How to Contact a Realtor: Best Methods and Tips

Contacting a Realtor for the first time is a big step when selling or buying a home. 

It doesn’t matter if you already have someone in mind or if you’re still searching for the best ways to find a Realtor.

The thought of reaching out can feel daunting. 

Should you call, email, or send a text?

And once you’ve connected, what should you say?

The way you approach that first interaction is important.

Why?

Because it can help you decide whether the agent is a potential fit.

And feeling a little uneasy about getting in touch with a real estate agent is completely normal.

This guide is here to help with that.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to contact a Realtor.

What to do before talking to a real estate agent

Sellers and buyers have different needs but a little preparation can make your first discussion more productive. 

So take the time to organize your thoughts and priorities before reaching out.

It’ll make the conversation easier and give you more confidence.

Here are a few key things to do before contacting an agent.

Sellers

Knowing the best time to contact a Realtor will help you avoid reaching out too early or too late. 

As you get closer to your ideal timeframe, here are three things to do before calling a Realtor to sell your home.

Define your selling goals: Clarify why you’re moving and what you want out of the sale. Is your top priority speed, price, or convenience? Being clear about this gives you a strong foundation when you start talking to agents.

Determine what you need help with: Decide what parts of the process you’re comfortable handling on your own and where you’ll need support. That could mean preparing the property, coordinating showings, or negotiating offers. Defining this up front will help you see if an agent’s services align with what you actually need.

Compile a few questions: Don’t wait until the first call to think about what you want to ask. Put together a short list of questions about their experience, approach to selling a home, and how they can help you. Doing so will give you more control when the conversation begins.

Buyers

Before initiating a discussion with an agent, spend some time organizing what you want to cover. 

Here are three ways to get ready for that first conversation.

Clarify your buying goals: Think about the type of property you want, the neighborhoods that interest you, and your budget range. Decide how quickly you want to move and how flexible you can be if the right home doesn’t come along immediately.

Prepare a few questions: Write down the questions that matter most to you, such as how well the agent knows certain areas, their experience with buyers in your price range, or how they guide clients in competitive offer situations.

Decide how much guidance you need: Not every buyer wants the same level of support. Some want an agent to send listings and guide them through every step. Others only need help writing offers and negotiating. Know what you expect so the agent understands your preferred level of involvement.

How to contact a Realtor

There are several ways to reach out to a Realtor for the first time.

The best option really depends on your comfort level and what you hope to achieve.

Let’s explore some of the most effective methods to contact a real estate agent and when each might work best for you.

Phone call

Calling a Realtor is a direct and personal way to make initial contact. 

It allows for real-time interaction, giving you insight into their tone and professionalism without the chance for overly polished answers.

But you probably won’t cover all the details in that first call.

You’ll likely need to leave a voicemail or speak with an assistant to schedule a more in-depth phone interview.

Both are common when reaching out to an agent for the first time.

Phone calls are ideal if you’re comfortable having a direct conversation and prefer instant feedback.

Email

Sending an introductory email to a Realtor allows for a more professional and detail-oriented conversation.

And it gives you time to craft precisely what you want to say.

Here’s how to email a Realtor for the first time:

1. Start with a clear subject line that highlights your real estate inquiry, such as “Looking to sell my home in X neighborhood.”
2. Address them by name and introduce yourself.
3. Concisely describe your goals and explain that you’d like to learn more about how they’d approach working together.
4. Ask them if they have room for new clients right now and if they’d be open to further conversation.
5. Let them know the best way to follow up (phone, email, or text). 
6. End the email with something like, “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Emailing is ideal if you feel intimidated by direct interaction with a prospective Realtor or want to be sure you include key home details and questions for clarity.

Text

Texting is an easy, low-pressure way to start a conversation with a real estate agent.

Keep the message simple and to the point after introducing yourself.

Here are a few examples of what you might include:

• Do you have the capacity to work with new clients?
• I’m looking for help selling my home — are you available to chat?
• Do you have time for a quick call to discuss my situation?

These types of messages set the tone for further communication while giving the agent a chance to confirm their availability.

Texting a real estate agent is a convenient option if you’re looking for a quick response without committing to a detailed discussion right away.

Social media

Reaching out to a Realtor on social media is another informal way to make contact.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn work well for casual conversations and quick questions, much like texting.

Social media also gives you insight into the agent’s online presence. 

You can see how they interact in discussions –– whether they respond promptly and professionally –– and how they showcase their knowledge about the local real estate market. 

This method works best if you’re already active on social media and prefer a casual approach.

Agent matching services

Not thrilled with any of the options above?

You might want to consider an agent matching service.

Online platforms offer an efficient way to connect with a real estate agent –– without the hassle of researching multiple agents on your own.

But not all agent matching services are created equal.

Some allow agents to pay for recommendations, while others rely solely on basic experience.

At SoldNest, our no-cost service uses strict agent vetting requirements to connect sellers with a top-ranking Realtor.

Contacting an agent through a matching platform can ease the anxiety of figuring out how to reach out. 

The agents can take the lead and initiate the conversation for you.

Just be sure to choose a service that prioritizes thorough vetting and transparency.

What to say when contacting a Realtor

Sharing key details and asking the right questions early saves you from wasting time with the wrong agents.

Think of it as the first step in interviewing a real estate agent to determine if they’re a possible fit.

Here’s what to discuss when contacting an agent for the first time.

What sellers should say

Start the discussion by sharing your circumstances and goals.

Are you relocating, downsizing, or selling an inherited property? 

Be up front about your timeline and the approach you prefer to take with your sale.

Listen for signs the agent has experience helping sellers in similar situations.

Then make targeted inquiries into their experience.

Here are a few critical questions sellers should ask a real estate agent:

• How familiar are you with selling homes in my neighborhood?
• How would you handle it if you had a buyer interested in my home? Their reply shows if they’d act as a dual agent, which creates a major conflict of interest.
• How often do you communicate with your clients, and what’s your preferred method?

Next, clarify your selling needs. 

Will you prepare the home yourself? Or do you need referrals to service pros? 

Will the property be vacant during showings? Or will you be living in the home while it’s listed?

The first time you talk to a real estate agent is your chance to define expectations and clarify what you need help with.

It will also help you decide if you’re ready to schedule your first meeting with a Realtor.

What buyers should say

Start by explaining your situation, such as whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, or planning to sell and buy locally.

And outline your timeframe. 

Are you hoping to move soon? 

Or do you have flexibility to wait for the right property?

Let the agent know if you’re already pre-approved with a loan officer or just beginning the financing process.

Ask questions that highlight their knowledge and working style. 

A few examples include:

• How familiar are you with the neighborhoods I’m interested in?
• What’s your experience helping buyers in my price range?
• How do you guide clients through multiple-offer situations?

Wrap up by sharing what you’re looking for in a home. 

Talk about must-have features like the number of bedrooms, outdoor space, or proximity to schools.

Clarify how hands-on you want the agent to be. 

Do you want full support finding listings? 

Or do you just need guidance through the later steps?

Your initial conversation should give you a sense of two things:

1. Whether the agent understands your needs
2. If they can provide the level of expertise you’ll need throughout the buying process.

Tips for contacting a real estate agent

The first time you contact a Realtor can feel overwhelming. 

But often it’s the subtle details that reveal whether they’re a potential fit.

Here are four key tips to keep in mind during your first interaction with a real estate agent.

Pay attention to how the Realtor communicates

An agent who communicates well creates a good first impression and sets the tone for a working relationship.

That’s why strong communication is one of the signs of a good real estate agent. 

Be attentive to how the Realtor responds when you reach out. 

Are they prompt over email, text, or social media?

Do they give clear, direct answers, or do they dodge questions? 

Their tone and responsiveness will tell you a lot about their professionalism and market knowledge.

Notice the questions they ask about your needs

Great agents don’t just talk — they probe. 

The best ones will ask about your goals, timeline, and specific concerns. 

Here are a few common examples of what an agent might ask to better understand your needs.

• What do you need help with?
• What’s your timeline?
• Do you plan to move out before listing?
• What makes you anxious about selling or buying a home?

If an agent asks thoughtful questions, it shows they care about your situation and want to tailor their approach to you. 

Be mindful of what you share too early

Oversharing with a Realtor during your first contact can work against you. 

Whether you’re selling or buying, disclosing personal motivations right away can weaken your position if you decide not to work with that agent. 

You only need to share enough to start the conversation.

The rest can wait until you’ve built trust and decided who to hire.

For sellers, this is especially important. 

Knowing what not to say to a real estate agent can help you protect your leverage until you’ve established the right working relationship.

Evaluate whether the agent is a good listener

A top Realtor listens just as much as they talk. 

Pay attention to classic signs of active listening, such as:

• Acknowledging your concerns
• Asking follow-up questions
• Summarizing your points to confirm understanding. 

Consider it a red flag if they seem distracted, give vague responses, or rely on canned answers.

Make your first contact count

Whether you’re selling or buying, the first conversation with a Realtor sets the tone for what comes next. 

The way you introduce yourself, ask questions, and share your goals can tell you a lot about whether the agent is a possible fit.

For sellers, making contact is a good start. 

But there’s more to know if you want confidence moving forward with the right agent.

The key to that is knowing what to look for in a Realtor.