Does a buyer’s agent cost me money?

In a typical sale, the buyer often pays no direct fee, though commission arrangements can vary — ask your agent how it works.

How is an agent different from a lender?

The agent handles the home and the deal; the lender handles the financing.

How do I choose a good agent?

Look for local expertise, experience with your situation, good communication, and references.

Should I get pre-approved before finding an agent?

It helps. Pre-approval focuses your search and shows sellers you are serious. See Get Pre-Approved.

Can my agent recommend a lender?

Often yes, but you can choose your own lender. Compare to find the best fit.

What questions should I ask an agent?

About their local knowledge, experience, communication, and references.

Do agents help with escrow and closing?

Yes. They guide you through offers, contingencies, and closing alongside your lender. See Offer to Appraisal to Underwriting to Closing.

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Find a real estate agent in California.

A good agent guides you through finding a home, making an offer, and negotiating — while your lender handles the financing. This page explains how to choose a great agent and how the agent and lender work together.

Get Pre-Approved What can I afford?

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Connect with a California buyer’s agent

Connect with an experienced California buyer’s agent — and get pre-approved so your search stays focused.

Get Pre-Approved What can I afford?

Quick answer

A real estate agent (specifically a buyer’s agent) helps you find homes, write offers, and negotiate, usually at no direct cost to you as the buyer in a typical sale. Choose one who knows your local California market, communicates well, and coordinates smoothly with your lender. Get pre-approved first so your agent can target homes in your real budget.

Agent vs lender: who does what

RoleWhat they handle

Real estate agentFinding homes, offers, negotiation, local guidance

LenderPre-approval, the loan, rates, and financing

The two work as a team. A great agent and a responsive lender together make the process smooth. See Get Pre-Approved.

How to choose a great agent

Local expertise. They know your neighborhoods and prices.

Experience with your situation. First-time buyer, move-up, investor, etc.

Good communication. Responsive and clear.

Strong references. Past clients speak well of them.

Coordinates with lenders. Smooth teamwork matters.

Questions to ask an agent

How well do you know this area and price range?

How many buyers like me have you helped recently?

How do you communicate and how quickly?

How do you handle offers and negotiation here?

Can you share references?

Why get pre-approved first

Agents prefer working with pre-approved buyers because it shows you are serious and ready, and it keeps the search focused on homes you can actually buy. See Get Pre-Approved and Homebuyer Checklist.

Good questions

Frequently asked questions

Helps you find homes, write offers, negotiate, and navigate the local market.

Next steps

A great agent plus a responsive lender makes buying smooth.

Get pre-approved, then find your agent. EZ Online Mortgage works smoothly with your agent to keep your purchase on track from offer to keys.

Get Pre-Approved (818) 305-6704

Keep learning

Get Pre-Approved First-Time Homebuyer Homebuyer Checklist Homebuying Steps & Timeline

This page is for education only. It is not a loan offer, real estate advice, or a promise of any outcome. Commission and representation arrangements vary; confirm details with your agent. Equal Housing Opportunity · NMLS #362311 · CA DRE #01871814.

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