Where To Find a Real Estate Agent in US 2024
Although word-of-mouth referrals are the most common—and often the most comfortable—way to find a real estate professional, there are other ways to connect with agents who can help you.
Here are a few places to start your search:
- Your personal network. About 40% of home sellers find their agent this way, according to the NAR. Ask everyone you know, including work colleagues and neighbors who recently bought or sold. Don’t forget to use your social media connections as well. A personal referral from someone you trust can carry a lot of weight. It can also give you a realistic look at how the agent manages the process and whether you might work well with that person.
- Research. Review each agent’s online presence, including social media platforms and consumer ratings. Also, scour your neighborhood to see which Realtors and companies are listing homes, and attend open houses so you can meet them in person.
- Official referral sources. Checking with the local chamber of commerce where you plan to buy or sell could be a good way to find agents who are active in their local communities. You can find NAR members through the association’s Find a Realtor form or a search based on geography. Another option is to contact real estate brokerage companies, choosing either a nationally known one or an independent brand that has a strong local presence and reputation.
- Contact a referral agent. A real estate referral agent is ideal if you’re looking for a property out of state and need to hire an agent in that area but don’t have enough connections to find the right one. A referral agent—such as a local agent you already know and trust, like one who has listed your property—will connect you with another agent and receive a cut of the local agent’s commission as a payment.
