You’ve saved up all your pennies, forgone some luxuries, and you think you’re ready to buy your first house. But you need someone to guide you through the process, and you’re not sure how to find that person; either all the agents you know don’t seem like quite the right fit, or you don’t know any agents at all. If you’re ready to buy a house and you need to find an estate agent, here’s how to do it.
Let Data Do the Job for You
In our technological age, there’s an algorithm for everything, including how to find an estate agent. Agent-matching services — though less prevalent in the UK than in the US like HomeLight — sometimes use transaction data to find agents with the most experience in sales similar to yours. If you really don’t know where to start, this could be a first stop.
For example, let’s say you’re approved for a mortgage between £250,000 and £275,000 in your area, and you’re 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.
But first, a quick primer for the UK: An estate agent 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 is specifically for members of the US National Association of Realtors (NAR) and does not apply in the UK. A broker is also primarily a US term for a real estate agent with higher qualifications.
Leverage Your Network
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’ve worked with again and again — a recommendation like that should make you feel pretty confident that you’re hiring an estate agent who will work hard for you.
Even if an agent comes highly recommended, don’t 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’t mean that person is the perfect agent for you.
Ask Other Experts for Referrals
“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,” she says.
On the flip side, your mortgage broker probably knows tons of agents, as do home contractors or handymen, surveyors, plumbers — the list goes on. If you’ve already got someone helping you with one part of your property transaction, they might be able to suggest a good agent to you.
Attend First-Time Homebuyer Classes
If you’re a first-time buyer, 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.
“If estate agents are making time for first-time buyers and showing them the ropes, it’s an indication they will sit and hold your hand throughout the homebuying process,” Kerstetter says.
Use Online Reviews
In today’s 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’s a good fit. Check platforms like Google, Trustpilot, Rightmove, and Zoopla.
“You want to find the right one that makes you comfortable and will work hard for you,” Kerstetter adds.
If an estate agent is rated highly and has good reviews, you can interview them. If you gel right off the bat, great — work with them. But if you’re not sure, reach out to another one. There are plenty of estate agents out there.
And remember, as important as it is to read the good reviews of potential agents, it’s just as important to read the negative reviews. Pay close attention to the agent’s response to their less-than-stellar reviews, too — it can tell you a lot about their character.
Find the Community Leaders
Many estate agents are heavily invested in the areas where they work. “To be a great estate agent, you not only sell a home, but you sell the community as well,” Kerstetter says. When you’re out enjoying community events like a local fete, for example, look for estate agents who have taken the time to sponsor or participate.
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’re 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’s another good indication that they are well suited to help you find your dream home in that community.
Attend Open Houses/Viewings
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. That said, if you’re interested in making an offer on a house the agent is representing, be cautious about dual agency (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’s usually better to have someone solely representing your interests. “I would be wary of using the agent that is representing the seller,” Kerstetter says.
If you meet an agent you really like but want to avoid conflicts of interest, Kerstetter advises getting the agent’s card and calling their agency to see if there is another agent available to represent you for your purchase. “At an agency everyone is different, but their values usually align,” Kerstetter says.
Open the Local Paper
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.
Check the Mailbox
“I don’t cold call or door-knock. People don’t like to be called. They don’t like to be solicited,” Kerstetter says. She does, however, reach out to potential clients via their mailbox.
“When I send out mailers, I’m not bugging you,” she says. “If you’re not interested and you throw it away, fine. But if you’ve been thinking about selling, you might want to reach out. If you’re renting and you want to buy, you might contact me,” she says. In the UK, estate agents frequently use direct mail marketing to promote their services and recent sales in a given area.
Drive Around
An easy way to identify agents who are knowledgeable about the neighbourhood you’d like to buy in is to drive around and assess which agents are doing a lot of business there. Check out the “for sale” or “sold” 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.
Final Tips for Finding the Perfect Estate Agent
No matter how you find an estate agent, Kerstetter says you’ll know they’re worth considering if they know their stuff and can explain it to you clearly. “If you ask them a question, like, ‘What is the first step in the homebuying process?’ or, ‘Do you know a good lender?’ they should give you an answer,” she says.
Kerstetter also points out that if you connect with an agent who is new to the property world, you shouldn’t worry too much about their inexperience. “We all have to start somewhere,” she says. “First time agents might be nervous, but that doesn’t mean they won’t do a good job.”
Overall, Kerstetter says the bottom line is that a good estate agent will give you the attention you deserve and make you feel comfortable. “When 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, ‘Which one do you want?’ But I didn’t want either one,” Kerstetter says.
“Maybe you start talking about things you have in common. You should feel comfortable,” she advises. “There will be several agents out there you will feel comfortable with — it just may not be the first one you come across.”