Real estate agents play a pivotal role in helping you make the biggest purchase of your life. They already know where to find the right home to buy and the neighborhoods and community amenities you want in a new address.
They also bring experience when you make an offer or negotiate terms.
Follow these steps to choose the right buyer's agent.
Start by doing your research
Cast a wide net to compile your list of promising candidates.
- Search the Homes.com database.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family or colleagues.
- Check online reviews and ratings.
- Look at their years of experience in the neighborhood you're looking in.
- Look at their track record on finding clients homes similar to the one you're seeking.
Verify credentials
Trust, but verify. Make sure a professional is the person they claim to be.
- Look up an agent’s LinkedIn or real estate firm profile as a starting point.
- Confirm an agent is licensed by contacting your state’s real estate licensing board.
- Contact the National Association of Realtors to see if the agent is a member, and if they have any special credentials.
- Contact the area Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against the agent and their real estate company.
- Contact a local real estate association to check the agent's membership status and background.
Interview multiple agents
Talk to them to determine their market knowledge and track record.
- Request references from past clients.
- Ask them to provide you data on their success rate in negotiating deals favorable to buyers.
- Ask about transit, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, sports facilities and other amenities for the areas you want to evaluate.
- Ask if the agent lives in the neighborhood or area, and for how long.
- Ask how they scout properties.
- Ask if they typically refer clients to home inspectors, appraisers and home repair specialists.
- Ask them to detail their experience with bidding wars.
- Ask if they have access to pocket listings — off the market homes for sale.
- Ask them to detail their recent successes.
- Ask agents to produce a simple comparison of two properties where you’re looking to evaluate their ability to produce comps.
Pro tip: Recent success should be an important factor in your decision. Ask agents about their most recent purchase. "If they were all more than year ago, keep looking," said Maureen McDermut, an agent with Sotheby's International Realty in Montecito, California. Markets change over the course of a year, she said.
Review the representation agreement
You don’t want to find out at closing that you owe hidden fees or need to hire another professional for a service you thought your agent provided.
- Understand the commission structure.
- Clarify how long the contract will last.
- Know what services are included.
- Specify the terms on which you would ask to terminate the contract — there's usually a section in the buyer's agreements that asks you to list them.
- Ask an attorney to review the agreement.
- Do not sign the agreement until you have thoroughly read its terms and understand them.
Assess compatibility
Is this someone you feel good doing business with?
- Ask how they communicate with their clients, and how often.
- Evaluate if the agent listens to your concerns.
- Ask the agent what hours they work and evaluate if they are compatible with yours.
- Evaluate whether you feel comfortable asking the agent questions and whether the agent satisfactorily answers them.
- Only consider agents who are professional and courteous.
Make your decision
Does your gut feel comfortable choosing this agent? Why or why not?
- Choose the agent who aligns with your goals.
- Sign the agreement and get started.