How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent

Knowing how to find a good real estate agent is key to a successful real estate transaction. Most people find their agent using one of several tried-and-true methods: through referrals, repeat experiences, online searches, or even open houses and neighborhood signs. 

Zillow’s research found 93% of sellers worked with an agent, while about 50% of buyers said their agent was the most helpful resource in their home-buying experience.

Here are the places to look when you’re ready to find a good real estate agent, whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both:

Search online

Searching online is now the most common way people find a real estate agent, with 36% of sellers in 2024 reporting they first found their agent digitally. Here are the top tools to try:

Zillow: Zillow offers a top-tier real estate agent directory that can be used to easily find and compare agents by location, specialty, and client reviews. You can also connect directly with a qualified Zillow partner listing agent who offers premium selling features like Showcase, or a local Zillow partner buyer's agent if you're planning to buy.

Individual agent websites or profiles: If you’ve already got a name, search for their Zillow profile, personal website, or business profile to see their past transactions, client reviews, market specialties, and their background or certifications. 

Google: A simple search can lead you to local agents, Google reviews, and third-party mentions. It’s a great way to compare agents and get an overall sense of their presence and reputation.

License lookup: Once you’ve narrowed down your list, verify that the agent is properly licensed. Every state (and Washington, D.C.) offers searchable online databases so you can confirm their license status.

Social media

Real estate agents who are active on social media often use these platforms to market listings, connect with clients, and build trust in their network. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are common places to start your research. Pay attention to:

• Quality of content and listings
• Engagement with followers
• Personal branding and tone

An agent’s social media can potentially offer valuable insight into how they’ll market your home, how responsive they are to clients, or how connected they are to available listings if you’re buying.

Referrals from friends, relatives, neighbors, or colleagues

Referrals are one of the most common ways sellers find their real estate agent, with 28% saying they found their agent via a referral. When you get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, you can ask about how the agent communicated, what their strengths were, and what it was like working with them. Not sure who to ask? Try:

• Friends or family members who have bought or sold recently
• Coworkers who’ve relocated
• Neighbors who’ve moved out or just moved in

People in your network are usually happy to help — but they need to know you’re looking.

Referral from another agent, broker, home builder, or lender

If you’re already a homeowner and relocating to a new city or state, ask your last agent, broker, home builder, or mortgage lender for a referral. Real estate professionals often have networks that span the country, making it easier to get connected with a vetted agent in your next location.

Community connection

Sometimes, the right real estate agent is already in your neighborhood. You might notice certain agents’ names appearing repeatedly on:

• “For sale” or “just sold” signs
• Local sponsorships, charity events, or school fundraisers
• Community Facebook groups or neighborhood forums

Ask your neighbors what they think of their agent. Note that their feedback could be dependent on where in the transaction process they are — the further along the better, because they’re more likely to have already seen how their agent handles the inevitable challenges and roadblocks that come with buying or selling a home.

Past experience with an agent

If you had a great experience buying or selling in the past, reaching out to that same agent could be a smart move. (Even if they only specialize in buyers and don’t work on listings, or vice versa, they likely know another agent who does.) Among seller-buyers that used an agent, about three quarters (73%) reported hiring the same agent to help sell their previous home and buy their new one. 

Licensed, full-service real estate agents often represent both buyers and sellers. While some choose to specialize, many work with clients on both sides of the market, so if you’re happy with someone you worked with previously, they could be the right choice again.

Open houses

While only 5% of sellers in 2024 found their agent at an open house, it can be a great way to get a feel for a real estate agent’s expertise and rapport with buyers. Whether you’re a potential buyer or just observing, an open house helps you learn more about an agent’s communication style and knowledge of the home. If someone stands out, ask for a business card or look them up later.

Print ads

While less common, some real estate agents still advertise in local newspapers and regional magazines. These ads can help you spot agents who are actively marketing in your area.

Direct mail (newsletter, flier, postcard)

If you’ve received a flier, postcard, or neighborhood newsletter from a local agent, that agent is likely targeting your area intentionally. Even if you’re not ready to contact them right away, you can save their name for future reference.

From personal referrals to neighborhood signs and online directories, there are many ways to find a good real estate agent. Once you’ve gathered a few solid leads, don’t forget the importance of interviewing your agent before you agree to work with them. Your agent will be your guide and ally throughout your housing journey, and it’s important to make the right choice.