How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for Your First Home

Do You Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a House?

Technically, no. You can buy a house without an agent, but for first-time home buyers, going in it alone often leads to confusion, missed savings, and avoidable stress.

A real estate agent (specifically a buyer’s agent) works exclusively on your behalf. They help you:

• Navigate showings and paperwork
• Negotiate price and closing costs
• Understand market trends and property values
• Coordinate with lenders, appraisers, and inspectors
• Avoid legal pitfalls in contracts

So, do you need a realtor to buy a house? No. But if you’re trying to save money, reduce risk, and feel confident in a complex transaction, it’s a smart idea.

Curious if you’re truly ready to take the leap into homeownership? Start with our first-time buyer readiness guide.

What to Look For in a Buyer’s Agent

Not all agents are created equal. When hiring a real estate professional to help with your first purchase, keep an eye out for these traits:

• First-time buyer experience: You want someone who knows how to explain each step, not someone who assumes you already know the drill.
• Local market knowledge: Great agents don’t just sell homes, they know details including insights on the neighborhoods, school districts, and price trends inside and out.
• Strong communication: Look for someone who replies quickly, answers your questions clearly, and keeps you in the loop.
• No pressure: A good agent acts like a guide, not a salesperson.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider speaking with a real estate broker or team leader who can point you to agents who specialize in first-time buyers.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

Here’s how to find a realtor who’s right for you:

1. Ask for referrals from friends or family who’ve recently bought a home.
2. Search agent directories with verified reviews and sales history.
3. Check online reviews, especially on Google or Zillow.
4. Interview at least two agents before committing.
5. Watch for red flags like vague answers, aggressive sales tactics, or limited knowledge of your area.

How Foyer Pros Help First-Time Buyers Save

Foyer Pros aren’t just agents, they’re trusted partners in your home buying journey.

Here’s how they stand out:

• Local expertise: Every Foyer Pro knows your market and how to navigate it.
• First-time friendly: They’re used to explaining the details like how home inspections work or what to look for in an offer.
• Exclusive savings: As part of your Foyer membership, you get access to agents who offer rebates and closing cost discounts you won’t find elsewhere.
• No pressure, just support: Foyer Pros are aligned with your success, not just a sale.

Want to start building your plan for buying a home? Discover essential tips on how to save for your first home.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent

Before you commit to an agent, ask questions like:

• How many first-time home buyers have you worked with?
• What neighborhoods do you specialize in?
• How do you usually communicate with clients?
• What’s your availability for showings?
• Can you walk me through the offer and closing process?
• Do you offer any buyer rebates or work with programs that help save money?

These questions can help you gauge whether an agent will support, not overwhelm, you during your search.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Agent

The best real estate agent for your first home is someone who listens, educates, and advocates for you. They should simplify, not complicate, your path to buying a home.

Above all, don’t rush. Interview agents, trust your instincts, and don’t settle for someone who doesn’t treat you like a priority.

Need help getting your credit ready, too? Learn How to Build Your Credit for Your Dream Home.

And if you want to skip the search altogether, join Foyer and let us match you with a Foyer Pro, a local expert who’s already proven they can support and save first-time home buyers like you.