How to Find a Realtor in Another State (One You Can Trust)

1. Use a free agent matching service

Agent matching services are one of the easiest and most effective ways to find a real estate agent in another state. These platforms take your location, timeline, and goals into account, then use data to recommend agents who are best equipped to help.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform stands out by analyzing over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to identify top-performing agents based on real results, not paid placements.

2. Search the big online agent directories

You can also search for agents using online big-brand directories like Realtor.com, Zillow, and Homes.com. These sites let you view agent profiles, read self-hosted client reviews, and check how many homes they’ve sold recently.

However, keep in mind that featured agent spots on these directories are often paid placements, meaning the agent may have paid to appear at the top of your search results. These highlighted positions don’t always reflect experience or performance.

If you do use a large directory, take time to:

• Seek out verified recent transactions
• Check client reviews on third-party sites (e.g., Google Reviews and BBB)
• Look specifically for client feedback that mentions long-distance support or relocation
• Identify a consistent presence in the specific area where you’re buying or selling

3. Hire a relocation specialist

If you’re moving across the country for work or personal reasons, a smart choice is an agent with a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation or a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. These agents specialize in helping buyers who can’t be physically present for every step of the process.

Relocation specialists typically offer:

• Virtual showings and walkthroughs
• Guidance on neighborhoods, schools, and commute times
• Connections to local lenders, inspectors, and title professionals
• Coordination of remote paperwork and digital closings

Some agents are affiliated with corporate relocation programs, which are services companies use to help employees move to a new city or state for work. These programs connect you with vetted local agents, assist with your home search, and may even offer perks like help with closing costs, temporary housing, or support selling your current home.

Meanwhile, others simply have deep experience with long-distance buyers. Be on the lookout for these relocation specialists. Make sure to ask if they’ve worked with out-of-state clients before and how they manage communication and timelines remotely.

4. Read local agency ratings and reviews

Many agencies have offices across the country, making it easier to connect with a local agent who has the backing of a well-known brokerage. Once you find an office in your target area, you can often read reviews, bios, and specialties right on the agent’s own website.

Some of the most widely available real estate companies include:

5. Use a referral from your current local agent

Many agents belong to national referral networks through brokerages and organizations, like the National Association of Realtors and the companies mentioned above, which makes it easier to connect across states. Your local agent can vet and connect you with a trusted out-of-state partner who knows the market and works well with buyers like you. They’ll usually recommend someone they trust professionally, not just a random name.

Referral fees are typically paid between agents, so this service doesn’t cost you anything extra. It also creates built-in accountability, since your agent’s reputation is tied to the person they refer.

6. Seek out individual referrals from real local clients

Real people who’ve recently bought a home in the area you’re moving to can be one of the most trustworthy sources of agent referrals. Try asking:

• Friends, family members, or colleagues who live in the area
• Your employer’s human resources (HR) or relocation department
• Professionals like mortgage lenders or attorneys with local connections

Referrals can provide insight into how well an agent communicates, how responsive they are, and whether they helped make the process smoother, especially for long-distance buyers or sellers.

7. Tap into local social media groups

Local Facebook groups and neighborhood-focused platforms like Nextdoor or Reddit (e.g., reddit.com/r/[cityname]) can offer real-time insights from people living in your new area. These communities are often eager to share recommendations — and warnings — about local real estate agents and other professionals.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Join a few local groups tied to the city, town, or neighborhood you’re targeting
• Post a short request for agent recommendations and explain your situation
• Review the suggestions you receive, then research each agent further before reaching out

If you are not using a platform with a network of vetted agents, this extra step can be helpful in your search for a Realtor in another state, and gather hyper-local knowledge about the area. Just remember that social media tips are a starting point, not a shortcut to interviews and verification.

What to look for in an out-of-state agent

While sorting out potential out-of-state agents, you should know what separates a good agent from a great one. The right professional can guide you through the local market, handle the challenges of a long-distance move, and keep you informed every step of the way. Here’s what to focus on:

Questions to ask before hiring an out-of-state agent

Once you’ve found a few promising candidates, take time to interview them, ideally over a video call. This helps you get a feel for their communication style and how well they understand your goals as a long-distance buyer.

Here are some smart questions to ask:

• How many out-of-state buyers have you worked with recently?
• What’s your process for remote home tours and paperwork?
• How do you typically communicate, and how often?
• Can you help connect me with local lenders, inspectors, or contractors?
• What neighborhoods would you recommend based on my budget and lifestyle?
• Can you share examples of buyers you’ve helped in a similar situation?

Of course, there are other questions you will want to ask as you interview agent candidates. These six examples above focus on common concerns when working with an out-of-state Realtor. For more helpful tips, see our post: Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

Buy Before You Sell

Find the right agent for your long-distance move

Buying a home in another state adds complexity, but the right agent can make the experience feel much more manageable. With HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can get connected to top-performing agents who understand how to support buyers from afar, whether you’re moving across state lines or across the country.

Don’t risk guessing. Let data and experience guide you to the right expert.

If you’re ready to find a professional who can help you from start to close, no matter where you are, get started today by telling us a little about your plans. There’s no obligation and no cost to consult with a seasoned real estate agent.

Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Unsplash)