How To Find The Best Realtor For First-Time Homebuyers

When buying or selling a home, one of the first questions people ask is how to find the best realtor. A good agent can help you through the process. They will negotiate for you and help you avoid costly mistakes. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step tips on finding the best realtor so you can make confident decisions and easily move into your new home.

How to Find the Best Realtor: Step-by-Step Guide for Homebuyers and Sellers

Finding the right real estate agent can seriously make or break your experience when buying or selling a home. If you’re trying to figure out how to find the best realtor, you’re definitely not alone—this is a question many buyers and sellers have.

Our Regional Managing Director, Alex Carlucci, says it best:

The realtor isn’t just showing homes—they’re your guide, advocate, and expert negotiator.

The reality is that not every realtor is created equal. The right agent can save you time, money, and a lot of stress, while the wrong one can lead to missed opportunities, confusion, and frustration.

At Gustan Cho Associates, we help connect homebuyers and sellers with the best realtors in their area. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up, downsizing, or selling your home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to find the best realtor and why it matters for your financial future.

Why Learning How to Find the Best Realtor Matters

Buying or selling a home is likely the largest financial decision of your life. Your realtor isn’t just someone who opens doors or hosts showings—they are your advocate, negotiator, and guide throughout the entire process.

A great realtor plays a crucial role in the real estate industry by ensuring that you price your home accurately or secure the best deal when buying. They connect you with reliable inspectors, appraisers, and lenders, streamlining the process for you. Additionally, they simplify complex paperwork, making it easier to understand. Most importantly, a skilled realtor protects you from common pitfalls that could cost you significant amounts of money as either a buyer or a seller.

When you know how to find the best realtor, you gain a partner who keeps your goals at the center of every decision.

Step 1: Research Realtors Online

The first thing you need to do to find a great realtor is to do some digging. With the internet, you can find out a ton about an agent before you even meet them.

Here’s how to start:

1. Search for “realtors near me” on Google.
2. Check ratings and reviews on Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com.
3. Look at how many homes they’ve sold in the past 12 months.
4. Read client testimonials—do past clients mention responsiveness, honesty, and strong negotiation skills?

Pro Tip: Don’t just look for five stars—read the actual comments to see how the realtor handles challenges and communicates with clients.

Step 2: Ask for Recommendations

Finding the best realtor can often feel like a daunting task, but tapping into the power of word-of-mouth recommendations can simplify the process significantly. Start by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues whose opinions you trust:

• People you know who have just bought or sold a house.
• Co-workers who moved into your neighborhood.
• Loan officers or mortgage brokers (like Gustan Cho Associates, who work with realtors daily).

What they’ve been through can offer invaluable advice and tips. Ask them about the realtors they’ve worked with: What was their level of professionalism? How well did they understand the market? Did they go above and beyond to meet their needs? By gathering these personal stories, you gain a shortlist of potential realtors and a deeper understanding of what each brings to the table. Realtors who consistently get referrals earn them by going above and beyond for their clients.

Step 3: Interview Multiple Realtors

Never settle for the first realtor you meet. To truly understand how to find the best realtor, you need to compare a few. Interview at least 2–3 agents and ask:

• Do you work full-time or part-time?
• How do you communicate—by phone, text, or email?
• Are you available evenings and weekends?
• How many deals did you close in the past year?
• Do you specialize in buyers, sellers, or both?

The best realtor will give clear, confident answers and make you feel comfortable, not pressured.

Step 4: Look for Local Market Expertise

Local knowledge is everything when figuring out how to find the best realtor. An agent should know:

• School districts, crime rates, and community services.
• Property tax rates and homeowners’ association (HOA) rules.
• Which homes qualify for FHA, VA, USDA, or non-QM financing.
• Current pricing trends in your specific neighborhood.

If an agent doesn’t know your local market inside and out, keep looking.

Step 5: Check Credentials and Experience

Credentials are part of learning how to find the best realtor. Look for designations such as:

CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

This designation shows that a realtor has special training to help with distressed properties, like those facing foreclosure or short sales. Agents with this certification really know their stuff when it comes to tricky financial situations, and they can help clients figure out the best choices. They also provide strategies to help reduce losses and make transactions smoother during tough times.

ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)

Agents with this accreditation specialize in helping buyers in the real estate game. They’ve gone through extra training to really understand how the home-buying process works so they can provide solid support from beginning to end. This know-how lets them stand up for their clients, making the whole experience smoother and more personalized to fit their needs.

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)

The CRS designation is one of the top recognitions for residential real estate professionals, highlighting agents with a proven track record of success and expertise. Realtors with this certification have demonstrated exceptional performance in meeting client needs and achieving results in home sales. Their extensive knowledge and experience in the residential market make them a valuable asset to buyers and sellers alike.

Years of experience in the field are crucial; however, the quality of that experience also matters significantly. An agent who has consistently closed successful transactions in the local market is often more effective than one with a long history of sporadic or part-time efforts, ensuring clients receive the best possible representation.

Step 6: Match Their Personality With Yours

Buying or selling a home is emotional. Part of how to find the best realtor is choosing someone you connect with personally. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable being honest with this person?
• Do they listen to my concerns?
• Are they patient and supportive, or pushy and rushed?
• Do they explain things clearly?

The right realtor will feel like a trusted partner, not just a salesperson.

Step 7: Watch for Red Flags

Not every agent is the right fit. Some warning signs when learning how to find the best realtor include:

• Lack of communication or slow responses.
• Overpromising (“I guarantee I can sell in 7 days”).
• Limited availability (part-time agents who can’t show homes when you need).
• Pushing you into homes or offers you’re not comfortable with.

If you notice these red flags, keep searching.

Step 8: Ask About Strategy

The best realtors don’t just react—they have a plan. When interviewing, ask them:

• How will you market my home?
• How do you handle bidding wars?
• How do you help buyers win in a competitive market?
• Do you recommend pre-approval before shopping?

Realtors who explain their strategy in detail are usually more prepared and effective.

How to Find the Best Realtor for First-Time Buyers

If you’re buying your first home, finding the best realtor takes on extra importance. First-time buyers need agents who:

• Explain the process step-by-step.
• Recommend trusted lenders, inspectors, and attorneys.
• Are available on evenings and weekends.
• Enjoy working with new buyers.

A realtor specializing in first-time buyers will act as teacher and advocate.

How to Find the Best Realtor If You Have Bad Credit

Many people assume they can’t buy a home with low credit scores—but that’s not true. Part of how to find the best realtor is choosing someone who knows lenders offering FHA, VA, USDA, and non-QM loans for borrowers with past bankruptcies, foreclosures, or unique income sources.

At Gustan Cho Associates, we work with lenders that allow FHA loans with credit scores as low as 500, no-overlay VA lenders, and bank statement loan options. A realtor who understands these programs can connect you to the right financing.

How to Find the Best Realtor Who Understands Mortgages

Some of the best realtors are also licensed loan officers. If you’re asking how to find the best realtor, consider one who knows both sides of the transaction.

These dual-licensed Realtor-MLOs can:

• Pre-approve you on the spot.
• Recommend the right loan program for your income and credit.
• Coordinate the home search with loan requirements to avoid wasted time.
• Speed up the process by working directly with underwriters.

How to Find the Best Realtor for Selling Your Home

If you’re selling, finding the best realtor means finding someone who knows marketing and pricing strategy. Ask potential agents:

• How will you market my property online?
• Do you use professional photos and video tours?
• What’s your average time on market compared to the area?
• How many listings did you sell last year?

The best realtor for selling will know how to position your home for maximum exposure and top-dollar offers.

Final Thoughts on How to Find the Best Realtor

Figuring out how to find a great realtor comes down to doing your homework, chatting with a few folks, and building that trust. Look for someone experienced, who knows the area well, communicates clearly, and has a vibe you get along with. Keep an eye out for any red flags, ask the right questions, and don’t settle until you’re comfortable with your choice.

At Gustan Cho Associates, we help connect you with the best realtors nationwide and guide you through the mortgage process at the same time. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seller looking to move quickly, or someone with unique credit or income challenges, we have the partnerships to make it happen.

Borrowers who need a five-star national mortgage company licensed in 50 states with no overlays and who are experts on how to find the best realtor, please contact us at 800-900-8569, text us for a faster response, or email us at alex@gustancho.com. The team at Gustan Cho Associates is available 7 days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Find the Best Realtor:

Q: Why is Knowing How to Find the Best Realtor Important?

A: Picking the right realtor can really make buying a home a breeze. A good agent will help you avoid mistakes, keep some cash in your pocket, and walk you through the process without the headache.

Q: How do I Know if I Picked the Right Real Estate Agent?

A: If your agent listens to you, knows the local area, and explains things clearly, you’re on the right track. A big part of how to find the best realtor is choosing someone you feel comfortable with.

Q: Can Gustan Cho Associates Help Me Learn How to Find the Best Realtor?

A: Yes! Gustan Cho Associates works with top realtors across all 50 states and can connect you with one who matches your needs and situation.

Q: How do I Find the Best Realtor if I’m a First-Time Homebuyer?

A: Look for someone who enjoys working with first-time buyers, explains the steps clearly, and is available on weekends. These are key when finding the best realtor for your first home.

Q: What if I have Bad Credit—Can a Realtor Still Help Me Buy a Home?

A: Yes! A good realtor knows lenders who work with low credit scores. If you’re worried, focus on how to find the best realtor who understands bad credit and can guide you to the right loan options.

Q: How Can You Find the Best Realtor Who Can Also Help with a Mortgage?

A: Some realtors are also licensed loan officers. These experts can help you shop for a home and get you approved. Ask if they’re dually licensed when figuring out how to find the best realtor.

Q: What Questions Should I Ask When Interviewing Realtors?

A: Ask about their experience, schedule, how they communicate, and how many deals they’ve closed. Knowing what to ask is part of finding the best realtor.

Q: Can I Use Google to Learn How to Find the Best Realtor Near Me?

A: Absolutely! Read reviews, search realtors in your ZIP code, and ask friends or loan officers for recommendations. This is a smart way to start figuring out how to find the best realtor.

Q: Should I Choose a Big Company or a Small Local Realtor?

A: Both can be great. Big chains have more listings, while local realtors may know the area better. It depends on what matters most when deciding how to find the best realtor.

Q: What if I’m Renting—Can a Realtor Help Me Decide if I Should Buy?

A: Yes. A great realtor will compare your rent with home prices and help you budget. If you’re unsure, now’s a great time to learn how to find the best realtor and explore your buying options.

This blog about “How To Find The Best Realtor For First-Time Homebuyers” was updated on September 12th, 2025.