{"id":817,"date":"2025-07-21T13:48:05","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T10:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/?page_id=817"},"modified":"2025-07-27T19:01:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T16:01:54","slug":"dfdfdf","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/?page_id=817","title":{"rendered":"The First-Time Homebuyer\u2019s Ultimate Guide on How to Find a Realtor\u00ae"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You\u2019ve saved up all your pennies, forgone some luxuries, and you think you\u2019re ready to buy your first house<\/b>. But you need someone to guide you through the process, and you\u2019re not sure how to find that person; either all the agents you know don\u2019t seem like quite the right fit, or you don\u2019t know any agents at all. If you\u2019re ready to buy a house and you need to find an estate agent<\/b>, here\u2019s how to do it.<\/p>\n

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Let Data Do the Job for You<\/h3>\n

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In our technological age, there\u2019s an algorithm for everything, including how to find an estate agent. Agent-matching services \u2014 though less prevalent in the UK than in the US like HomeLight \u2014 sometimes use transaction data to find agents with the most experience in sales similar to yours. If you really don\u2019t know where to start, this could be a first stop.<\/p>\n

For example, let\u2019s say you\u2019re approved for a mortgage between \u00a3250,000 and \u00a3275,000 in your area, and you\u2019re looking at a specific neighbourhood; some services might use recent sales data to find agents who have helped the most buyers like you in that specific neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

But first, a quick primer for the UK: An estate agent<\/b> is a professional who is involved in the buying and selling of property. They are regulated by redress schemes (like The Property Ombudsman) and many are members of professional bodies (like Propertymark). The term Realtor<\/b> is specifically for members of the US National Association of Realtors (NAR) and does not apply in the UK<\/b>. A broker<\/b> is also primarily a US term for a real estate agent with higher qualifications.<\/p>\n

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Leverage Your Network<\/h3>\n

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Word-of-mouth is one of the most reliable ways to find a great estate agent. Your family, friends, and neighbours have likely bought houses using agents, so ask them who they used and if they would use that agent again. Friends, family, and acquaintances that have been around the homebuying block more than once often have an agent they\u2019ve worked with again and again \u2014 a recommendation like that should make you feel pretty confident that you\u2019re hiring an estate agent who will work hard for you.<\/p>\n

Even if an agent comes highly recommended, don\u2019t hire the first one suggested to you. Make sure you talk to several estate agents and consider your options before deciding on the one you would like to work with. There are many estate agents from which to choose. Just because an agent is a great fit for someone you know, it doesn\u2019t mean that person is the perfect agent for you.<\/p>\n

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Ask Other Experts for Referrals<\/h3>\n

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“A good estate agent should have trusted contacts for mortgage brokers and conveyancing solicitors,” explains Heather Kerstetter, an experienced real estate agent in York, South Carolina (adapting for UK context). “When you need surveys, they should be able to tell you who they have worked with and let you decide. Your agent should have all of that information for you,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

On the flip side, your mortgage broker<\/b> probably knows tons of agents, as do home contractors or handymen, surveyors, plumbers \u2014 the list goes on. If you\u2019ve already got someone helping you with one part of your property transaction, they might be able to suggest a good agent to you.<\/p>\n

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Attend First-Time Homebuyer Classes<\/h3>\n

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If you\u2019re a first-time buyer<\/b>, checking out a local first-time homebuyer class will not only provide you with a lot of information to help demystify the homebuying process, but it will introduce you to estate agents, too. In the UK, these classes might be offered by local authorities, housing associations, or mortgage advice services.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf estate agents are making time for first-time buyers and showing them the ropes, it\u2019s an indication they will sit and hold your hand throughout the homebuying process,\u201d Kerstetter says.<\/p>\n

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Use Online Reviews<\/h3>\n

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In today\u2019s digital world, reading reviews is one of the best ways to find a great estate agent. Online, clients can rate agents and share their experience working with the agent, and you can use those reviews to find an agent who\u2019s a good fit. Check platforms like Google, Trustpilot, Rightmove, and Zoopla.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to find the right one that makes you comfortable and will work hard for you,\u201d Kerstetter adds.<\/p>\n

If an estate agent is rated highly and has good reviews, you can interview them. If you gel right off the bat, great \u2014 work with them. But if you\u2019re not sure, reach out to another one. There are plenty of estate agents out there.<\/p>\n

And remember, as important as it is to read the good reviews of potential agents, it\u2019s just as important to read the negative reviews. Pay close attention to the agent\u2019s response to their less-than-stellar reviews, too \u2014 it can tell you a lot about their character.<\/p>\n

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Find the Community Leaders<\/h3>\n

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Many estate agents are heavily invested in the areas where they work. \u201cTo be a great estate agent, you not only sell a home, but you sell the community as well,\u201d Kerstetter says. When you\u2019re out enjoying community events like a local fete, for example, look for estate agents who have taken the time to sponsor or participate.<\/p>\n

Another great way to find agents who are deeply involved in the community is to search social media or Google for those who share blog posts or videos about the area you\u2019re interested in buying. If an agent has made it a priority to share their in-depth knowledge about the community in which they work, it\u2019s another good indication that they are well suited to help you find your dream home in that community.<\/p>\n

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Attend Open Houses\/Viewings<\/h3>\n

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The agents at open houses or viewings are often representing the seller. If you meet one you like at a viewing, it might be worth considering them to represent you for other properties<\/i>. That said, if you\u2019re interested in making an offer on a house the agent is representing, be cautious about dual agency<\/b> (where an agent represents both the buyer and the seller). In the UK, while not strictly illegal, it’s generally advised against due to the potential for conflict of interest. As a buyer, it\u2019s usually better to have someone solely representing your interests. \u201cI would be wary of using the agent that is representing the seller,\u201d Kerstetter says.<\/p>\n

If you meet an agent you really like but want to avoid conflicts of interest, Kerstetter advises getting the agent\u2019s card and calling their agency to see if there is another agent available to represent you for your purchase. \u201cAt an agency everyone is different, but their values usually align,\u201d Kerstetter says.<\/p>\n

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Open the Local Paper<\/h3>\n

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Although local newspapers might feel a bit old-school, they are still a solid way to get good leads on estate agents. Agents may have ads in the paper indicating their area of specialty or highlighting their listings.<\/p>\n

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Check the Mailbox<\/h3>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t cold call or door-knock. People don\u2019t like to be called. They don\u2019t like to be solicited,\u201d Kerstetter says. She does, however, reach out to potential clients via their mailbox.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I send out mailers, I\u2019m not bugging you,\u201d she says. \u201cIf you\u2019re not interested and you throw it away, fine. But if you\u2019ve been thinking about selling, you might want to reach out. If you\u2019re renting and you want to buy, you might contact me,\u201d she says. In the UK, estate agents frequently use direct mail marketing to promote their services and recent sales in a given area.<\/p>\n

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Drive Around<\/h3>\n

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An easy way to identify agents who are knowledgeable about the neighbourhood you\u2019d like to buy in is to drive around and assess which agents are doing a lot of business there. Check out the \u201cfor sale\u201d or \u201csold\u201d signs and take note of the listing agents. The agents already selling in your ideal neighbourhood likely know the area really well and can help you find a great home in your desired location.<\/p>\n

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Final Tips for Finding the Perfect Estate Agent<\/h3>\n

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No matter how you find an estate agent, Kerstetter says you\u2019ll know they\u2019re worth considering if they know their stuff and can explain it to you clearly. \u201cIf you ask them a question, like, \u2018What is the first step in the homebuying process?\u2019 or, \u2018Do you know a good lender?\u2019 they should give you an answer,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Kerstetter also points out that if you connect with an agent who is new to the property world, you shouldn\u2019t worry too much about their inexperience. \u201cWe all have to start somewhere,\u201d she says. \u201cFirst time agents might be nervous, but that doesn\u2019t mean they won\u2019t do a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n

Overall, Kerstetter says the bottom line is that a good estate agent will give you the attention you deserve and make you feel comfortable. \u201cWhen I was buying my house before I was an agent, I used a less-experienced agent because the agent I initially had was forceful: She showed me two houses and said, \u2018Which one do you want?\u2019 But I didn\u2019t want either one,\u201d Kerstetter says.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you start talking about things you have in common. You should feel comfortable,\u201d she advises. \u201cThere will be several agents out there you will feel comfortable with \u2014 it just may not be the first one you come across.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve saved up all your pennies, forgone some luxuries, and you think you\u2019re ready to buy your first house. But you need someone to guide you through the process, and you\u2019re not sure how to find that person; either all the agents you know don\u2019t seem like quite the right fit, or you don\u2019t know […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-817","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=817"}],"version-history":[{"count":129,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/817\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1449,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/817\/revisions\/1449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}