How Do You Find a Real Estate Broker as a Buyer or Seller?

When you’re buying or selling a home, one of the first steps you’ll hear about is finding a real estate broker. But before you search for someone with the title “broker” on their business card, let’s clarify something important. When people say they’re “finding a broker,” they’re almost always actually choosing a real estate agent—the person who will guide them through the transaction.

Real estate agents work under brokers, who provide the legal oversight, licensing, and resources to support them. It’s the agent, though, who will be your go-to throughout the process. Still, the broker they work for may influence the services you receive. Some brokers specialize or have built a reputation around specific real estate niches.

Choosing the right real estate expert backed by the right brand can help with buying your dream home or selling a cherished one.

What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Broker and an Agent?

The terms “broker” and “agent” are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things in real estate.

Real Estate Broker

Brokers are licensed professionals trained to oversee real estate transactions. They ensure agents follow legal standards and help solve complex issues. Brokers often manage their own offices or larger teams, hiring other professionals to help manage transactions like sales coordinators or marketing experts. 

They typically don’t handle day-to-day client interactions. Think of them as the managers behind the scenes, keeping everything compliant and running smoothly. They step in with their expertise as needed. 

Many state real estate commissions require them to have a specific number of years of experience, take additional education, and pass a broker licensing exam.

Real Estate Agent

Most agents are independent contractors (yep, they’re 1099 workers) operating under a real estate broker’s license and supervision. They’re the ones you’ll actually interact with when buying or selling a property. Agents handle the nitty-gritty—showing homes, negotiating on your behalf, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

This distinction is crucial because when you’re hunting for a real estate “broker,” it’s truly the agent’s expertise and approach that matter most. Two real estate agents under the same broker umbrella may deliver vastly different buying and selling experiences. An interview is how you assess the agent’s suitability based on their expertise and approach to buying or selling homes.

Each state has different licensing requirements for real estate professionals operating at this level. 

Note that some states don’t use the term “salesperson” or “agent.” Some call all who help buyers and sellers with real estate “brokers.” They may distinguish between front-facing agents and supervisors with terms like “associate broker,” “managing broker,” or “broker-in-charge.” North Carolina, Colorado, and Washington are three such states.

What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

Picking the right real estate agent is like finding the perfect partner. They’ve got to understand your needs, support your financial goals, and bring value to the table. When hiring an agent, find someone with:

Local Market Expertise

Your agent needs to know the local area like the back of their hand. They should have deep knowledge of housing trends, neighborhood insights, and pricing strategies unique to your market down to the street level.

Strong Track Record

Look for an agent with a solid history of successful transactions. Client testimonials, referrals, and online reviews reflect their ability to deliver. Other ways to assess are how much of the list price they secured, or how many homes they’ve closed in the last year.

Negotiation Skills

A skilled negotiator can save you money as a buyer or maximize your profit as a seller. Your agent should be able to advocate for your interests and find solutions during tough negotiations.

Communication & Availability

You want someone who will keep you informed, answer your questions promptly, and stay proactive throughout the process. Buying or selling a home can be stressful, and excellent communication can make all the difference.

Brokerage Support & Resources

While your agent will be your primary resource, their brokerage can also be helpful. Reputable brokerages provide agent training, legal support for tricky transactions, and insider market insights that help agents excel. They also leverage specific tech tools to assist with marketing and tracking the real estate process.

Some have built large firms that rely on a recognizable national brand to lure in clients. Others set up smaller brokerages that deliver more bespoke services. 

Understanding the commission structure when selecting a real estate broker is crucial for achieving a successful real estate transaction.

Evaluating a Real Estate Broker’s Experience

When choosing a real estate broker, evaluate their experience and business reputation in the industry. A broker with an extensive real estate career can provide valuable insights, guidance, and support throughout the home buying or selling process.

It may not always be apparent if you’ve chosen the right broker, but generally, look at it from a big-picture perspective. They’re giving your chosen agent the backing to do their work at the highest level possible. 

Different brokers structure their operations to suit their needs. Do you prefer the backing of a large firm with all its potential marketing resources and tech tools? Or do you want a more hands-on approach and more community knowledge? Perhaps the property you’re buying or selling requires more specialized knowledge, and you want a brokerage well-versed in these transactions.

So while the real estate agent does sit front and center, it’s worth taking a look at what’s behind the scenes. How the brokerage supports its agents and conducts business does factor into your experience.

When Does a Broker Step Into the Process?

You might not interact with the broker in charge often, as they play a an important behind-the-scenes role. But sometimes, they do step out of the wings and into the spotlight. They’re more likely to get involved when facing:

Legal or Ethical Concerns

If a transaction hits a snag—think contract disputes or misunderstandings—the broker may step in to resolve the issue. They can advise if ethical issues arise over the property description or home appraisal.

Oversight and Compliance

Real estate brokers oversee that every document is correct and that all parts of the transaction align with local real estate laws and regulations. Their additional coursework and licensing has given them a deeper understanding of compliance.

Additional Support

Occasionally, brokers step in directly when one of their agents needs extra resources or guidance. Some partner directly with new agents on their first transactions to make sure the deal is handled appropriately and up to brand standards. Their support ensures complicated situations are handled professionally.

How to Find the Right Agent (and Broker by Association)

Now that you know it’s the real estate agent who makes the most significant impact, it’s time to talk about how to find the perfect one.

1. Start with Referrals And Reviews. Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they’ve had good experiences with a particular agent and brokerage. Online reviews and testimonials from recent clients also help you narrow down your options.
2. Use Trusted Real Estate Networks: Don’t know where to start? Our exclusive partners connect you with top-notch agents who understand your market and your goals.
3. Interview Multiple Agents: Set up interviews with a few agents to learn about their experiences, approaches, and communication styles. Don’t forget to ask about the brokerage support they have backing them for marketing and transaction management. The fees you’ll pay matter, too, as part of the commission split goes to the brokerage to cover their costs.
4. Check Licensing & Credentials: Check that your agent is licensed and in good standing with your state’s real estate board. Look for certifications or additional training as a sign of their expertise.

Why Work With Our Exclusive Partners?

At times, the real estate process can feel bewildering and never-ending. So why not have a vetted expert by your side? Our exclusive partners work with leading agents who bring local knowledge, top-tier resources, and proven expertise to any home purchase or sale.

By tapping into our network, you’ll be matched with an agent who understands your unique needs. They’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome. Additionally, having more agents can increase the likelihood of selling a home, as the presence of multiple agents enhances the chances of a successful sale.

Finding A Real Estate Broker

Here’s the takeaway you need to remember: when buying or selling property, you’re really choosing the agent—not just the broker—who will be your ally from start to finish. The right agent will save you time, negotiate fiercely for your best interests, and make the entire process as seamless as possible. The companies and brokerages behind them provide the tools to help home buyers and sellers like you.