Finding A Real Estate Agent When You Don't Know One

People often hire real estate agents who they know. Perhaps their brother or sister is an agent, or maybe they have a friend in the industry. But what if you are about to buy or sell a home and you don't know anyone who works in real estate? How do you then go about finding an agent? Here are a few strategies you can try.

See who last sold your home.

If you own your current home, look to see who your real estate agent was when you purchased that home. Or, look to see who the selling agent was. Either of these agents would be a great place to start. Call them up and see if they are still in the business. If you do not own your current home, you could still look up who represented your landlord when they bought the place. If you speak with your landlord regularly, you could also directly ask them who their real estate agent was.

Stop by a local realty office.

Locate a local real estate agency near your home. In most towns or cities, there are several. Walk on in and introduce yourself. The person at the front desk can tell you a bit more about the agency, and they can even set you up with an agent who is willing to represent you. If you wish, you can usually arrange to meet with a couple of their agents to see who seems like the best fit. Real estate offices do often refer this type of work to the newer members of their team. Often, these agents are fresh and ready to start building a reputation by making their clients very happy.

Visit open houses.

Another way to find a real estate agent is to stop by a few open houses in the area. Try to go when they are less busy. Strike up a conversation with the agent who is hosting the open house. Tell them you're looking for an agent, and see what they have to say. It might take you a few tries to find an agent who feels like a good fit, but this is a great way to meet a variety of agents in person.

Finding a real estate agent is not usually as hard as it might seem. Try one or more of the strategies above, and you'll have an agent in your corner before long.

To learn more, contact a real estate agent like Teresa DiPeso.