most powerful way to find a trustworthy agent. According to NAR, roughly 40% of buyers and 38% of sellers find their agent through a friend, neighbor, or family member. When someone you trust has had a great experience, you get social proof that’s worth more than any online review.
When asking for a referral, don’t just ask “do you know a good agent?” — ask specific questions like “Would you hire them again?” and “Were there any issues, and how did they handle them?” This surfaces the real story behind the recommendation.
2. Use Online Agent-Matching Platforms
Several platforms let you search for and compare agents in your area:
- Zillow Agent Finder — browse agents by location, see their recent sales, read reviews, and compare experience levels
- HomeLight — matches you with top-performing agents in your area based on actual sales data
- Realtor.com — NAR’s official platform lists millions of agents with profiles, ratings, and transaction history
- FastExpert — compares agents by their recent local sales performance
- Clever Real Estate — connects you with vetted agents who offer reduced commission rates
These platforms are particularly useful because they show verifiable data — like how many homes an agent sold last year, their average list-to-sale ratio, and how fast their listings sell — not just self-reported claims.
3. Search Your Local Market
Drive or walk through the neighborhoods you’re interested in and look at listing signs. Agents whose signs appear repeatedly in a specific area typically have strong local expertise there. You can also attend open houses in your target neighborhoods — this gives you a low-pressure way to meet agents in action and see how they communicate with potential buyers.
4. Check Your State’s Licensing Board
Every state has a real estate licensing board with a public directory you can search. This lets you verify that an agent’s license is current and active, and check whether they’ve had any disciplinary actions. This is a quick but important due diligence step before hiring anyone.
5. Ask Your Lender or Attorney
If you’re working with a mortgage lender or real estate attorney, ask them for agent recommendations. These professionals work closely with agents every day and know who is organized, responsive, and reliable in a deal. Their recommendations tend to be based on performance, not just personal friendship.
What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent
Once you have a list of candidates, you need to evaluate them properly. Here are the key factors that separate great agents from mediocre ones.
Local Market Expertise
The most important quality in an agent is deep knowledge of your specific local market — not just general real estate experience. An agent who specializes in downtown condos may not be the best fit if you’re buying a suburban single-family home. Look for someone who has completed multiple transactions in your target area within the past 12 months.
Transaction Volume and Recency
An agent who is actively doing deals knows the current market. Look for someone who closes at least 20–50 transactions per year, which means they’re working deals regularly and staying sharp. Be wary of part-time agents who only close a handful of deals annually — real estate is a fast-moving field where experience matters.
Responsiveness and Communication Style
Real estate moves fast. Delayed responses can mean missing out on a home or losing a buyer. Pay attention to how quickly an agent responds to your initial inquiry — if they take days to get back to you before they’ve even won your business, that’s a preview of what working with them will be like.
Also consider communication style. Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen more than they talk? Do they prefer texts, calls, or emails — and does that match your preference?
Professional Credentials
Beyond the basic license, look for credentials that signal additional training and commitment:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) — only the top 3% of agents earn this designation
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) — specialized training in buyer representation
- GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) — broad professional education beyond licensing requirements
- SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) — expertise for buyers and sellers aged 50+
Honest Pricing (Not Flattery)
For sellers, beware of agents who give you an unrealistically high listing price just to win your business — a tactic known as “buying the listing.” They’ll then push you to drop the price after you’ve already signed with them. A trustworthy agent will show you comparable sales data and give you an honest price range, even if it’s lower than you hoped.
Strong Reviews and References
Read reviews on Zillow, Google, and Realtor.com, but don’t stop there. Ask for 2–3 client references — specifically from people who transacted in a similar market segment as you. When you speak to references, ask about how the agent handled problems, not just the end result. Every deal has hiccups; how an agent responds to them reveals their true character.
Questions to Ask When Interviewing Agents
Always interview at least three agents before making your decision. Here are the most important questions to ask each one.
For All Agents
- “How long have you been working in real estate, and how many transactions did you close last year?”
- “How many of those were in this specific neighborhood or price range?”
- “What’s your average days-on-market compared to the local average?”
- “How do you prefer to communicate, and what’s your typical response time?”
- “Can you walk me through your process from start to finish?”
- “Tell me about a deal that almost fell apart — what happened and how did you handle it?”
- “Can you provide references from recent clients?”
For Sellers
- “What’s your suggested list price for my home, and what comps are you basing it on?”
- “What’s your marketing strategy — beyond just listing on the MLS?”
- “Do you do professional photography, video tours, or staging?”
- “How will you handle multiple offers if we receive them?”
- “What’s your list-to-sale price ratio on homes you’ve listed?”
For Buyers
- “How will you help me compete in a competitive offer situation?”
- “Do you have relationships with local listing agents that could give me an edge?”
- “Will you represent me exclusively, or do you also work with sellers?”
- “What happens if I want to make an offer on a home that you also represent the seller on?”
- “Can you recommend a lender, inspector, and attorney you trust?”
Pay close attention to how agents answer the hard questions — like the one about a deal that almost fell apart. An agent who claims nothing ever goes wrong isn’t being honest with you. Great agents know how to manage crisis situations and are proud to talk about it.
Red Flags to Avoid
Knowing what to look for is important — but knowing what to run from is just as critical. Here are the biggest red flags when evaluating a real estate agent.
They Overinflate the Listing Price
If one agent gives you a listing price that’s significantly higher than all the others, be skeptical. This is a classic sales tactic called “buying the listing” — they win your business with flattery, then push you to reduce the price once you’re locked in with them. Always ask agents to back up their pricing recommendation with comparable sales data.
Poor Communication Before You’ve Even Signed
If an agent is slow to respond, vague in their answers, or hard to reach during the courting phase, it only gets worse once you’re a client. You need someone who treats every message as urgent, because in real estate, timing often determines whether you win or lose a deal.
They Can’t Explain Their Marketing Plan
For sellers, an agent who says “We’ll put it on the MLS and see what happens” doesn’t have a strategy. A strong agent should have a detailed marketing plan: professional photography, virtual tours, social media promotion, email outreach to buyer’s agents, open houses, and more.
Pressure Tactics
Any agent who pressures you to make quick decisions before you’re ready is waving a red flag. Good agents educate you and let you make informed choices at your own pace. The urgency should come from the market, not from the agent trying to close a deal.
Dual Agency Without Full Disclosure
Dual agency occurs when the same agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. This creates a clear conflict of interest — the agent literally can’t fully advocate for both sides. Some states prohibit this; others require written disclosure. If an agent suggests this arrangement without fully explaining the implications, walk away.
No Verifiable Track Record
Be cautious of agents who can’t or won’t show you specific data about their past performance. Legitimate agents can share their average days on market, list-to-sale ratios, and a list of recently closed transactions. If someone can’t back up their claims with numbers, they may not have the experience they’re implying.
Tips for Buyers vs. Tips for Sellers
If You’re Buying a Home
Get pre-approved before you even start looking for an agent. Knowing your budget makes the entire process smoother and signals to agents (and sellers) that you’re a serious buyer. Your agent will want to know what you’re pre-approved for right away.
Always use a dedicated buyer’s agent — not the listing agent for the home you want to buy. The listing agent’s job is to get the best price for the seller, not to advocate for you. Having your own buyer’s agent ensures someone is fully in your corner during negotiations.
Post-2024, following the NAR settlement, some buyer’s agents now ask buyers to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement upfront that spells out their compensation. Review this carefully — look for a reasonable term (30–90 days), clear termination rights, and full transparency about how and how much the agent is paid.
If You’re Selling a Home
Prioritize agents with a strong local track record over big names or large brokerages. An agent who has sold 30 homes in your specific neighborhood in the past two years knows your market better than a nationally renowned agent who doesn’t specialize locally.
Ask to see a full marketing plan in writing before signing a listing agreement. Great agents show up to the listing presentation with a comprehensive, customized plan — not generic platitudes. Professional photography is a non-negotiable baseline; video tours and social media promotion are increasingly important.
Don’t sign a listing agreement longer than 3–6 months unless you have a compelling reason. This gives you the ability to switch agents if things aren’t working out, without being locked in indefinitely.
Understanding Agent Commission
Agent commission has traditionally been around 5–6% of the home’s sale price, split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent (roughly 2.5–3% each). This is paid by the seller from the sale proceeds.
However, the landscape changed significantly following the 2024 NAR settlement. Buyers may now need to negotiate and explicitly agree to their agent’s compensation upfront, and that compensation may not automatically be covered by the seller. This makes it more important than ever to have a clear, written compensation agreement with your buyer’s agent before you start touring homes.
Commission rates are negotiable. You can ask agents to reduce their commission, especially in high-priced markets where the dollar amount would be exceptionally large. Discount brokerages and flat-fee services are also available if cost is a primary concern, though you often get less hand-holding and local expertise in return.
The key question to ask: “What exactly do I get for your commission?” A great agent who charges 3% and sells your home for $15,000 more than a cheaper competitor did is still the better value. Think of the total outcome, not just the rate.
How to Make Your Final Decision
After you’ve interviewed at least three agents, compared their credentials, and checked their references, here’s how to make the final call.
First, compare the objective data: Who has the strongest local track record? Whose days-on-market average is lowest? Who has the best list-to-sale ratio? These numbers don’t lie.
Second, factor in responsiveness and communication. Did they follow up promptly after the interview? Did their communication style match yours? You’ll be in close contact with this person for weeks or months — chemistry matters.
Third, trust your gut on honesty. Did the agent tell you only what you wanted to hear, or did they give you honest assessments even when uncomfortable? An agent who flatters you during the pitch but avoids hard truths will be a problem when deals get complicated.
Finally, before signing any agreement, read the contract carefully. Understand the term length, termination clauses, compensation structure, and what services are included. A reputable agent will happily walk you through every clause.
Once you’ve chosen your agent, the relationship works best when you communicate openly, respond to their requests promptly, and trust their market expertise. Real estate is a team sport — the better your collaboration, the better your outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a real estate agent in my area?
The best ways to find a local real estate agent include asking friends or family for referrals, searching platforms like Zillow Agent Finder, HomeLight, or Realtor.com, attending open houses in your target neighborhood, and checking your state’s real estate licensing board directory. Always interview at least three agents before deciding.
How many real estate agents should I interview before choosing one?
You should interview at least three agents. This gives you a meaningful basis for comparison — their experience, personalities, marketing strategies, and pricing recommendations may vary significantly. Interviewing only one or two makes it hard to know if you’re getting the best fit.
What’s the difference between a buyer’s agent and a listing agent?
A listing agent (also called a seller’s agent) represents the seller and works to get the highest price and best terms for the seller. A buyer’s agent represents the buyer and works to get the best price and terms for the buyer. When buying, always use your own buyer’s agent rather than working directly with the listing agent.
How much does a real estate agent cost?
Commission is typically 2–3% per agent side (so roughly 5–6% total for a standard transaction), paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer’s agent compensation may need to be separately negotiated and disclosed in writing. Commission rates are negotiable, but expertise often justifies the cost.
Can I use the same agent to buy and sell?
Yes — and it can be convenient if you’re selling one home and buying another simultaneously. The same agent can coordinate timelines and may offer a reduced commission for handling both transactions. However, make sure they have strong expertise in both the neighborhood you’re selling in and the one you’re buying in.
What should I do if I’m unhappy with my real estate agent?
Talk to them directly first — sometimes communication breakdowns are fixable. If the relationship still isn’t working, review your listing or buyer representation agreement for termination clauses. Most agreements allow termination with written notice if the agent has not fulfilled their obligations. You can also escalate complaints to their brokerage or to your state’s real estate licensing board.
Is it better to use a local agent or a national brokerage?
Local expertise almost always outweighs brand name when it comes to real estate. An independent agent who has sold 40 homes in your specific neighborhood in the past two years will likely deliver better results than a big-name agent from a national brokerage who rarely works in your area. Focus on track record and local knowledge over brand affiliation.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?
Technically, no — you can purchase a home without an agent. But given the complexity of contracts, negotiations, inspections, and legal disclosures involved, most buyers benefit significantly from professional representation. Buyer’s agents typically cost buyers nothing out of pocket (the seller traditionally pays the commission), making it an easy decision for most people.
Final Thoughts
Finding a good real estate agent takes a bit of legwork upfront, but it’s worth every minute you invest. Start with referrals and online platforms, vet your candidates carefully, interview at least three, and pay close attention to local expertise, track record, and communication style.
Avoid agents who pressure you, overpromise, or can’t back up their claims with data. Ask the hard questions during interviews, check their references, and read your contract before signing.
The right agent will more than earn their commission — they’ll guide you through one of the most important financial decisions of your life with knowledge, honesty, and professionalism. Take your time choosing, and you’ll be in great hands.
Looking for more guides on finding the right professionals? Check out our articles on how to find a good lawyer, how to find a financial advisor, and how to find a good mechanic.