Buyer's path
Hiring the right buyer's agent
- Step 1
Understand your goals
Write down your budget ceiling, your must-haves versus nice-to-haves, your timeline, and whether you're pre-approved. Note anything that complicates financing.
Watch out: Agents will shape their pitch around what you say. Know your own answer first so you can tell a plan from a performance.
- Step 2
Find candidate agents
Line up at least three names from different sources: Zillow's agent finder, Realtor.com, a referral from someone who recently closed, and the signs actually selling homes in your area.
Watch out: Paid placement is common on portal sites. A top slot means marketing spend, not performance. Cross-check every name against real closed sales.
- Step 3
Prepare your questions
Build a list tailored to your role and your market in the Question Builder. Print it or pull it up on your phone so every agent gets the same questions.
Watch out: Don't skip the buyer agency agreement questions. Since 2024 you must sign one before touring, and the fee terms are negotiable.
- Step 4
Interview two or three agents
Book 30–45 minutes each, ideally in person or on video. Ask the same core questions to everyone so the answers are actually comparable.
Watch out: Pressure to sign on the spot is the loudest red flag there is. A confident agent will happily wait while you finish your other interviews.
- Step 5
Compare their answers
Score each agent on your notes page. Look at the substance of their market read, their strategy, and how clearly they explained the contract.
Watch out: An agent who waves off your contract questions with 'it's just standard' is telling you how the rest of the deal will go.
- Step 6
Choose and commit
Negotiate the term, the fee, and a cap tied to what the seller pays before signing the buyer agency agreement. Start with a short term.
Watch out: Anything an agent will do 'for sure' should survive being written into the agreement. If it can't, it wasn't a commitment.