How do you choose a real estate agent?

Choose a real estate agent by interviewing at least three candidates, verifying their license, asking about their experience in your specific target neighborhoods and price range, and reviewing their recent sales history. For buyers, the agent's fee is typically paid by the seller — but since 2024 buyer representation agreements are now standard.

Your real estate agent is your primary advisor through one of the largest financial transactions of your life. Picking the right one — rather than the first referral you receive — can meaningfully affect how smoothly the process goes, how well your interests are represented in negotiations, and how quickly issues get resolved. The HUD homebuying resources advise buyers to understand the agent's role and representation terms before signing anything.

What to look for

Active license in your state — verify through your state's real estate licensing authority before working with any agent.
Local market expertise — an agent active in your specific target neighborhoods knows inventory, pricing patterns, and typical negotiation norms better than a generalist.
Recent transaction volume — an agent who has closed several transactions in the past 12 months in your price range knows current market conditions.
Communication style — you'll exchange many messages over 30–60+ days; choose someone whose responsiveness and communication method match yours.
References — ask for contact information of two or three recent buyers they represented; call them.

Questions to ask before hiring

Interview at least three agents before choosing. Key questions: How many buyer clients are you currently working with? How many homes in this price range and area have you helped buyers close in the past 12 months? What's your typical response time? How do you handle multiple-offer situations? If they struggle to answer the last question specifically, that's a signal.

Buyer representation agreements

Following 2024 industry changes, buyers are now typically required to sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes with an agent. This agreement outlines the agent's duties, the duration of representation, and how the agent is compensated. The CFPB's homebuying guide recommends reading it carefully — specifically how compensation is structured and whether you're locked in exclusively. Ask whether the agreement can be terminated if the relationship isn't working.

Buyer's agent vs. listing agent

The listing agent represents the seller's interests. As a buyer, you want your own representation. A buyer's agent owes you fiduciary duties — loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, and acting in your best interest. A dual agent represents both parties in the same transaction, which creates inherent conflicts. Most states allow dual agency only with written consent from both parties. The CFPB's process overview explains representation relationships in plain language.

Key facts

HUD advises homebuyers to verify that any real estate agent or broker they work with is licensed in their state before signing a representation agreement. — HUD
The CFPB's Owning a Home guide notes that buyers should understand who the agent represents — the buyer, the seller, or both — before sharing sensitive financial information. — CFPB — Owning a Home
HUD's buying a home resources encourage buyers to interview multiple agents and to ask specifically about experience with homes in their target neighborhood and price range. — HUD

Key takeaways

Interview at least three agents and verify each one's license with your state's licensing authority.
Prioritize agents with recent, active experience in your specific target neighborhood and price range.
Read buyer representation agreements carefully — understand compensation terms and whether you can terminate.
Avoid dual-agency situations where one agent represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction.
References from recent buyer clients are more informative than testimonials on an agent's website.