MustHaves Homeownership Search

How-to guide

How to Find and Hire a Realtor

Interview agents like a hiring manager — local experience matters more than a glossy Instagram page.

By Taylor Reed 10 min read

A good buyer’s agent helps with pricing strategy, inspections, negotiations, and timeline management. Here is how to choose one and what to ask before you sign.

Interview at least two buyer’s agents. Ask how many first-time buyers they have helped recently, which neighborhoods they know best, and how they communicate during a busy week.

Questions worth asking

  • How do you estimate a competitive offer in this market?
  • Which inspectors and lenders do you recommend, and why?
  • How quickly can you schedule showings?
  • What buyer-broker agreement terms should I understand?
  • How do you handle multiple-offer situations?

About the author

Taylor covers first-time homebuying, maintenance checklists, and practical tool recommendations.

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