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You can find a real estate agent through four reliable channels: an agent-matching service, a referral from family or friends, a referral from a real estate professional, or your own online search. The bigger challenge is figuring out which one is right for you.
The decision matters. A strong agent can shave weeks off a sale, add thousands to your profit, and keep a deal together if an inspection or appraisal goes sideways. A bad fit can cost you the deal, the deposit, or both.
Here's how to source candidates, run a useful interview, evaluate the answers you get back, and pick with confidence.
How to find a real estate agent: 4 things to try
Most buyers and sellers find their agent through one of four methods, each of which has its strengths and weaknesses. Use at least two of the searches below, then compare the candidates against each other.
1. Try a free agent-finding tool
Fast and easy, with potential savings: With this free, no-obligation service, top brands send multiple prescreened agents for you to compare. Some offer built-in savings for buyers and sellers.
Top 4 real estate agent finding tools in 2026
Most sellers rely on referrals or past relationships when choosing an agent — 66% of recent sellers either worked with an agent they knew or were referred by someone they trusted.[1] However, this approach doesn’t always guarantee the best match for your needs.
In fact, 81% of sellers contacted only one agent before signing a contract, which means many miss the opportunity to compare options and negotiate better terms.[1] Using an agent-finding tool solves this dilemma, giving you access to multiple qualified agents to make an informed decision.
Most companies that provide this service have 10,000+ partner agents nationwide, so you have plenty of top options to interview.
“Anyone can open doors or list on MLS,” says Josh Mills, a Dallas–Fort Worth agent. “The best agents bring a clear plan for pricing, negotiations, contingencies, and backup options.” That's the difference between a service that gives you the next agent in line and one that matches the agents' strategy to your specific situation.
Consider these factors as you choose which agents to interview:
- Experience: Look for agents with years of expertise in your local market.
- Reviews: Check online feedback to gauge customer satisfaction.
- Activity: Review the agent’s active listings and recent transactions in your area.
- Savings: Choose tools that negotiate reduced fees or offer cash-back options for buyers and sellers.
Why it’s great: This service is faster and easier than searching alone.
The best brands, such as Clever Real Estate, work only with the best agents nationwide. Most have at least five years of experience, a portfolio of successful transactions, and a high customer rating.
Many agent-finding tools also offer built-in savings on agent fees. With Clever, sellers pay just a 1.5% listing commission, compared to the typical 2.5–3% fee, keeping thousands more in their pocket. Buyers can receive cash back after closing. Find top-rated agents in your area today.
How to choose: Look for brands that offer built-in savings and a robust agent network. Check customer reviews to determine the quality of a company’s agents.
2. Ask family and friends for real estate agent recommendations
The most credible option — if it fits: This trustworthy referral source can help you feel more confident in your decision. Just make sure the referrer had a similar buy or sale price and compare their agent with one or two others.
Your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers can provide excellent recommendations, especially if they’ve recently bought or sold a home in your area. This is often a popular option — 40% of buyers and 38% of sellers find a real estate agent through referrals.[1]
Why it’s great: Your network can often help you find an agent quickly and easily. They’ll want to share their great agent with you — and help you avoid poor ones.
Potential drawbacks: Consider this the start of your journey. Regardless of the glowing reviews your friends and family share, vet this agent as you would any others. The right agent for your friend may not be the right agent for you.
Ask the person providing the referral what actually happened with the sale. Did the home sell above or below asking? When something went wrong — a low appraisal, an inspection finding, a buyer pulling out — how did the agent handle it? The recommendation is only useful if their situation is comparable with yours.
3. Ask your loan officer or another real estate professional
A fast but potentially risky option: A referral from loan officers and other pros can help you find an agent fast. But they may not have your best interest in mind, so compare their referral with other sources.
Real estate pros and insiders like loan officers, contractors, and property managers tend to be well-connected to local agents. They can often provide a list of agents they work with regularly.
Why it can work: Recommendations from a contractor or loan officer can help you narrow the field of real estate agents. If these industry pros are reputable, they’ll work with highly regarded and successful agents.
Potential drawbacks: Professional referrals tend to benefit the professionals involved, so be wary. The agent they recommend may not be the best fit for your situation.
4. Not recommended: DIY online search
A slow, difficult, and risky process: The vast number of results from platforms like Zillow and Google can be overwhelming. Plus, these sites let agents pay more for visibility.
Most buyers and sellers start with a DIY online search, such as through Google or agent-finder platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com. We don’t recommend it. You're much better off using an agent-matching service. Besides, only 6% of buyers and 4% of sellers find their agent through a general online search.[1]
Massive platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com deliver many options with little quality control, so making an informed decision is nearly impossible. Zillow Premier Agent and Realtor.com Pro placements are paid, not quality signals — the agent at the top of the list is paying to be there. Watch for review patterns that look engineered — dozens of similar five-star reviews posted in a short window, near-identical phrasing, or a sudden burst of activity around a listing date are flags to be concerned about.
Our recommendation: Start your search with better sources, like personal referrals or agent-matching services. Then, use large platforms to screen prospective agents. These sites offer easy access to sales numbers, client reviews, and other essential information.
The ARELLO state license lookup indexes all 50 state real estate commissions. A two-minute check confirms the agent is active, where they're licensed, and whether there are disciplinary actions on file.
How to find a good realtor out of state
When buying or selling a home in another state, it’s essential to find a local real estate agent you can trust. Before diving in, it helps to understand a few key strategies for handling an out-of-state purchase smoothly.
Your best bet is to use a free agent-matching service like Clever Real Estate. These tools connect you with vetted local experts, saving you the time and stress of researching agents on your own.
Here’s why an agent-finding tool is ideal for finding an agent in another state:
- Nationwide reach: Most agent-finding tools have a wide reach and can connect you with agents in any state or location.
- Simpler long-distance agent searches: Finding a good agent remotely can be challenging. These tools streamline the process by prescreening agents for experience and customer satisfaction, saving you from vetting agents yourself.
- Tailored recommendations: The service matches you with agents who specialize in specific areas by asking you about your specific needs, such as budget, location, or property type.
Because these tools pair you with agents who actually live and work in the area, you’ll benefit from their local knowledge — like which neighborhoods are up-and-coming, how schools and amenities compare, and what pricing trends to expect. That kind of insight is critical when you’re unfamiliar with the market.
“Choose the agent who can protect your position when inspection, appraisal, title, or timing gets complicated,” says Raylene Lewis, a realtor with more than 24 years of experience in the Bryan–College Station, Texas market. That's especially true when you're not on the ground to push back yourself.
Key terms to understand in your real estate agent search
Real estate agent vs. realtor vs. broker
A real estate agent is licensed to help people buy and sell homes.
A realtor is a real estate agent who’s also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and agrees to follow a strict code of ethics. All Realtors are agents, but not all agents are Realtors. Working with a Realtor can offer added professionalism and access to more tools and training.
A real estate broker holds a higher license tier. Brokers can operate independently, supervise other agents, and run their own brokerage. For most consumer transactions, the agent-broker distinction matters less than the day-to-day quality of the agent you actually work with — but if your agent is brand-new, ask who the supervising broker is and how involved they are.
Designations to recognize. Some agents pursue specialty designations through NAR-affiliated programs. Some common designations include:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
- ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative)
- SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)
They aren't required, but a relevant designation in your situation is a useful signal that the agent has invested in the niche.
Buyer’s agent vs. listing agent vs. dual agent
A buyer’s agent represents the buyer in a home purchase. They’re your main point of contact during the process — helping you choose a location, find the right home, write offers, and connect with lenders, inspectors, attorneys, and more.
A listing agent (also called a seller’s agent) represents the homeowner who’s selling. They price the home, market it, manage showings, and negotiate offers.
Some agents mainly work with buyers, some with sellers, and others do both. Ask during your interview what types of clients they typically serve.
A dual agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. This is legal in some states but limited in others, since the agent can’t fully advocate for either side. If dual agency is offered, get a clear explanation of what the agent will and won't do for you, and consider whether you'd rather have your own representation.
💰 A note on commissions
Until recently, sellers typically paid commission for both their own agent and the buyer’s agent. But under new rules from the NAR lawsuit settlement, listing agents can no longer advertise buyer agent commissions on the MLS.
Now, buyers must negotiate the buyer's agent fee directly with their agent and sign a buyer’s agency agreement upfront. This agreement outlines how the buyer's agent will be paid and what services they’ll provide.
Many sellers still offer to cover the buyer’s agent fee through a concession, but it’s no longer guaranteed. That makes it especially important for buyers to understand their agreement and discuss payment options early on.
How to choose a good realtor
A great real estate agent can help you buy or sell with confidence — saving you time, money, and stress. Once you’ve created a shortlist of potential agents, take the time to interview at least two or three in person or over a video call. Comparing your options upfront can help you avoid costly mistakes later.
Start early if you can — about 4–6 months before selling or 1–2 months before buying. Use these interviews to learn how each agent would approach your goals, what experience they bring to the table, and how they’ll support you at each step.
Here’s what to look for in a great agent:
- Local pattern recognition, not just “local knowledge.” Anyone can quote averages. You want an agent who can explain what's happening in your specific neighborhood right now — which streets are getting price reductions, where deals are stalling, what's selling fast. “Market awareness, not just market knowledge,” is how Greater Houston agent Patrick Stuckwish puts it: “You want an agent feeling these shifts in real time, not someone relying on outdated numbers.”
- Transactions per year, not just years in the business. The average agent closes about 12 transactions a year, per the NAR Profile of Real Estate Firms. “If you’ve been in real estate for 20 years but only do 1–2 transactions a year, that’s not much compared to someone in the business for 5–10 years and doing 25 transactions per year,” says Dolores Park, a Realtor with Corcoran Icon Properties based in Simi Valley, with more than a decade serving Ventura County and the Conejo and San Fernando Valleys, and a focus on rehabbed and resale homes. A reasonable threshold for an experienced agent is 24+ a year, with a meaningful share in your price band.
- Knowledge of micro-markets in your metro. “[Dallas-Fort Worth] is not one market — it's dozens of micro-markets with different price ceilings, days on market, and buyer behavior,” says Mikaela Camacho, a Dallas–Fort Worth agent. “An agent who knows your specific area can price correctly, anticipate appraisal issues, and time negotiations better.” Ask candidates how your specific zip code or neighborhood is performing relative to the rest of the market.
- Negotiation under pressure, not negotiation in theory. Most deals don't fall apart on price — they fall apart on inspection findings, appraisal gaps, financing hiccups, and surprise title issues. Ask any candidate to walk you through a recent deal that almost died and how they kept it alive.
- Communication style and cadence — and whether it matches yours. Some agents text constantly. Some send weekly summary emails. Some prefer calls. Mismatch is what causes friction. Ask how often you'll hear from them, through which channel, and who else on their team will be in touch.
- An advisor mindset, not a sales pitch. “This should feel like an advisor relationship, not a sales pitch,” says Jake Davis, a Metro Detroit Realtor with more than a decade in the business, with a focus on Grosse Pointe and surrounding Wayne and Oakland County markets. If a candidate spends the interview talking about themselves and their awards, that’s the relationship you’ll get for the next six months.
If you’re selling, consider meeting the agent at your home. This gives them a chance to share ideas for repairs, marketing, pricing, and strategy specific to your property and neighborhood.
🚩 Watch out for red flags
Not every agent has your best interests at heart. Watch out for agents who:
- Pressure you to sign a contract too quickly
- Avoid your questions or give vague answers
- Overpromise on sales price with no data to back it up
- Talk only about themselves and not your goals
- Don’t communicate regularly or clearly
- Push you into dual agency without fully explaining the risks
Your agent should put your needs before their commission. If someone doesn’t seem transparent, professional, or ethical, trust your gut — and keep looking. The right agent will earn your trust.
Best questions to ask a real estate agent to find a good one
1. When and where were your most recent transactions? Your agent should understand your local market. Avoid real estate agents who work outside your target area or haven’t closed a listing recently.
2. What’s the average price of homes you handle? Look for an agent with experience in your price range. The agent should know what your target buyers or sellers want, as well as how to market your home effectively or how to put in strong offers.
3. What’s your commission rate? Real estate agent commissions are typically 2.5–3%, although there may be room for negotiation. A listing agent might reduce their fee for a higher-priced home. Home buyers who must now pay their buyer agent commission can negotiate a seller concession to cover the fee.
4. How much communication can I expect, and from whom? Regular updates are essential. Some agents work with a team, so clarify who will communicate with you throughout the buying or selling process. First-time home buyers may want a dedicated agent to walk them through each step.
5. Can you recommend real estate professionals? An agent should have a solid local network of photographers, contractors, inspectors, lenders, insurance brokers, title companies — anyone who can assist with your home purchase or sale. That said, it’s a good idea to interview these professionals as well to make sure you’re still getting the best option for you.
6. What services do you provide? Outline what the agent will or won’t do to help buy or sell your house. Ensure this aligns with any must-haves on your list, such as attending inspections or including 3D video home tours.
7. Do you have a specialty? This gives you an idea of how invested the agent is in their field. Specialties could include property management, real estate investment, out-of-town buyers, or specific neighborhoods.
8. What kind of market am I facing? How competitive is it for buyers versus sellers? Your agent should understand the current market and have experience working in similar conditions. They should set realistic expectations while sharing their strategy for the current market.
9. What can help me stand out from the competition? This question assesses the agent’s process for buying or selling in your local market. They should understand what prices, upgrades, and features attract area buyers.
10. How do you determine a home’s value? Your home’s fair market value is the foundation of a successful real estate transaction. A listing agent should know how to price your house, and a buyer’s agent should know whether a home is over- or underpriced.
11. How do you handle negotiations? It’s critical to know how well the agent communicates and negotiates. Ask for examples of how they’ve handled difficult situations to understand their process and style.
12. Can you walk me through the buying (or selling) process and my responsibilities at each stage? This question sets clear expectations for you and the agent. It also helps you understand how to prepare for the buying or selling process, what information your agent needs, and your level of involvement at various stages.
A good real estate agent should also ask questions to establish your expectations, needs, and buying or selling experience. Here are some questions to expect:
Questions for buyers and sellers:
- What are your goals for buying/selling a home?
- What type of property do you want to buy/sell?
- What are your deal-breakers?
- How quickly do you want to buy/sell?
- Have you bought or sold a home before?
- What’s your preferred communication method and frequency?
- What are your expectations for a real estate agent?
- How involved would you like to be with negotiations?
- Are you familiar with the costs of selling a property (or the costs of buying a home)?
- Do you have any concerns about the transaction?
- What’s your preferred closing date?
Questions for buyers:
- What’s your preferred location?
- What’s your ideal budget?
- Have you been pre-approved for a mortgage?
- Are you currently renting, or do you need to sell your home before buying?
- Have you identified any properties of interest?
- What specific features and amenities are essential?
- Will the home be your primary residence or an investment property?
- Do you prefer new homes, or would you consider a fixer-upper?
Questions for sellers:
- What do you hope to net from selling?
- Do you also need to buy a home? If so, where?
- Do you want to sell as-is, or have you completed or planned updates?
- What are your expectations from a buyer?
“Look for an agent who listens to your wants and needs, then goes to work to fill them,” says Sally Liddicoat, designated broker and owner of Weichert, Realtors – Peak Performance in the Phoenix metro, an Arizona native with more than 15 years in the business and a focus on first-time buyers, probate, and short sales across the West Valley. “They should also be willing to give you honest and frank advice — not just tell you what they think you want to hear.” An agent who can’t tell you no won’t be useful when you need to be told no.
Why trust Clever to help you find a good real estate agent?
Hiring a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Clever has helped thousands of people like you find great agents and save money on commission during the buying and selling process. We know the hallmarks of a high-quality agent because we vet them and support them through transactions every day. Plus, we have high standards — many real estate agents apply to work with Clever but only a select few are chosen.
Pick from the best agents in your area. Save money on commission.
Clever simplifies the process by carefully selecting agents from leading brokerages like Berkshire Hathaway, Keller Williams, and many more. It also secures exclusive lower rates for you. By working with Clever, you can sell your home for just 1.5%, about half the typical commission. And you can get cash back when you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Real estate agent commissions have historically run 2.5–3% per side of the home’s sale price, though that range varies more than it used to — post-NAR settlement, buyer-side fees are compressing in many markets and sellers are negotiating listing fees more aggressively. Sellers traditionally paid both sides, but buyers now negotiate the buyer’s agent fee directly. Many sellers still cover that fee through a closing-cost concession — but it’s no longer the default and gets negotiated in the offer.
Sometimes — it depends on what you signed. An exclusive listing agreement usually has a defined term and a termination clause; some include a protection period requiring commission if a buyer the agent introduced ends up purchasing later. Buyer agreements are often easier to exit, but read the terms. If you're stuck, talk to the broker before lawyering up — many brokerages will release you if the relationship clearly isn't working. For broader context on the agreement itself, see negotiating realtor commission.
Only if they're qualified for your specific transaction and you can be honest with each other. The trust can be a real advantage. The risk is that an awkward inspection negotiation or a lowball offer can sour the relationship. Set ground rules upfront: agree to be candid about price, agree on how disagreements get resolved, and agree on an exit ramp if it isn't working.
There isn't one — the role is the same. “Buyer's representative” is just the post-NAR-settlement language for an agent operating under a written buyer's agency agreement. The agreement is the biggest change; the role is still your buyer's agent.
Two or three is the sweet spot. More than that starts to dilute your judgment — by the fifth interview, every conversation blends together and you're choosing on personality rather than fit. The goal isn't an exhaustive search; it's a confident pick from a solid shortlist.
Methodology
For this article, we spoke to the following real estate agents and asked them their advice on how to find a great agent:
- Mikaela Camacho, a Dallas–Fort Worth agent with Keller Williams Arlington
- Jake Davis, a Metro Detroit Realtor with more than a decade in the business, with a focus on Grosse Pointe and surrounding Wayne and Oakland County markets
- Raylene Lewis, a REALTOR with more than 24 years of experience in the Bryan–College Station, Texas market.
- Sally Liddicoat, designated broker and owner of Weichert, Realtors – Peak Performance in the Phoenix metro, an Arizona native with more than 15 years in the business and a focus on first-time buyers, probate, and short sales across the West Valley
- Josh Mills, a Dallas–Fort Worth agent
- Dolores Park, a Realtor with Corcoran Icon Properties based in Simi Valley, California, with more than a decade serving Ventura County and the Conejo and San Fernando Valleys
- Patrick Stuckwish, a Houston real estate agent with Keller Williams Memorial