How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Hiring a professional real estate agent when buying or selling a home can help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

But not just any agent will fit the bill. Here's how to choose the right real estate agent for you.

Real estate agent basics

Real estate agents help people buy and sell homes. Agents educate their clients about current market conditions, guide them through each step of the process and make referrals to other professionals, such as home stagers and real estate attorneys. Most agents can represent buyers or sellers. Their particular titles in a transaction depend on whom they're representing in that sale.

• A buyer's agent helps buyers find and shop for listed homes, make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers.

• A listing agent helps sellers price, list and market their homes, and negotiate with buyers.

In some cases, an agent can represent both sides in a single transaction, but it's best to have someone who's solely in your corner.

» MORE: What does a real estate agent do?

Realtor vs. real estate agent

All real estate agents must be licensed in the states where they work and abide by national and state laws. Realtors are licensed agents who belong to the National Association of Realtors, which has more than 1.5 million members. Members pledge to abide by the association's standards and code of ethics.

» MORE: Tips for first-time home buyers

Difference between a real estate agent and a broker

A real estate broker has received additional training, beyond what agents receive, to get a real estate broker license. Like agents, brokers must complete state-required coursework and pass an exam to get licensed. A broker can oversee other real estate agents, work under a managing broker or operate independently.

» MORE: Buying a house this year: What to expect

How to find and interview real estate agents

Ask friends and colleagues for referrals to find several prospective agents. Look up the agents' websites and online profiles, read about their specialties and experience, and check out customer reviews.

Choose at least three agents to interview and dig into specifics about how they would work with you.

You can also get matched with agents through a lender's real estate agent network or a standalone referral service. Before using one of these options, make sure you understand what they require of agents, how you'll be matched and what happens if you don't like the agent you're paired with.

What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents

Here are the key things to find out, whether you're buying or selling a home.

Is the agent licensed?

Licensure requires agents to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam. Check your state's real estate commission website to find out if a particular agent is licensed.

Will the agent represent my interests?

You might assume any real estate agent you choose will represent your interests only. But in some cases, real estate agents aren't legally required to represent solely the buyer or the seller in a transaction. For example, a "dual agent" represents both the buyer and the seller in the same deal, and a "transactional agent" works with both sides, but has no fiduciary responsibility to either.

Understanding the nature of the agent's role when working with you is critical. Ask prospective agents if they will represent your interests only through the entire process, and request a written form that discloses the relationship, advises the Consumer Federation of America.

What experience and training does the agent have?

How long has the agent been working with clients, and what training or recognition does the agent have? Look for an agent with a good track record of serving clients like you.

Will the agent or assistants work with me?

Agents sometimes have assistants working for them on a team. Will you work more with the agent or with the assistants? An efficient team can serve your needs, but make sure you'll have enough direct access to the agent.

How will the agent communicate with you?

Do you prefer to communicate by text, phone calls or email? Most agents use all three channels. Make sure the agent will accommodate your preferred communication method.

How much will the agent be paid?

A typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the sales price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. Historically, the seller footed the bill. But starting August 17, a major legal settlement with the NAR changes the way real estate agents get paid. Under the new rules, buyers can negotiate who pays — and how — when hiring a buyer’s agent.

Now, buyers can pay their agents a flat fee or hourly rate, or they can stick with paying the standard percentage of the purchase price. It may be a while before new norms are established.

» MORE: How much does it cost to sell a house?

Were recent clients satisfied?

Request references from clients who worked with the agent in the past year. Were they satisfied with the agent's work? What went smoothly, and what didn't go well? How did the agent deal with challenges? Conversations with recent clients will give clues as to whether the agent is a good fit for you.

Finding a real estate agent: Tips for buyers

Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you buy a home.

• What challenges will I face as a buyer in today's market? A good agent will set realistic expectations by explaining the availability of listed homes and the level of competition you'll face with other buyers.

• How will you help me find listed homes in my price range? Ask for examples of how the agent has recently helped other buyers similar to you. This will give a sense of how well the agent will serve your needs.

• How will you help me make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers? Look for an agent who will help you stay grounded within your budget and goals.

• What’s covered in our buyer representation agreement? Following the NAR settlement, you can negotiate the terms of this contract, such as its duration (usually 30 to 90 days), fees and the geographic area covered in your search. Read it carefully — if you don’t understand anything, it’s OK to ask questions or hire a lawyer to review.

» MORE: How to find a buyer's agent

Finding a real estate agent: Tips for sellers

Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you sell a home.

• What are the comparable listings in my area? An agent should provide a comparative market analysis, showing homes similar to yours that were sold in the past six months.

• What do you think my home is worth and why? An agent who recommends the highest price isn't always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.

• What should I do to improve my home? You may need to fix things up to sell your home, depending on the local real estate market. Listen for solid reasoning about what your home needs and the return on investment for making those improvements.

• How will you market my home? Agents will likely suggest putting your home on the Multiple Listing Service and real estate websites, such as Zillow. Get details about other promotional tools the agent will use, such as photos, video tours and advertising. The level of marketing required to sell a home depends on the market. Less marketing may be required when there are more buyers than homes for sale.

» MORE: How to find a listing agent

How to choose a real estate agent

While you should compare agents' experience and approaches, it's just as important that the one you choose can establish rapport. Shop around for a competent agent who listens and responds to your needs and has a working style that clicks with yours. You don’t have to sign an agreement with the first agent you consider. In buying or selling a home, people skills matter as much as real estate expertise.