Whether you’re buying your first home or getting ready to sell, a great estate agent can make the process smoother, faster, and less stressful. Recent surveys (though US-based, the sentiment holds true in the UK) indicate that agents are highly valued by both buyers and sellers, significantly streamlining the property transaction. Knowing how to find a good estate agent is key to a successful property journey.
Most people find their agent using one of several tried-and-true methods: through referrals, repeat experiences, online searches, or even open houses and neighbourhood signs.
Below, we’ll cover the best places to look when you’re ready to find an estate agent, whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both.
Referrals from Friends, Relatives, Neighbours or Colleagues
Referrals remain one of the most common ways sellers find their estate agent. When you get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, you can ask about how the agent communicated, what their strengths were, and what it was like working with them. Not sure who to ask? Try:
- Friends or family members who have bought or sold recently.
- Colleagues who’ve relocated.
- Neighbours who’ve moved out or just moved in.
People in your network are usually happy to help, just make sure they know you’re looking.
Past Experience with an Agent
If you had a great experience buying or selling in the past, reaching out to that same agent could be a smart move, especially if they handle both sides of the transaction. Many licensed, full-service estate agents can represent both buyers and sellers. While some choose to specialise, many work with clients on both sides of the market. So if you’re happy with someone you worked with previously, they could be the right choice again.
Community Connection
Sometimes, the right estate agent is already well-known in your neighbourhood. You might notice certain agents’ names appearing repeatedly on:
- “For Sale” or “Just Sold” signs.
- Local sponsorships, charity events, or school fundraisers.
- Community Facebook groups or neighbourhood forums.
Ask your neighbours what they think of their agent. Note that their feedback could be dependent on where in the transaction process they are — the further along, the better, because they’re more likely to have already seen how their agent handles the inevitable challenges and roadblocks that come with buying or selling a home.
Open Houses
While less common as a primary way sellers find their agent, attending an open house can be a great way to get a feel for an estate agent’s expertise and rapport with potential buyers. Whether you’re a genuine buyer or just observing, an open house lets you evaluate an agent’s communication style and knowledge of the home. If someone stands out, ask for a business card or look them up later.
Search Online
Searching online is now one of the most common ways people find an estate agent. Here are the top tools to try:
- Property Websites and Apps: Platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket offer estate agent directories that can be used to easily find and compare agents by location, specialism, and client reviews.
- Individual Agent Websites or Profiles: If you’ve already got a name, search for their personal website or business profile to see past transactions, client reviews, market specialities, and their background or professional memberships (e.g., Propertymark).
- Google: A simple search can lead you to local agents, Google reviews, and third-party mentions. It’s a great way to compare agents and get an overall sense of their presence and reputation.
- Licence Lookup: Once you’ve narrowed down your list, verify that the agent is properly regulated. In the UK, you can use the National Trading Standards Property Agent Checker to see if an agent is registered with an approved independent redress scheme, which is a legal requirement for residential estate agents. You can also check for memberships with professional bodies like Propertymark.
Social Media
Estate agents who are active on social media often use these platforms to market listings, connect with clients, and build trust in the community. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are common places to start your research. Pay attention to:
- Quality of content and listings.
- Consistency and frequency of posts.
- Engagement with followers.
- Personal branding and tone.
An agent’s social media can offer valuable insight into how they’ll market your home — or how connected they are to available listings if you’re buying. Many agents use social media to showcase property photos and videos, share market insights, and engage with local communities.
Street Advertisements
Estate agents often advertise directly in the neighbourhoods they work in. If you’re driving or walking around your desired area, jot down the names and contact info you see on:
- “For Sale” signs.
- “Open House” signs.
- Recently sold property signs.
An agent with a strong presence in a particular neighbourhood may have deeper insights into the local market.
Referral from another Agent, Broker, Home Builder, or Lender
If you’re relocating to a new city or area in the UK, ask your current agent, mortgage broker, or even a local home builder for a referral. Property professionals often have networks that span the country, making it easier to get connected with a vetted agent in your next location.
Newspaper Ads
While less common now, some estate agents still advertise in local newspapers and regional magazines, particularly if they work with older clients or in markets where print communication is still popular. These ads can help you spot agents who are actively marketing in your area.
Direct Mail (Newsletter, Flier, Postcard)
If you’ve received a flier, postcard, or neighbourhood newsletter from a local agent, that agent is likely targeting your area intentionally. Even if you’re not ready to contact them right away, you can save their name for future reference.
From personal referrals to neighbourhood signs and online directories, there are many ways to find a good estate agent. Once you’ve gathered a few solid leads, your next step is to evaluate who’s the best fit for your goals and your market.