Selling a house can be as challenging as buying one. Most homeowners — 91% in a 2025 survey by the National Association of Realtors — retain a seller's agent to market their home and find buyers.
Getting an agent typically means paying them a commission on the sale. Recent legal changes now allow sellers to negotiate their price. A sale by an agent can boost the price at closing by thousands of dollars, according to the NAR survey.
Follow these steps to find the one who will best meet your needs.
Cast a wide net and verify credentials
Query your network for agents and compile a list of candidates who would best meet your needs. An internet search can turn up a trove of information about an agent’s professional career.
- Ask friends, family, neighbors and colleagues for referrals.
- Check online reviews and ratings.
- Look for agents with experience in your neighborhood.
- Check professional affiliations with local real estate associations and confirm that the agent is licensed in your state.
Look for specialized real estate designations, such as certified seller representative specialist, attained by the agent.
Pro tip: Drive around your neighborhood to gather agent names and contact information from "For Sale" signs.
Interview multiple agents
Comparing agents can help you rank candidates to find the best one. Here's what you can ask them:
- How many years of experience do you have selling homes similar to the one I'm selling?
- Can you provide comparisons, or "comps," of several recently sold or on-the-market homes similar to my home?
- What do you know about local zoning laws or regulations?
- How much do you know about amenities in my neighborhood?
- Are you involved in staging homes?
- What's your marketing strategy?
- How do you communicate with your clients and how often?
- What is your negotiating style?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
Pro tip: Look for agents who advertise by sponsoring community events or kids' sports. It's a sign the agent has devoted resources to cultivate clients in the area.
Look for compatibility
Listen to your gut to find the one who will work best with you.
- Does the agent listen to your needs and concerns?
- Does the agent conduct their business in a professional manner?
- Does the agent make you comfortable?
- Is there an agent who best aligns with your goals?
Review the agreement
Closing is no time for surprises on how much you'll owe the agent. Know what you’re getting into before affixing your signature to a legally binding document.
- Make sure you understand what the agent's fees are and what services you're getting or not getting.
- If you think they're too high, negotiate a lower price.
- Consult a real estate lawyer if you don't understand provisions in the contract.
Clarify how long the agent will represent you.
The last step: Sign the agreement and begin the process to market your home.