How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent

Whether you’re buying your first home or getting ready to sell, a great real estate agent can make the process smoother, faster, and less stressful. About half (50%) of buyers surveyed by Zillow in 2024 said their agent was the most helpful resource in their home buying experience, and more sellers (89%) said they were more likely to use an agent than any other resources to sell their home (among those we asked about). 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. 

Below, we’ll cover the best places to look when you’re ready to find a real estate agent, whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both.

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 first 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, just make sure they know you’re looking.

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, especially if they handle both sides of the transaction. 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 can 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.

Community connection

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

• “For sale” signs 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.

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 lets you evaluate an agent’s communication style and knowledge of the home. If someone stands out, ask for a business card or look them up later.

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:

Real estate websites and apps: Many platforms, including Zillow, offer real estate agent directories that can be used to easily find and compare agents by location, specialty, languages spoken, and client reviews.

Individual agent websites or profiles: If you’ve already got a name, search for their personal website or business profile to see 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. Most states offer searchable online databases so you can confirm their license status and rapport as an agent.

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 the community. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are common places to start your research. Pay attention to:

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

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

Street advertisements

Real estate agents often advertise directly in the neighborhoods they work in. If you’re driving or walking around your desired area, jot down the names and contact info you see on:

• “For sale” signs
• “Open house” signs
• Recently sold property signs
  

An agent with a strong presence in a particular neighborhood may have deeper insights into the local market.

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

If you’re relocating to a new city or state, ask your current 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.

Newspaper ad

While less common, some real estate agents still advertise in local newspapers and regional magazines if they work with older clients or in markets where print communication is still popular. 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, your next step is to evaluate who’s the best fit for your goals and your market. 

Take the next step and connect with a Zillow partner agent. Our agents specialize in both buying and selling a home. Find a qualified listing agent to sell your home faster and for more money with Showcase, or kickstart your buying journey with a buyer’s agent.