Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Finding a quality, trustworthy real estate agent is important for a successful real estate transaction. Here are five tips for finding Realtors you can trust to do a great job and work hard for you.

Ask a Friend

The most common way to find a Realtor you can instantly trust is to ask a friend or relative for a referral. When I bought my first home, my Realtor was a family friend. I knew before our first meeting that my agent was someone I could trust to work hard and find the best deal for me.

If you do not have a relative or friend come to mind right away, you can ask around when out with friends, at the office, or even through an online social network like Facebook or Twitter. A friend is most likely to have the same criteria as you, and will point you the right direction.

Use Online Directories for Finding Realtors

Online Realtor and real estate agent directories can help you when finding Realtors. Our very own AgentHarvest.com directory contains only top agents that have been interviewed, vetted, and approved through our strict application process.

Real estate agent directories are a great place to start your search, but if you choose a Realtor you do not already know, be sure to ask good interview questions and ask for references.

Find a Home and Meet the Selling Agent

If you want to start your search yourself, you can use your favorite real estate app like Zillow or Redfin to find a home you like. When you have a favorite picked out, contact the selling agent directly and ask to see the home.

While visiting, you can discuss hiring that agent as your own agent. If you like the property, you might be able to save on fees, and save time, by having the agent act as an intermediary representing both the buyer and seller. If you do not like that home, but do like the agent, you already know how they operate and can work with them to continue your search.

Search Online – With Caution

Google, Bing, and other search engines have a wealth of knowledge about every topic under the sun, including real estate. When finding Realtors online, search for the top agents in your area and do continued research to find reviews.

Remember that some online review sites can be manipulated. An agent can ask friends and family to leave positive reviews that will lead to an artificially high rating. Always take online ratings from untrusted sites with caution.

Go to a Major Brand

Finding Realtors through a major real estate brand is another option. Large companies with a nationwide footprint hire both inexperienced and top agents, and you do not know who you may be matched up with.

If you go this route, ask great interview questions and look online to see if you can find any positive or negative reviews. You can also look them up in a directory like AgentHarvest to find out if they are a top, trusted agent you can work with.

If you are buying or selling a house and are looking to hire a successful real estate agent to help you through the process, take a look at AgentHarvest's list of top-ranking local Realtors in your area. We found these agents by examining their sales track records, awards, rankings, client testimonials and by conducting personal interviews.