How To Find The Best Realtor For First-Time Homebuyers

Quick Answer: How to Find the Best Realtor

If you’re wondering how to find the best realtor, start by researching local reviews, checking recent sales, and interviewing 2–3 agents. The best realtor is responsive, knows your neighborhood, explains the process clearly, and has a clear strategy for buyers or sellers. Compare communication style, experience, and red flags before you commit.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• How to quickly shortlist top agents using reviews + recent sales data
• The best questions to ask when interviewing 2–3 realtors
• What local market expertise actually looks like (and why it matters)
• Which credentials matter vs. what’s just marketing
• Red flags that signal you should keep looking
• How first-time buyers and sellers should choose differently
• How to find a realtor who can work smoothly with your lender and timeline

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 always true. The key is finding a realtor who understands how financing affects your home search and who works well with a lender early in the process.

A Quick Reality Check (so expectations are clear)

• FHA with a 500 score may be possible in some cases, but it often requires 10% down and lender approval. Not every lender offers 500-score FHA loans, and approval can depend on the full file (income, debts, recent late payments, reserves, and underwriting findings).
• VA and conventional approvals can vary by lender. Some lenders add extra rules beyond standard guidelines—these are called overlays.
• Overlays (one-sentence definition): Lender overlays are additional requirements a lender adds to the basic agency guidelines (FHA/VA/USDA/Conventional), such as higher credit-score minimums or stricter documentation requirements.

What to Prep Before You Talk to a Realtor (so you don’t waste time)

Before touring homes, get three things lined up—this helps your realtor show you homes you can actually buy:

1. Pre-approval (or at least a lender consult)
2. Ask your lender what loan programs fit your situation and whether the file is likely to be AUS-approved or needs manual underwriting.
3. Budget range and monthly comfort zone
4. Know your estimated payment range (including taxes, insurance, and HOA) and your maximum purchase price so your agent can target the right neighborhoods and listings.
5. Timeline + “must-haves”
6. Share your move date, lease end date, or sale deadline, plus your non-negotiables (bedrooms, commute, schools). This helps your agent build a realistic plan—especially if you need time to improve credit or document income.

What a “Bad Credit–Friendly” Realtor Should Do

A strong realtor for credit-challenged buyers will:

• Coordinate with your lender early (so you don’t fall in love with a home that won’t qualify).
• Understand common deal-breakers (property condition, condo approvals, appraisal issues).
• Help you structure a clean offer strategy that aligns with your financing and closing timelines.

How to Find the Best Realtor Who Understands Mortgages

Some agents have lending backgrounds. 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:

How do I Find the Best Realtor Near Me?

To find the best realtor, start with Google reviews plus agent profiles on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Shortlist 3–5 agents, then verify they’ve done recent deals in your neighborhood and price range (not just lifetime volume). Finally, interview 2–3 to compare communication, strategy, and local expertise.

What Should I Look for in a Real Estate Agent?

Look for (1) responsiveness, (2) local market knowledge, (3) experience with your scenario (first-time buyer, relocation, selling, etc.), and (4) a clear plan—not vague promises. A great agent also explains the next steps in plain English and sets expectations about timing, offer strategy, and paperwork.

How Many Realtors Should I Interview Before Choosing One?

Interview at least 2–3 agents. Treat it like hiring: ask the same questions, compare answers, and notice who’s prepared with a strategy. Many people contact only one agent, which makes it harder to know whether you’re choosing the best fit.

What Questions Should I Ask When Interviewing a Realtor?

Ask about availability, recent deals, neighborhoods they specialize in, and how they handle negotiations or bidding wars. Also, ask how they prefer to communicate and what their process looks like from search/listing → contract → closing.

How Do I Know if a Realtor is Good or Just has Good Marketing?

A solid agent can show proof: recent comparable sales, a realistic pricing/offer plan, and clear explanations of trade-offs. Pay attention to whether they listen, identify risks early, and communicate quickly—those are harder to fake than a flashy social media presence.

Should I Choose a Local Boutique Agent or a Big-Name Brokerage?

Either can work. The better question is: Who will personally handle your deal and communicate fast? A high-volume agent can be excellent, but sometimes you’ll work mainly with a team. Ask who you’ll speak with day-to-day, how showings/offers are handled, and what happens if your primary agent is unavailable.

Do Buyers Pay Realtor Fees?

Often, the buyer’s agent compensation is built into the transaction, but who pays and how it’s structured can vary based on the deal, the market, and the agreement you sign. The safest move: ask your agent to explain compensation clearly—before you tour homes—so there are no surprises. (A good agent will walk you through it in plain language.)

Can I Switch Realtors if it’s Not Working Out?

Sometimes, yes—but it depends on what you signed (buyer-broker agreement or listing agreement). If communication is poor or you feel pressured, address it early. Ask about cancellation terms upfront before committing, so you know your options if the relationship isn’t a fit.

How Do I Find the Best Realtor for Selling My House?

Ask for a pricing strategy based on comps, a marketing plan (photos/video/distribution), and performance indicators such as recent list-to-sale ratios and days on market. A strong listing agent can explain exactly how they’ll attract buyers and what they’ll do if you don’t get traction in the first few weeks.

How to Find the Best Realtor if I’m a First-Time Buyer or have Bad Credit?

If you’re new to homebuying or have credit challenges, how to find the best realtor comes down to choosing someone who’s patient, explains steps clearly, and coordinates tightly with your lender so you don’t waste time on homes that won’t work for your loan type or timeline. A good agent will encourage pre-approval first, then build a realistic showing/offer plan around your budget.

This blog about “How To Find The Best Realtor For First-Time Homebuyers” was updated on February 3rd, 2026.