Find a real estate agent near you
A real estate agent helps people buy, sell or rent homes. Sellers' agents price, market and negotiate the sale. Buyers' agents find homes, write offers and guide you through inspections and closing. A good agent knows the local market, tells you hard truths about price, and explains every document before you sign.
Find real estate agents by city
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Nashville, TN
- El Paso, TX
- Washington, DC
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Portland, OR
- Detroit, MI
- Memphis, TN
- Louisville, KY
- Baltimore, MD
- Milwaukee, WI
- Albuquerque, NM
- Fresno, CA
- Tucson, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- Kansas City, MO
- Mesa, AZ
- Atlanta, GA
- Omaha, NE
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Raleigh, NC
- Long Beach, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Tulsa, OK
- Bakersfield, CA
- Wichita, KS
- Arlington, TX
What do real estate agents do?
- Listing and selling homes
- Helping buyers find and tour homes
- Pricing and market analysis
- Writing and negotiating offers
- Coordinating inspections and appraisals
- Guiding the closing process
- First-time buyer help
- Rental and leasing help
- Relocation help
- Investment property search
How do you choose a good real estate agent?
- Check the agent's license with the state real estate regulator.
- Interview at least two or three agents.
- Ask for recent sales near you, at your price range.
- Read the agency agreement before signing, including length, fees and how to end it.
- Ask how they will market your home, or how they will find homes for you.
- Ask who you will deal with day to day, the agent or a team assistant.
- Commissions are negotiable. Ask how they are paid and by whom.
Real estate agents and brokers must hold a state license; you can look up an agent's license on the state regulator's website.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you a full-time agent, and how long have you been licensed?
- How many homes like mine have you sold or helped buy lately?
- How are you paid, and what does that cover?
- How long is the agreement, and can I cancel it?
- How will you price and market my home?
- How often will we talk, and how?
- Do you represent both sides in some deals? How do you handle that?
Red flags to watch for
- Promising a high sale price just to win the listing.
- Pressure to sign a long agreement quickly.
- Steering you toward or away from areas based on who lives there. That is illegal.
- Not explaining fees or dual agency.
- Hard to reach during a deal.
What changes the price?
- Commission terms you negotiate
- Services included, like staging or photos
- How the buyer's agent is paid
- Type and price of property
- Market conditions
- Any transaction or admin fees
Questions people ask
Do I need an agent to buy a house?
No, but an agent can help with offers, negotiations and deadlines. If you buy without one, consider having a real estate attorney review the contract.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
A broker has extra training and licensing and can run a firm. Agents work under a broker.
What is dual agency?
It is when one agent or firm represents both buyer and seller. It must be disclosed, and it is not allowed everywhere. Ask how they protect each side.