Buying or selling a home is a huge financial decision in life. There are many realtors out there to guide you through the process. Finding the right professional might be overwhelming. You need someone trustworthy and highly experienced. But how? Let’s find out the answer in a few simple steps.

1) What to expect from the agent

Firstly you need to understand what agents can do for you. Agents help with buying and selling property. They guide you through the process and make the best possible negotiation for you.

A buyer’s agent helps a home buyer to find the right home and make competitive offers. They also negotiate with the seller. A listing or seller’s agent represents the seller’s side. He/she is responsible for pricing and marketing.

2) Get preapproved

If you are a buyer, you must get preapproved for a mortgage. “For a buyer, it’s essential to qualify for a mortgage. Many of the best gents will not really be that interested in you if you haven’t qualified for a mortgage,” says Stephen Brobeck, senior fellow with Consumer Federation of America.

3) Ask friends and family for referrals

Use your network of friends and family to reach the right person. Find people among your friends and family who have bought or sold any property recently. Ask them for agent referrals. Interview them and decide whether they are a fit for your needs.

4) Compare agents online

You can easily search for agents in your local area via various platforms such as Zillow. Shortlist some of them depending on their clients’ reviews and ratings. Compare how many homes they have sold or have helped to buy. This will give you a good status to start with. Examine their online presence from official websites and social media platforms.

5) Meetup

From referrals and online research, try meeting at least three agents. Interview them and let them know about your needs. Explain your preferences. Compare their responses to the same questions. You will also be able to judge their personality and if they are a right fit for you.

6) Choose an active and experienced agent

While interviewing, make sure you ask them about how long they have been in this field. What are their specialties and working hours? It is better to choose someone who is local and knows the area well. So they are available easily.

Today’s market has become very challenging. Having a trusted and experienced agent can make a huge difference. Don’t limit yourself. Look around, do research and ask questions. Follow the steps mentioned above and find the best agent to help you with your dream home.