So you want a real estate agent to help you find a home? Smart choice.

Without expert advice from a Realtor, you could miss out on the perfect home.

Or, you could overpay for a house.

You could even unknowingly purchase a nightmare house with a never-ending repair list.

But, with the right real estate agent, you’re sure to find your dream home.

Real estate agents have local knowledge and years of real estate experience.

This means your Realtor can give you advice that makes the entire home buying process easier – from house-hunting, to getting a mortgage, to closing on a home. And, your agent can show you awesome houses that you might have missed on your own.

It’s easy to find any Realtor. But, here are some creative ways to find the best one for you.

Creative Ways to Find a Realtor

Your real estate agent is a key part of the home buying process. Here are the 6 most creative ways to find a Realtor.

1. Ask Friends and Family

Friends and family who have recently bought or sold a home can be a great resource for finding an agent. Anyone who was a first-time home buyer can provide the best recommendations. That’s because agents specialize in different areas. As a first-time homebuyer, you want an agent who has a lot of experience with your situation.

While experience is important – it’s not everything. The most experienced agent might not return your calls promptly. Or, they may be too pushy for your liking. Friends and family will let you know what it’s like working with a Realtor – so you can choose an agent who suits you best.

By asking your friends and family, you can find Realtors who provide a great experience – along with expertise.

2. Look at Who Recently Moved In

People who just moved into your dream location are a good source for real estate agents.

It’s important to have a Realtor who knows the area you want to buy a house in. People who just moved in have the most up-to-date knowledge of real estate agents in your area – because they just finished working with one.

If you already live in your dream location, then you can keep an eye out for anyone who is moving in. If you don’t live in the neighborhood, you can drive by to see if anyone is moving in. Then, you can ask them if they’d give you a recommendation.

Whether they loved or hated their agent, people who just moved in can add names to your list – or help you cross off prospects.

3. Turn to Mortgage Lenders

Mortgage lenders work with people throughout the real estate industry – including Realtors. So, they can provide great agent recommendations.

While a real estate agent can help you choose a lender, you might have already found one (go you!). If that’s the case, you can see which Realtors your lender recommends. Mortgage lenders work with many agents – and clients who have used them.

Based on client feedback, your lender can give you the names of great agents – and ones to avoid. That way, you can choose a real estate agent who will help you find the perfect home. Instead of making the home buying process more complicated.

4. Drive by For Sale Signs

Driving by for sale signs can help you either find an agent who does both seller and buyer representation. Or, it can help you find a real estate team with buyer’s agents.

For sale signs generally have the listing agent’s name somewhere on the sign. So, driving by for sale signs in your desired neighborhood can help you find agents who know that area well.

Even if the agent is only a seller’s agent, for sale signs can help you find real estate teams. Usually, real estate teams have both buyer’s and seller’s agents, so you could find a buyer’s agent on that team.

Plus, real estate teams tend to have more resources and off-market listings than an agent who works alone. Finding the right team can help you find your dream home – before anyone else does.

For sale signs are a great resource to find agents and real estate teams.

5. Attend Open Houses

Attending open houses is another great way to find real estate agents.

At an open house, you can meet potential Realtors. You can see if you gel with the listing agent. If it’s easy to talk to him or her and your personalities complement each other, the Realtor could be a good fit for you.

And, you can see how the agents work with potential buyers. You want an agent who can rock a negotiation to help you get your home. If an agent is persuasive at an open house, there’s a good chance he or she will have strong negotiation skills.

Open houses are a chance to see a real estate agent in action. If you like what you see, the agent could be the right one for you.

6. Browse Local Top 10 Lists

Looking at lists of top agents in your area can also help you find a real estate agent.

Whether it’s the top new agents, the highest performing buyer’s agents, or any other list of the best agents, you can find agents who excel at their jobs. Since you want an agent who has the expertise to help you find and win the perfect home, an agent who’s good at what they do is a must.

It’s important to look at top agent lists only from trusted sources – like local newspapers, reputable magazines, and industry organizations. Some lists allow agents to pay to be on them, so we recommend double-checking your sources.

These lists can find you a pro to help you buy your first home.

Wrapping It Up

Buying your first home can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You’ve never bought a house before. So, how do you know what to look for and which house to choose?

A real estate agent can answer your questions and help guide you throughout your homebuying journey. And, ensure you purchase the right home for you.

While it’s easy to find a Realtor, it takes more work to find a great one. These 6 creative ways to find a real estate agent will help you find the best one for you (while having fun along the way). So, you can spend less time searching for a Realtor. And, more time enjoying your new home.

Want the strongest offer for when you find your dream home? Consider upgrading your offer to all cash with Ribbon. You’ll be able to compete with bigger and more experienced buyers. So, you’ll be more likely to secure the right house for you.

Learn more about how Ribbon can help you get your perfect home today.