Working with a qualified real estate agent can make the homebuying process significantly easier. They can help you find potential properties, negotiate an offer and close on your new home.
Not surprisingly, 88% of homebuyers used an agent or broker in 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But you'll want to be intentional about the agent you choose to work with. To find a real estate agent who fits your needs, lead with these four steps.
1. Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
This is one of the most important things to do before connecting with potential real estate agents. Getting preapproved for a mortgage can clarify your borrowing power and show sellers that you're financially capable of buying a home. That's why many real estate agents won't work with buyers who haven't secured a preapproval.
- Research lenders. You can get preapproved with multiple lenders, then compare loan offers to determine which one makes sense for you. That can help you find the best mortgage lender and interest rate.
- Apply for preapproval. You'll provide the lender with your basic financial information, such as your income, debts, assets and employment details. They'll also check your credit when assessing your financial health.
- Receive your preapproval letter. If you meet the lender's criteria, they'll provide a preapproval letter that states your estimated loan amount, interest rate and loan type. Most letters are good for 60 to 90 days.
You'll still need to complete a formal mortgage application if the seller accepts your offer. If your finances have changed since getting preapproved, your application could be denied. This might happen if you've experienced a loss of income or your credit score has changed.
Tip: To minimize the impact on your credit, keep your preapproval applications within a two-week period. Credit scoring models typically count mortgage preapprovals completed within a short period of time as a single hard inquiry, reducing the effect on your scores.
2. Search for Real Estate Agents
There are multiple ways to go about finding a real estate agent. Consider the following approaches:
- Ask around for recommendations. In 2025, 40% of homebuyers used an agent who was referred by a friend, relative or neighbor, according to NAR data.
- Research online. NAR provides a database to help buyers find licensed real estate professionals. Another option is to check online reviews in your area. When researching, be aware that real estate agents work under the supervision of a licensed broker.
- Focus on agents who understand your unique needs. Some organizations serve specific populations, such as the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals or the Black Realtor Directory.
A Realtor is a real estate agent who is also a member of NAR and expected to uphold their standards and ethics. That designation might provide peace of mind when you're ready to buy your next home.
3. Make a List of Questions
Once you have a short list of potential real estate agents, it's wise to jot down any questions you might have about your homebuying journey. Your questions might have to do with:
- The type of home you want to buy (property type, style, size and the like)
- Where you want to live, whether that's in a specific school district or close to public transportation
- If you're comfortable buying a property that requires home improvements
- Whether you want to belong to a homeowners association
- Property taxes in your area
4. Interview Real Estate Agents
According to NAR, 75% of buyers in 2025 only needed to interview one real estate agent. But interviewing multiple agents can give you more options—and show you how different agents approach the homebuying process. At that point, you can decide which one feels like the best fit.
When interviewing agents, you can bring up the questions you clarified earlier, as well as the following:
- What are your credentials?
- Do you hold any professional designations?
- What are your fees and how are they paid?
- How long have you been working in my local market?
- What real estate trends are you seeing in the area?
- Can you point me to past clients who can speak to your process and results?
- What's your availability for showing me properties?
- What kind of properties do you think I can afford?
- Will I be working with you directly? Or with other members of your team?
If they struggle to answer any of these questions, or provide answers that don't sit well with you, that may be a red flag. For example, you should never be charged a fee to view properties.
Learn more: Who Pays Real Estate Agent Commission Fees?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a House?
No, but buying a home without a real estate agent can be risky. An experienced agent should understand local market trends and can help you find properties that fit your budget. They can also negotiate with the seller on your behalf and help you navigate the closing process. That can take much of the work off your shoulders and save you money in the long run.
Who Pays Real Estate Agent Fees?
The seller typically covers the buyer's agent fees, which is generally around 2.5% of the home's sale price, but this isn't guaranteed. It's possible that the buyer may have to compensate their agent. It's important to understand how the commission structure usually works in your area before making an offer on a home.
Can a Real Estate Agent Represent Both Buyer and Seller?
It depends on where you live. In some cases, real estate agents serve as dual agents. This means they represent both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. While it may be legal in your state, negotiating for both sides can be tricky. In the end, you want an agent who can advocate for your best interests.
The Bottom Line
If you're wondering how to find a real estate agent, know that choosing the right one can make for a smoother journey. They could also save you money by finding properties that are within your budget and negotiating with sellers for you. This is why a real estate agent will likely be one of the most important people on your homebuying team.
Your credit health is a key factor when getting preapproved and applying for a mortgage. The stronger your credit score, the more likely you'll be to qualify for better rates and terms. You can get your credit report and FICO® Score☉ Θ for free from Experian.