How to Work With a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent can help navigate the complexities of buying, selling or renting a home, making the process smoother and more efficient. To get the most value out of the partnership, it is essential to collaborate effectively from the initial consultation all the way through to closing day.

Know your rights

Real estate agents have legal and ethical obligations to their clients. Understanding their fiduciary duties strengthens the trust in your partnership.

• Your agent's loyalty: Your agent must prioritize your interests above their own commission, acting as your dedicated advocate throughout the process.
• Confidentiality expectations: Your agent is required to keep sensitive information private, ensuring your financial situation and motivations are protected.
• Disclosure requirements: Your agent must disclose material facts that affect the transaction, including property defects or relevant market shifts.
• Professional skill and care: Your agent must conduct activities with competence, performing their duties with the market knowledge and diligence you expect.
• Honest dealing: Your agent must remain truthful in all communications, ensuring you have the accurate information needed to make decisions.

Set clear expectations from the start

The initial consultation sets the foundation for a successful relationship. During this time, your agent will gather information to understand your unique situation. Be prepared to discuss:

• Your property goals: Clarify priorities such as location, must-have features and deal-breakers for your search or sale.
• Your timeline: Communicate your ideal move-in or closing date, including any flexibility you may have. Ask about typical timeframes in your local market. Understanding the normal duration for selling or buying helps you plan your next steps with confidence
• Your financial situation: Be transparent about your budget, pre-approval status or target sale price to ensure realistic expectations.
• Your communication preferences: Establish how and when you’d like to be contacted — whether by phone, text or email.
• Who has decision-making authority: If you are moving with a partner or family, let your agent know who holds the final decision-making authority to avoid mixed signals.

This meeting is also an opportunity to learn how your agent works and what they will need from you throughout the transaction.

Understand who handles what to prevent confusion

Agents juggle many tasks behind the scenes. Knowing their workflow helps you appreciate the expertise they bring to the table. 

Your agent’s responsibilities

• Market research and analysis: Agents constantly monitor market trends, recent sales and inventory to help you price your home competitively or identify the best deals.
• Property preparation and marketing: For sellers, your agent coordinates professional photography and marketing materials, and may suggest updates to maximize your sale price.
• Scheduling and coordination: Your agent manages appointments for showings, as well as communicates with your loan officer and other parties to help keep everyone informed and the transaction on track.
• Negotiation and strategy: When offers arise, your agent develops strategies based on market conditions to protect your interests and achieve your goals.
• Transaction management: Your agent tracks deadlines and coordinates with lenders and title companies to ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and on time.
• Paperwork and documentation: Your agent handles the preparation of the purchase agreement and ensures all disclosures are complete and accurate to prevent delays.

Learn more about what a real estate agent does. 

Your responsibilities when working with an agent

• Stay responsive and available: Return calls and emails promptly, especially during time-sensitive negotiations. Your quick responses prevent delays that could cost you an opportunity.
• Review documents and paperwork: Read every document before signing and ask about anything unclear. Never sign something you don’t fully understand. Maintain records of all signed documents for future reference throughout the transaction and afterwards.
• Be flexible with scheduling: Make yourself available for inspections and walkthroughs. While agents accommodate your schedule, some activities have limited windows for completion.
• Attend appointments: While it may not always be possible, do your best to attend key moments in person, such as the home inspection and closing.
• Follow through on commitments: If you agree to specific repairs or actions, follow through promptly to maintain trust with all parties involved. 
• Keep an open mind: Consider your agent’s professional advice carefully, as it is based on market experience that can help you spend your money more wisely.

Learn more about what to do before talking to a real estate agent.

Communicate effectively with your agent

Maintaining a sense of partnership is key. The way you share information and feedback directly impacts your final results.

• Clarify your availability: Most agents aim to reply within 24 hours, but urgent matters may require faster communication. Clarify your availability to help keep the process moving.
• Be honest and transparent: Share your true thoughts about properties or offers. If a home doesn’t feel right, tell your agent immediately so they can refine their search and advocate for your needs.
• Provide complete information: Submit requested documents, photos or details promptly. Incomplete information can delay listings, loan approvals or critical negotiations.
• Ask questions when you're unclear: Real estate involves complex terminology. Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations; a good agent wants you to feel confident in every decision.
• Share feedback quickly: Provide timely feedback after viewings. Quick responses help your agent adjust their strategy and prevent missed opportunities in competitive markets.
• Keep communication organized: Use preferred channels for different types of information. Following an established system keeps important details from getting lost.

Make decisions together

Major decisions arise throughout the process of buying, selling and renting a home. Working collaboratively with your real estate agent leads to the best results.

• Pricing decisions and marketing strategy: For sellers, effective collaboration on pricing and marketing strategy directly impacts the final sale results. Trust your agent’s pricing analysis. While the final decision is yours, pricing should align with market realities to attract serious buyers.
• Winning offer strategies: Your agent will advise on terms that make your offer competitive while protecting your interests, especially in multiple-bid situations. When selling, review each offer with your agent to find one that meets your sale price and closing timeline goals.
• Negotiation choices: If you plan to make or respond to a counteroffer, your agent will explain the implications so you can make informed decisions aligned with your goals. As a seller it’s important to approach negotiations rationally. 
• Inspection and repair negotiations: Your agent helps you negotiate appropriate repairs or credits.
• Contingency removals: Your agent will guide you on when to remove contingencies and the risks involved.
• Showings and open houses: When selling, your agent can help you prepare the home and set timelines for when to show your home. When buying or renting, your agent will view each property with you to maximize the value of each visit. Ask your agent questions when something catches your attention and share your feelings and reactions about each space to help your agent refine their focus.

Navigate challenges and conflicts together

Even smooth transactions hit bumps. Working through obstacles with your real estate agent can help hiccups remain a minor inconvenience.

• When disagreements arise: If you disagree with your agent’s advice, have an honest conversation. Sharing your reasoning often leads to a perspective that resolves the conflict.
• Managing low offers or slow interest: If interest is slow, stay open to adjustments in price, staging or marketing based on market feedback provided by your agent.
• Dealing with difficult parties: Let your agent handle challenging interactions with other parties while you stay focused on your primary objectives.
• When offers fall through: Setbacks are disappointing but sometimes unavoidable. Your agent will help you develop a new strategy to keep you moving toward your goal.
• When market conditions change: The housing market can be unpredictable at times, but your agent will be familiar with ebbs and flows. Use your agent’s market knowledge to make informed decisions when making offers and accepting offers.

When to consider changing real estate agents

Your real estate agent should work hard to make sure all your needs are met. If you feel your partnership is no longer working or you notice warning signs, such as poor communication or missed commitments, address these issues directly before deciding to move on.

• Have a direct conversation first: Many problems can be resolved through an honest conversation about your needs and expectations.
• Understanding your commitment: Review your representation contract to understand your obligations and the flexibility available for termination.
• Making a professional exit: If you decide to change agents, handle the transition professionally by following established contractual procedures.
• Learning from the experience: Use what you learned to find a better-suited agent. Clear communication from the start prevents future mismatches.

Tips for first-time buyers and sellers

If you are new to the buying or selling process, working with a real estate agent can be your best tool. According to Zillow's 2025 Consumer Report, 66% of first-time buyers said they found buying a home to be “at least somewhat stressful”. An agent can guide you through all the complex real estate terminology and prepare you for each stage of the journey to help you feel relaxed. Here are some tips for when working with a real estate agent for the first-time.

• Ask basic questions freely: Your agent expects questions from first-timers. Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you don’t understand. Here are some common questions to ask your agent.
• Take notes during meetings: Keep track of important dates and action items to stay organized throughout the process. You can store notes in your phone, on your laptop, tablet or even in a notebook.
• Request explanations of documents: Understanding what you sign protects you and helps you make informed decisions during the transaction. Here are some great questions to ask before signing a contract with your agent.
• Trust the process: Transactions can feel overwhelming, but your agent has guided many clients through this journey. Trust their expertise. Here are some qualities that make an agent great.
• Build your support team: Your agent can recommend lenders and inspectors to help you build a trusted team for your property goals. When you work with a Zillow partner agent to buy a home, they can help connect you with a trusted lender and secure you with home insurance coverage to close on time.

Final thoughts on working with a real estate agent

Working with a real estate agent is a partnership that requires effort from both sides. Your agent brings professional expertise and market knowledge, while you bring decision-making authority and clear communication. When both parties fulfill their roles, the partnership produces successful outcomes.

Remember that your agent is your advisor. Trust their guidance while staying engaged and informed. By maintaining open communication, you’ll successfully navigate the process and achieve your goals.

Want to maintain the relationship after closing?

• Stay in touch: Keep your agent informed of future property decisions. Many offer ongoing market updates and home value estimates.
• Provide referrals: Refer friends and family if you had a positive experience. This helps your agent grow while ensuring your loved ones are in good hands. According to Zillow’s Consumer Report, 30% of buyers found their agent through a referral.
• Ask for resources: Your agent has connections to trusted contractors and professionals you might need as a new homeowner.
• Share feedback: Let your agent know how the experience went from your perspective. Constructive feedback helps them improve their service. You can write your agent a review on Zillow.
• Request market updates: Stay informed about your home’s value and local trends by requesting regular reports from your agent. You can claim your home on Zillow and edit your home’s details for a more accurate estimate.