How do you find reputable (buyer's) agent?

Question

Just very recently starting touring open houses on weekend. So far I've met agents showing profile listed on a popular magazine, agents boosting $millions of sales last year, agents referred by friends...etc. That's all good and well but I am sure there are bad apples in every industry. The bottom line is I need someone who 1) is experienced with the process, 2) can help get the best possible deal, and 3) offer his/her 2 cents on the property.

Bonus and lower commission are nice (Who doesn't like a bit of saving?) but the overall experience and final out-of-pocket price is what I am most concerned with.

Are there sources/websites I can look into to see this type of information?

Henry Lazerow · Answer

Most of my clients find me off here. I have sold now over 30 million of 2-4 units with many repeat clients. I also have met clients at meetups. So those are probably your best bet to find an agent.

Do not use any agent that offers rebates, etc. Thats a huge red flag as no in demand quality agent will offer that.

David Fernandez · Answer

Hi @Andrew L.!

Reviews, number of transactions, and experience are very important metrics that you can easily check here on BP or other sites like Zillow, google, etc. But then you need to interview agents to see if you'd like them to work with them. I always offer my clients a complimentary Buyer Consultation before we go see any homes or talk real estate. It is an opportunity for me to learn about my client's goals, and to educate them about the market and the buying process. It is also an opportunity for my clients to ask any questions they have and, more importantly, to see if they like me personally and how I work.

Lots of online positive reviews are a great starting point, but it only tells you what other people think about a particular agent. You still need to do your due diligence to see if you like this agent. Ask for a one-on-one consultation with any agent you are considering working with and ask him/her all the questions you have about why you should choose him/her.

Heather Skowronsky · Answer

Hi @Andrew L. You can certainly search for an agent on sites such as Zillow where there are reviews left for them.  This does help give some insight as to how others' experiences have been with said agent.  If you do need help, I am happy to help.  As others have mentioned in previous posts - a full time agent that has been doing it for quite a while is ideal.  I also saw your other posts regarding finding the best option for a mortgage.  I can help guide you with all of that information if you'd like.  Message me if you'd like to discuss further.

Marcus Auerbach · Answer

@Andrew L. here is what I can tell you from coaching young agents. You get good at everything you do a lot. Repetition and experience is key.

The number of transactions per year is a pretty good indicator, so how many deals did you close in the last 12 months would be my first question.

Average is about 8 deals a year, which is not a livable income and also not enough that they should be practicing without a supervising broker. Good agents will be around 24 transactions per year, really strong agents will close around 50 or more. The reason why this number is so important is because agents need a lot of repeat and referral biz from past clients to get to this level - always a good sign.

Team will often have dedicated buyer's agents, that's all they do. They will be supported by an assistant (transaction coordinator) who will keep all parties on track and coordinate from contract to closing.

You can look on BP, Realtor.com and Zillow.com - but keep in mind that some agents are very proactive to ask their clients to leave a review while others only get organic reviews.

Andrew L. · Answer

Thanks for all the feedbacks thus far.

I am not looking to invest (Not my mindset yet) but rather a first-time homebuyer purchasing a residential.

Robert Finn · Answer

I find working with agents that own investment properties and understand the process first hand makes a difference. Depending on your investment strategy, I'd start asking qualifying questions and see if they truly understand how to break down the numbers and know their market! Good Luck, BP is a great place to start!

Andrew L. · Answer

Hey I am in Northern Virginia.

Russell Brazil · Answer

Why not start by looking here in the BP forums to see what agents in your market are providing value here. You'll quickly be able to identify through reading their posts if they know their stuff.

Eliott Elias · Answer

What area are you in? Happy to help

How do you find reputable (buyer's) agent?

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