Finding a Real Estate Agent

A licensed real estate agent is a professional who helps you search for properties, organize home viewings, negotiate with sellers and arrange contracts after a deal is made. Working with a real estate agent you trust could be the difference between having a good and not-so-good home buying experience. 

You’ll want to find someone who understands what you’re looking for in a home and is excited to help you find the right property. Gather some names from friends and family, or do a search for agents near you, and create a short list of people to interview. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can use this list of questions as a guide. 

Some questions to ask your potential agent:

• How long have you worked in real estate?
  You likely want a seasoned professional. If the real estate agent you’re talking with has less experience, it’s not an automatic red flag. Just find out if they work with a mentor or receive guidance from team members.
• Which cities/neighborhoods do you specialize in?
  Make sure the person has knowledge of your preferred neighborhoods or can act as your city tour guide to introduce you to neighborhoods.
• What’s your availability?
  You’ll want an agent whose availability is flexible, especially if you are buying in a hot market and will need to act quickly to secure your home.
• How many clients are you working with at the moment?
  A busy agent indicates a successful agent, but if they are managing dozens of clients, you may not be given the personalized service you expect.
• How do you prefer to stay in touch?
  Good communication is key to a successful partnership, so discuss your expectations and preferences with your potential  real estate agent.
• Do you have references?
  Agents should be able to provide contact information for their previous buyers, and these references can give you helpful insight and advice.
• What do you charge?
  Homebuyers usually do not have to pay fees to the agent; the seller generally pays the real estate agent fees, which are around 6% of the home’s sale price.
• What else should I know?
  See how patient and helpful the potential agent is. Do they take the time to discuss the process with you and make you feel comfortable?

Ready to buy? Get in touch with our local mortgage lending experts or get preapproved. 

Still researching? Explore our Mortgage Learning Center.