Is Zillow the Best Place to Look for an Agent?

Question

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 · Answer

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. lol6. 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.

Chris Mason · Answer

Zillow is a sales platform. But it isn't a real estate sales platform. It is a platform that sells leads. To agents.As a consumer, you are the product. You are the thing being sold. You are not the customer, real estate agents and mortgage lenders are. Keep that in mind.The best place to find a real estate professional, IMO, is always going to be by interpersonal interaction. Birds of a feather flock together, so if you like your friend Jennifer, odds are you will also like the real estate professional that she liked. You can also find that real estate professional by interactions on platforms such as facebook / reddit / biggerpockets.com / whatever.

Rich Wells · Answer

I recommend getting a referral to a *specific agent* from an outstanding agent you know. If you have a relationship they will make sure you end up in good hands. Apparently they have ways of looking up agent performance to narrow the field before interviewing (and negotiating their referral fee). Your results may vary, but it worked great for me!

David Ounanian · Answer

I recommend you just start calling agents and "interviewing" them. I do this all the time when I'm referring someone out of state. I look for agents who are not on one of those big teams because you'll likely get passed around like a hot potato. Some questions to ask them are: When are you available for showings? How many clients are you currently working with? Do you have any buyer fees? Tell them what you are looking for and have them set you up with an MLS search.

Melissa S. · Answer

Bryan Tasumi I recommend finding a local agent. You didn't mention if you have kids, but they will have the most knowledge on the local schools. Plus, relationships with local lenders, home inspectors, etc. Just remember they are working for you. If you need help with a referral, let me know. Good Luck!

Aksel A. · Answer

Zillow is merely the tip of the iceberg. Maybe a good tip for sure, but still, you'd be severely limiting yourself if only considering Zillow or any other website for that matter.It sure depends on what your goals are, but in general, building long term privileged face to face relationships with agents of trust working in your market of choice can pay off just as much if not much more, and these can be found in your local area, meetup, or just about anywhere else.

Bryan Tasumi · Answer

Thank you Melissa! I did not know about the contract thing. Thank you.

Greg Hamer · Answer

Bryan Tasumi you can PM me if want. I'm not local to you, but can give you insights if you want from my perspective. In addition I can refer you to an agency in your town if you want. Full disclosure. If I refer you to an agent, I'll likely get a referral fee (that is taken out of the sellers commission charge) No money out of your pocket. Either way, contact me if you have any questions.

Melissa S. · Answer

Agents pay to be featured on Zillow. You don't necessarily need to work with a team. There are plenty of individual agents. I would recommend asking friends or family for a recommendation. Just remember you can meet with a few agents (from different companies) before you pick the one you want to work with. Buying your first house is a milestone and you want to be comfortable with the person assisting you in the process. Also keep in mind you don't have to sign a contract with them for them to show you houses. If you have any other questions, let me know as I am happy to help!

Bryan Tasumi · Answer

Thank you so much for your detailed insights Eddie! I appreciated it!!! -Bryan