Once you’ve determined you are ready to buy a home, choosing the right real estate agent is an important step in finding and securing your dream home. A real estate agent is one of the key players on your journey to homeownership—they will help you find homes that meet your must-have requirements while staying within your budget. In general, a real estate agent will:

• set up showings,
• provide market analyses for competing and sold listings,
• prepare offers, and
• handle basic negotiations on properties.

You may also consider them your go-to resource for questions regarding neighborhoods, area amenities, the purchase process, and various paperwork. They will be your go-between, working with the seller’s real estate agent, and will keep you up to speed on progress. They may even be able to help you with post-purchase recommendations, including service providers, such as roofers, plumbers, and HVAC specialists.

How to find a real estate agent

First, it is helpful to understand the difference between “real estate agent” and “Realtor®,” terms which many people may use interchangeably.

A Realtor is a licensed real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. NAR is the largest trade association in the U.S., so many real estate agents are Realtors. Realtors are expected to adhere to NAR's standards and code of ethics, and they must participate in regular training to maintain their status.

NAR isn't the only trade association for agents. In addition to state and local associations, there are other national associations, including the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), which emphasizes social justice and housing equality.

Never forget, you should feel comfortable and confident in your real estate agent. Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. We also recommend interviewing multiple agents and asking for references. Remember, the real estate agent works for you—you are in control of the process.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­