Looking for a Realtor can feel like navigating a maze.
Online marketplaces. Social media. Open houses…
All these options (and more) can work, but how do you know which source is best to start your search?
For example, one place might be better if you need to find an agent quickly, while another could be better if you’re not in a rush.
And another might make more sense if you’re looking for a Realtor out of state versus locally.
Whether you plan to work with a listing agent or a buyer’s agent can also influence where you search.
But no matter your situation, knowing the best ways to find an agent will help you build a list of potential candidates.
Here are the seven best places to find a real estate agent.
1. Real estate marketplaces
Platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com can be a convenient way to find real estate professionals.
You can scan profiles, reviews, and sales history in just a few clicks.
Start by searching your city or ZIP code and applying filters like “listing agent” or “buyer’s agent.”
From there, you’ll see details such as:
- How many properties an agent has closed locally
- The price ranges they’ve worked in
- The types of properties they handle (single-family, condos, townhomes, etc.).
On some platforms, you can also see whether the agent represented the buyer, the seller, or both in each transaction.
This is usually listed in a “Represented” column within their sales history.
If you’re buying, look for agents who frequently represent buyers.
And if you’re selling, focus on those with a stronger track record of listings.
Reviews on these platforms add context too, especially when you review feedback from buyers versus sellers.
Pro tip: Be cautious of agents who frequently represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction (a dual agency sale). This is a key indicator that they chase double commission instead of advocating for their client’s best interests.
Who this works best for: People who prefer a data-driven approach and have time to browse online.
What to know: Many platforms let agents pay for “premier” or “recommended” labels. Don’t assume these signal quality, because they don’t. Those labels are ads, not proof of expertise.
2. Referrals from friends and family
One of the most common ways of finding a real estate agent is by asking people you know.
Friends, family members, or coworkers who’ve recently bought or sold can share firsthand details about their experience.
Things like how the agent communicated, negotiated, and handled challenges.
These are insights you won’t always get from online reviews.
Start with people who’ve completed a similar transaction to yours, ideally in the same area.
Ask specific questions, such as:
- How did the agent communicate?
- Did you feel they fought for you when negotiating?
- What were you most impressed with?
You can also ask something that reveals a drawback, like: “If there’s one negative you can point to, what would it be?”
What you don’t want to do is ask something too generic.
Something like, “Do you know a good Realtor?” rarely gives you useful context.
It can be tempting to stop at one recommendation.
But reaching out to several people gives you a stronger list of prospects before moving on to the agent interview process.
Pro tip: Be cautious of referrals that sound vague or overly generic. And avoid recommendations from people who’ve never actually completed a transaction with that agent.
Who this works best for: People who value personal recommendations and want to start their search with an agent who’s already been tested by someone they trust.
What to know: Just because someone you know had a good experience with a Realtor doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for you. A quick Google search and browsing reviews can help you spot signs indicating whether the agent is good.
3. Local real estate offices
Another way of finding a Realtor is through a local brokerage.
A quick Google search for “real estate office near me” will show both national brands (like Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, Compass) and smaller local firms.
You’ll likely speak with a receptionist when making the initial call.
Whether you’re buying or selling, be sure to ask for an agent who works with your type of transaction.
For example…
“I’m looking for a real estate agent to help me sell a home in [city/neighborhood]. Can you provide me with the cell phone number and email of someone who specializes in listings here?”
Large real estate offices often give you access to a wider agent network.
Boutique firms usually have fewer agents, but those agents tend to bring more experience and hyper-local knowledge.
Comparing both can help you decide which way you’d like to go.
Pro tip: Brokerages often assign walk-in or call-in leads based on convenience or office incentives. That could leave you paired with an agent who isn’t the best match for your situation. If this happens, ask for the contact details of more than one agent before deciding on the best way to reach out.
Who this works best for: People who want a nearby office they can visit and prefer a guided introduction instead of searching online on their own.
What to know: The name of an agent’s brokerage has very little, if anything, to do with the quality of the service you’ll receive. Each agent operates independently, so your experience will come down to the individual, not the brand.
4. Social media and reviews
Social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram can reveal how an agent presents themselves to potential clients.
Review sites such as Google and Yelp add another layer by showing what past clients have experienced.
Start by searching “[city] real estate agent” on social platforms and scanning profiles.
Are the pages professional and active?
Do they share local market updates or listing details?
Do they respond to comments in a timely and approachable way?
Cross-check what you see with client reviews.
Search their name on Google, Yelp, Zillow, or other review platforms and look for feedback that includes details, not just one-line praise.
Do the reviews describe the same qualities the agent highlights online, or is there a disconnect?
Seeing whether an agent’s online persona matches what clients say can give you a fuller picture of their reputation.
Pro tip: Don’t focus only on the number of reviews. Look for specific stories that highlight their communication style, follow-through, or how they worked with clients during the buying or selling process.
Who this works best for: People who want to get a sense of an agent’s personality and professionalism online before reaching out.
What to know: Be cautious if an agent’s social media looks polished but they have few or no independent reviews. A gap between their online image and client feedback can be an indicator they overpromise, one of the common signs of a bad Realtor.
5. Open houses
Attending open houses is a low-pressure way to meet real estate agents and see how they work in real time.
Sellers can see how an agent markets and “sells” a property to prospective home shoppers.
And buyers can get a preview of what it might feel like to work with that agent.
Start by browsing real estate sites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin for upcoming open houses in the area you’re buying or selling in.
You can also find them on social media through local hashtags or community pages.
Focus on homes in neighborhoods and price ranges similar to yours so that you know the agents have at least some relevant experience.
When you arrive, make note of the first impression.
Do they greet people confidently, start conversations, and show genuine interest?
Or do they simply hand out a flyer and step back?
These early cues can give you a sense of how approachable and engaged they are.
If you want to learn more, strike up a casual discussion.
Ask about the local market, such as: “How long are homes in this neighborhood taking to sell right now?”
Quick, informed answers can show they follow local market trends.
You might also ask how many buyers or sellers they’ve worked with recently to understand where their focus lies.
Pro tip: Be cautious if the agent seems distracted, unprepared, or unable to answer basic questions about the home or local market. A lack of engagement at an open house could signal inexperience and may carry over into their work with clients.
Who this works best for: People who are comfortable with in-person introductions and want to see an agent’s interaction style and professionalism firsthand.
What to know: Don’t assume the person hosting the open house is the listing agent. Busy agents often delegate these events to team members, so confirm their role before you draw conclusions.
6. Online communities
Platforms like Reddit, Nextdoor, and Facebook Groups can be useful places to find real estate agents who are active in your market.
They often provide an unfiltered view of people’s buying and selling experiences.
Start by finding relevant communities:
- On Reddit, check subreddits like “r/[YourCity]” or “r/RealEstate” for threads about local agents.
- On Nextdoor, join your neighborhood group (or one you plan to move into) to see who neighbors recommend.
- On Facebook, search for community or real estate-focused groups in your area.
Once you’re in, use the search function to look for past discussions.
Terms like “real estate agent” or “Realtor” usually surface plenty of threads with personal recommendations.
If nothing turns up, post your own question.
But make sure you’re specific about whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both.
Pro tip: Save or bookmark useful threads so you can revisit them later. And watch out for posts that sound like ads rather than genuine experiences. An overly polished or repetitive post can be a sign of self-promotion.
Who this works best for: People who are comfortable in digital spaces and prefer community-driven recommendations over formal directories. It’s especially helpful if you want unfiltered opinions from locals in your area.
What to know: Be cautious with replies. Some agents (or their assistants) promote themselves under the guise of regular users. So check the commenter’s profile to see if they look credible before taking their advice seriously.
7. Real estate agent matching services
Using an agent matching service is one of the best ways to find a Realtor.
Why?
Because they can simplify your search by introducing you to agents based on your situation and preferences.
Most are free to use, but not all platforms work the same way.
Some simply pass your information on to agents who pay to be featured.
And others claim to vet agents but offer little to no transparency about their process.
That’s why it’s important to understand what each service requires in a prospective real estate agent.
At SoldNest, we’re up front about how our no-cost service works: sellers are matched with up to three top local agents, all of whom meet our strict requirements.
We also make our vetting process public so you know exactly what qualifications you’re getting in an agent.
Pro tip: Many platforms highlight the number of transactions an agent has, but that alone doesn’t guarantee quality. Look for services that require more than just experience and reviews.
Who this works best for: People who want a curated option for finding agents but still want the freedom to do their own follow-up research before deciding who to work with. It’s especially helpful if you’re not sure when to contact a Realtor to sell your house and need a time-saving option.
What to know: Some platforms are secretive about how they operate. They don’t disclose that your information will be shared with multiple agents (sometimes five or more) who will then contact you directly. At SoldNest, we’re transparent: you tell us how many matches you want, and we only connect you with those agents after you’ve reviewed their profiles.
Next step after finding potential agents
There are numerous ways of finding an agent, and now you have some clear options to start your search.
You can use one option or combine several to build a solid shortlist of potential prospects.
That’s key because finding multiple agents helps ensure you’re not limiting yourself to one type of candidate.
If you’re buying, make sure the agents on your list have experience helping buyers in the neighborhoods you’re targeting.
If you’re selling, be sure they have a track record of selling homes like yours in your area.
The goal is to compile several names of agents who could be a fit.
But that’s just the start.
The next step is narrowing that list down to one agent.
If you’re selling, our guide on choosing a Realtor will help you do exactly that.
