Is Zillow the Best Place to Look for an Agent?

[Bryan Tasumi]

I have some questions as I am going to purchase my first home.

1. Is Zillow the best place to look for the best agent? 

2. I am buying my first home and am wondering if going on Zillow and choosing the agent with the best/most reviews and sales is the best way to go? 

3. I see some "team leaders" on Zillow with like 40 team members/real estate agents. Does the team leader also help clients sell/buy houses? 

4. Should I contact one of their team members directly so that they don't assign me to a "newbie"? 

5. Do you get the choice of the real estate agent when working with a team? 

6. Are team members able to work with only one broker, or can they work with other brokers as well?

Any help with any of my questions would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much guys!! BiggerPockets rocks!

[Eddie Egelston]

1. Is Zillow the best place to look for the best agent? - I wouldn't say it's better than any other place. Sure is convenient.

2. I am buying my first home and am wondering if going on Zillow and choosing the agent with the best/most reviews and sales is the best way to go?  - Probably not. Finding an agent with knowledge in the area you are looking would serve you well. Finding someone that is readily available to show properties would also help, it this crazy, low inventory environment... I met someone via Zillow yesterday, and she said she tried to set up a showing for a property with another agent, who couldn't show it until 10 days from now! LOL good luck getting a hot property with that agent!

3. I see some "team leaders" on Zillow with like 40 team members/real estate agents. Does the team leader also help clients sell/buy houses? - Odds are bad. You will likely never get to speak to them again after the first meeting. (no joke)

4. Should I contact one of their team members directly so that they don't assign me to a "newbie"? - That's kinda their prerogative- I suppose you could ask. The team members are all "newbie" compared to the team leader.

5. Do you get the choice of the real estate agent when working with a team? - I have never approached a team as a consumer, my guess is that if you asked they would let you pick. Just don't be the creepy guy that wants the hot girl to show him houses in the middle of nowhere. lol

6. Are team members able to work with only one broker, or can they work with other brokers as well? - Not sure what you mean. A "team member" might be part of multiple "teams" all within an office. The "team members" are nothing more than Realtors who can't be or don't want to be on their own. You won't find one "team member" who works for Re/Max and Coldwell Banker. All Realtors can work with any other Realtor. So it does not matter which Realtor has a property listed, your Realtor can show you the property and help you buy it.

I hope this helps! If this is your first house be sure to have your agent go over some of the basics with you. I personally believe a good agent should be meeting with you for an initial consultation before trucking around wandering through houses. (I've done it both ways, there's only one professional way.) That's my 2 cents.