Looking for a real estate agent can feel like navigating a maze.
Online marketplaces. Social media sites. Open houses…
How do you know how and where to look?
All these options (and more) can be effective ways to find and compare realtors.
The key is understanding which approach aligns with your needs.
For example…
One method might be better if you’re on a tight timeline, while another could be ideal if you prioritize local expertise.
This guide will cover all the best ways to find a real estate agent to navigate you through your real estate journey — and tips to help you choose the option that’s right for you.
1. Search online real estate marketplaces
Searching for real estate agents on platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com can be quick and convenient.
These sites let you browse profiles, reviews, and sales history in just a few clicks, helping you save time and narrow down your options.
How to use online platforms to find an agent
Follow these steps to make the most of these tools and identify an agent who fits your needs.
Start with a search in your area
Real estate marketplaces are a common way for agents to connect with buyers and sellers.
But not all agents are familiar with your specific market –– so it’s important to narrow your search criteria.
Start by locating the agent search page and entering your city or ZIP code to generate a list of local agents.
Then, use filters to refine your results based on your preferences, like “buyer’s agent” or “listing agent.”
Evaluate transaction data
Review how many homes the agent has helped clients buy or sell in your area to gauge their local experience.
And look at the price ranges they typically handle for your type of transaction.
These insights confirm the agent’s expertise in your price range and ensure they are familiar with current market trends.
Both are crucial for pricing a home accurately or making a competitive offer.
Browse reviews carefully
Read reviews, but be sure to check whether they come from buyers or sellers to ensure the agent aligns with your needs.
And search for recurring themes in client feedback.
These might include responsiveness, market expertise, and negotiation skills.
Consistent patterns — whether positive or negative — can highlight a realtor’s strengths or weaknesses.
Pro tip: Many online platforms let agents pay to be recommended or to have labels like “premier” slapped on their profiles. Never assume these labels reflect true expertise or quality. Always make sure you verify an agent’s qualifications before making a decision.
Who this works best for: This method is ideal if you prefer a data-driven approach. It’s especially helpful if you want to compare agents based on metrics like sales history, reviews, and market activity before making contact.
Red flags to watch out for
Online real estate marketplaces provide a clear view of an agent’s past transactions.
Why is this important?
Because it allows you to check the real estate agent’s transaction history for sales where they represented both the buyer and the seller.
Here’s why that matters…
A realtor acting as a dual agent (representing both parties) can’t fully advocate for either side.
They’re essentially handcuffed in negotiations but still walk away with a bigger paycheck.
Agents with a high number of dual agency transactions prioritize earning double the commission over serving their clients’ best interests.
To evaluate this, check their transaction history over a recent period (three years works well).
These sales are usually labeled as “Buyer and Seller” or “Both” under a “Represented” column.
Then:
- Count the total number of seller transactions.
- Add the number of dual agency sales.
- Divide the dual agency sales by the total.
This gives you their percentage of dual agency transactions.
Be wary of agents who have a higher-than-average percentage compared to other local agents.
This is especially critical when choosing a seller’s agent.
The percentage varies by region, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid agents with dual agency sales rates above 10%.
I know this because it’s a key stat we analyze when matching sellers with top local agents.
2. Ask friends and family for a referral
Friends and family can be a trustworthy source for finding a real estate agent.
They offer firsthand insights into the agent’s communication style, market expertise, and ability to deliver results.
And a personal recommendation often comes with details online reviews can’t provide.
Here is how you can seek a personal recommendation for a real estate agent.
How to ask for referrals
To get the most helpful recommendations, it’s important to ask the right people and focus on specific details about their experience.
Reach out to recent buyers or sellers
Start with people in your network who’ve recently completed a real estate transaction.
This could be a friend, a family member, or even a co-worker.
Ideally, you’d discover someone who completed a similar type of sale or purchase to yours in the same area.
The more recent, the better — because local real estate markets can change rapidly.
Ask specific questions
Ask the person you know about their experience and what they liked most about the agent.
But get specific. Ask key questions like:
- How did the agent communicate during the home buying process?
- Was the agent knowledgeable about the local market?
- Did you feel like they negotiated to get you the best deal?
- Were there any challenges, and how did the agent handle them?
Collect multiple recommendations
Evaluating two or three real estate professionals increases your chances of finding the right fit.
But what works for someone else might not work for you.
So comparing options is key to finding the best real estate agent for your needs.
How to follow up and vet the referred agent
Want to avoid the wrong real estate recommendation?
Then take the time to verify whether the agent is worth meeting in person.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Do a Google search: Check out their website and social media to evaluate their professionalism and see how they interact online. Look for reviews on third-party sites to spot trends or red flags.
- Review their credentials: A simple Google search for “Look up realtor license in [state]” should point you to your state association website. You can look up the agent by name, see how long their license has been active, and confirm whether they’ve had any disciplinary action taken against them.
- Contact the agent directly: Scheduling a quick initial call lets you assess their professionalism and alignment with your needs. There are several options for contacting a real estate agent the first time, whether by email, phone, or text message.
Pro tip: An endorsement doesn’t guarantee the agent will be the best fit for you. Always do your own research to ensure the agent aligns with your specific needs.
Who this works best for: This method works best if you dislike cold introductions or meeting agents on your own. It’s ideal if you want to minimize guesswork and avoid fully vetting agents yourself.
3. Contact a local real estate office
It’s easy to overlook real estate brokerages as a valuable resource for finding the right agent.
But a local real estate office can be a gold mine with plenty of agents to choose from.
Here are some tips to consider when you reach out.
How to approach a real estate office
Tapping into a local real estate brokerage comes down to knowing where to look and what to ask.
Search for real estate companies in your area
A Google search for “Real estate brokerage near me” or “Real estate company near me” will bring up plenty of results.
You’ll likely see names affiliated with major brands like Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, or Compass.
And you’ll probably see reviews for each office.
But don’t put too much weight on them — specific agent reviews are far more important.
Call or visit the office
Speaking to a front desk receptionist is not uncommon when reaching out to a real estate company by phone or in person.
So be sure to clearly communicate your goals and the type of agent you’re looking for.
Share specific details about your situation and whether you’re buying a primary residence, selling, or investing.
For example, you might say something like…
“Hi, I’m looking for a real estate agent to help me buy a luxury home in [city/neighborhood]. Do you have an agent who specializes in this type of transaction?”
Pro tip: Don’t rely too heavily on the brokerage name when looking for a realtor. Agents are self-employed and responsible for their own success. Focus on the agent’s track record, experience, and client reviews –– not the company they work for.
Who this works best for: This method works best if you value a broker’s office being close by and want to connect with an agent who may have local expertise. It’s especially useful if you prefer a guided introduction over searching online independently.
Red flags to watch out for
Many real estate brokerages follow a specific system for distributing “inbound leads” (walk-ins or calls) to agents in their office.
It’s typically based on two factors:
- Round-robin distribution to whichever agents are available at the time of the inquiry
- Assigning the lead to the agent with the most sales as an incentive to retain top-performing agents.
The problem?
This approach prioritizes convenience or internal incentives over matching you with the right real estate agent.
You might end up with someone who lacks experience or is overloaded with clients.
So don’t just accept the first agent you’re connected to.
Instead, ask questions about their experience and client capacity, such as, “How many [Buyer/Seller] transactions does this agent have?” and “How many clients is this agent currently working with?”
And request proof in writing — any local real estate office can print out an agent’s sales history from their local MLS (multiple listing service).
You can also ask to meet more than one agent to compare their expertise and ensure they’re the right match for you.
4. Explore social media and online reviews
Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or even Google are easy places to scout for Realtors in your area.
You can observe how they engage with their audience and see what others have to say about their experience.
How to use social media and reviews to find and vet agents
You can spot promising agents and steer clear of potential red flags if you use the right approach.
But navigating social media comments and online reviews takes a bit of strategy.
Search for agents on popular platforms
Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram as search engines. Just type in “[my city] real estate agent/Realtor.”
Your next step depends on the platform:
- LinkedIn is great for reviewing an agent’s professional credentials, endorsements, and specialties, and you can see recommendations from previous clients. Just keep in mind that these are carefully curated. And be sure to use incognito mode if you don’t want the agent to know you viewed their profile.
- Facebook will show you how a Realtor uses their business page and whether they stay engaged. Is their page professional and up to date? Does their profile picture look current or like it’s from 1987?
- Instagram is ideal for observing how they market their listings. Peruse photos and listing info to see if you like the agent’s approach.
Evaluate their online presence
The way an agent interacts with prospects and clients online can tell you a lot about what it would be like to work with them.
Do they regularly post helpful content that demonstrates market expertise and local insights?
Are they responsive to comments and messages from prospects and clients?
Is their content overly promotional? (If so, they’re likely to take a high-pressure approach).
Cross-check claims with online reviews
A real estate agent’s social media presence might be polished, but online reviews offer real-world feedback.
So search the agent’s name on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, or Realtor.com.
Compare those reviews with their social media presence to verify that their online persona matches the real-world results.
For example:
- Claim on social media: “I’m a [City] specialist.”
- Review validation: Multiple clients mention “sold/bought a home in [City]” in their reviews.
Use both sources to form a complete picture of the prospective agent.
Pro tip: Don’t just focus on the number of reviews when comparing real estate agents. Look for descriptive feedback that highlights specific qualities, like strong communication or local expertise. Avoid placing too much weight on generic phrases like “great agent” without context. Instead, prioritize reviews that explain how the agent handled challenges or exceeded expectations.
Who this works best for: This method is great if you’re comfortable using social media platforms and want to get a sense of an agent’s personality and professionalism. It’s particularly useful if you like seeing how agents interact with clients and showcase their expertise online before making contact.
5. Visit open houses
Attending open houses is an excellent way to discover an agent’s professionalism and local knowledge firsthand.
Plus, it’s a low-pressure way to meet prospective real estate agents without committing right away.
How to find an agent at an open house
Agents at open houses are eager to impress.
So knowing how to navigate these interactions is key.
Here’s how you can do that.
Look for open houses in your area
Start by browsing local real estate listings on major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin.
Many agents also promote open houses on social media.
So searching hashtags like #openhouse or location-specific tags can help you discover listings near you.
Focus on open houses in neighborhoods and price ranges that align with the property you’re buying or selling.
Pinpointing three or four homes will give you multiple opportunities to meet and evaluate a prospective Realtor in person.
Observe how the agent welcomes you
You can often gauge an agent’s professionalism and personality within the first 30 seconds of meeting them.
So pay attention to their mannerisms and how they greet you.
A real estate agent who exudes confidence, makes eye contact, and engages you is more likely to be experienced and approachable.
But an agent who simply hands you a flyer without much interaction?
They’re more likely to lack enthusiasm or experience.
Use this first impression to decide if it’s worth engaging in a conversation.
Start a conversation with the agent
Strike up a casual discussion to assess how well the agent understands the local real estate market.
Ask specific questions, like: “Over the past month, how long does it take for the average listing in [city/neighborhood] to accept an offer?”
The speed and accuracy of their response can reveal how well they understand current market trends.
And dive into their experience and transaction history.
Questions like: “How many buyer/seller clients have you worked with in the last year?” followed by “And how many total clients have you worked with during that time?” can help you understand whether they primarily work with buyers or sellers.
Research the agent before making contact
Take a few minutes to research the agent online before reaching out.
Search for their name using a query like “[Agent Name] real estate agent” to explore their online presence and reviews.
Check for detailed profiles on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or LinkedIn, and note recurring themes in client feedback.
And verify their license through your state’s licensing board to ensure there’s no disciplinary history.
This quick research helps confirm the agent meets basic standards and avoids obvious red flags before you make contact.
Pro tip: Don’t assume the agent holding the open house is the listing agent. Many realtors who sell a higher-than-average number of homes delegate open house duties to other agents on their team.
Who this works best for: This method is ideal if you’re outgoing and comfortable initiating cold in-person interactions. It can also be a good fit if you want to observe an agent’s marketing skills and professionalism firsthand.
6. Browse online communities (like Reddit)
Platforms like Reddit, Nextdoor, and Facebook Groups are rich resources for finding local agents who are active in your market.
They can provide more of an “unfiltered” view of others’ experiences selling and buying a home in your area.
How to leverage online communities to find agents
Here are a few ways to locate the right online communities and conversations for finding a realtor.
Find relevant communities
Knowing how to search within each platform will help you pinpoint the right groups.
For instance:
- On Reddit, target subreddits like “r/[YourCity]” or “r/RealEstate” to uncover relevant threads.
- On Nextdoor, join your neighborhood group (or follow one you’re trying to move into) to keep up with local recommendations.
- On Facebook, search for real estate or community-specific groups in your area.
Search for existing discussions
Online communities are full of current and past conversation threads about real estate agents.
So there’s a good chance your questions have already been answered.
Use the search feature to look up terms like “real estate agent” or “realtor” and review threads or posts where others have shared their experiences and recommendations.
Ask for recommendations
Can’t find relevant information in existing discussions?
Post your own.
Ask questions like, “Can anyone recommend a real estate agent for buying/selling a home in [neighborhood]?”
Or, “Does anyone have tips for finding a realtor in [neighborhood]?”
Just be specific: “I’m selling a rental property,” “I’m trying to buy my first home,” or “I’m looking for someone who can help me sell and buy at the same time.”
Follow up on replies and ask for more details about the agent’s responsiveness, market knowledge, and professionalism.
Pro tip: Be cautious in online communities — some real estate agents disguise themselves by using alternate accounts or having assistants promote them. So before trusting a recommendation, click on the user’s profile to see if they appear credible.
Who this works best for: This method is ideal if you’re tech-savvy and enjoy using online forums for personal insights and recommendations. It’s especially useful if you value unfiltered opinions and feel comfortable navigating digital spaces to research and ask questions.
7. Seek an agent matching service
Agent matching services can take the guesswork out of finding the right real estate agent for you.
These platforms use your preferences to connect you with vetted professionals who meet your specific needs.
They’re a time-saving (and often free) solution, especially for those who want a curated list of agents.
How to use an agent matching service
Each platform has its own unique features, but the basic approach is similar across these services.
Start by providing your information
Most platforms will ask for details about your situation.
Be specific with your input to help refine your matches.
However, don’t expect to simply receive a list of agents to contact at your convenience.
Many services create this impression but typically share your information directly with agents, who will then reach out to you.
At SoldNest, we’re more transparent about the process to avoid surprises.
We inform sellers up front that we’ll match them with up to three top local agents — and that these agents will introduce themselves directly.
Review your matches
Be prepared to dig a little deeper into the agents recommended to you.
Carefully review their profiles, client feedback, and any performance metrics provided.
Be sure to verify the agent’s track record if the platform doesn’t offer detailed credentials.
And keep this in mind…
Not all services thoroughly vet agents — some simply allow agents to “pay to play.”
So confirming their qualifications and experience is crucial before taking the next step.
Connect with agents
Ask questions about the agent’s:
- Experience helping clients buy or sell in similar situations
- Knowledge of your market
- Current client workload.
But don’t just focus on their answers.
Pay attention to their responsiveness and professionalism during the conversation.
Taking the time to probe deeper at this stage can help you avoid wasting time on the wrong agent later.
Pro tip: Many platforms base recommendations on transaction volume in your area, which is helpful but only scratches the surface of what makes a great agent. Transparency matters — most platforms don’t explain how they select agents, leaving you in the dark. We openly share our agent vetting process so sellers know exactly how we ensure top-quality matches.
Who this works best for: This method works best if you want an easier way to connect with agents tailored to your needs. It works particularly well if you prefer narrowing your options upfront while keeping the flexibility to research and evaluate agents further before making a decision.
Your next steps after finding a realtor
Finding a potential partner for your real estate transaction is an important first step.
But you need to determine if they have the right qualifications and are the best fit for your needs.
That’s why knowing how to interview a real estate agent is critical.
It’s your opportunity to learn more about their experience, transaction history, and strategies for buying or selling.
Carefully vetting an agent ensures you’re selecting someone who aligns with your goals and can deliver the best possible outcome for your real estate journey.
