Is it my realtor's job to actively find me a home?

Question

To add clarity:
Any house I get is contingent on sale of  home I am now in. I don't have money in bank and wouldn't qualify for loan.
Daughter's name is on this house also. She lives with me and turns 22 next month.

Realtor found one home. She pulled me aside beforehand saying my daughter shouldn't participate in finding the home as she will probably be leaving me soon anyway, And daughter should definitely have no say so. 

I explained I needed a place that would work whether my daughter stayed with me, or whether I was by myself. 

She took great effort to exclude my daughter from seeing the home. My daughter came along anyway, and the home was too far from my daughter's work so we had no interest in it.

Since then have no contact with realtor, unless I contact about seeing a particular home I see online. 
Even then, she tells me she has an open house, or she has other clients that day, so I feel rushed and like I'm imposing. 

Am I out of line for thinking realtor should be finding a home for us? I've bought two other homes and agent always located the home.

At realtor's suggestion I've driven to different cities to see if I like them since I've never been there before.
Also at realtor suggestion, I searched through the listings on Zillow realtor.com homes.com and everywhere trying to find a place. And then I drive by to see if it would even work, and I'm just really tired. Is there an easier way? Is there somebody that sells you a home and finds a home for you?

She's also asking me to pinpoint specific subdivisions that she can put on her radar, but subdivisions change every few streets.

When I have found houses in nearby subdivisions I am interested in, I've been surprised realtor hasn't contacted to let me know they were for sale... often they're closing before I see them.

Stacy Huntsman · Answer

Hi in Chattanooga!  I have family close by and a realtor partner who works in your area, too.  
When I work with my buyers, I set up specific home searches based on my buyer's preferences with alerts to my buyers and I proactively search my network sources for homes that fit my buyer.  I can only serve my buyer based on the clear criteria, good feedback and great two way communication.

Keith Jean Pierre · Answer

Sounds like a change in representation might be in order.

Keith Jean-Pierre
Managing Principal
The Dapper Agents
Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Kevin Neely · Answer

Yes, actively finding homes is a core part of what a buyers agent does, and if that is not happening, it is worth addressing directly.

In Tennessee and throughout the Southeast, a buyers agents role includes setting up automated MLS alerts for your criteria, monitoring new listings daily, flagging off-market opportunities when available, and proactively reaching out when something matches your profile. Waiting for you to find homes and then just unlocking doors is a passive approach that does not represent full service.

If your agent is not doing these things, have a direct conversation about your expectations. Tell them specifically what you need: daily new listing alerts, weekly check-ins, proactive calls when something close but not exact comes available. If the agent adjusts and becomes more engaged, the relationship may be worth continuing. If nothing changes, you are within your rights to evaluate whether the representation agreement allows you to move to a more active agent. Your time in this market matters, and the right agent is watching for opportunities on your behalf before you even know a property exists.

Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners

Amanda Courtney · Answer

Absolutely. A great buyer’s agent should be proactive, sending listings, scheduling showings, and staying ahead of new opportunities that match your goals and budget.

Raquel Penas Fernandez · Answer

As a realtor, my role is to actively search for homes that align with my clients needs.
You’re absolutely not out of line expecting a realtor to take the lead in finding a home. Actively sourcing listings is a core part of my job, as a realtor, and you shouldn’t be tasked with extensive searches on Zillow or driving to unfamiliar areas alone.  Your realtor should set up MLS alerts for instant notifications of homes matching your criteria.

For a smoother experience, I recommend interviewing other realtors who can offer dedicated, proactive support tailored to your unique situation. A committed buyer’s agent should diligently find homes, streamline showings, and guide you through the contingent sale process with enthusiasm. 
I hope this helps

Gale Culver · Answer

As a Realtor, I take a an active role in locating homes that fit the specific needs of my clients. That includes searching through the available listings and narrowing down search results to what the buyer is looking for.

Anyone you deem important to your decision making should be part of your process, that being said you should continue to take your daughter along and ensure the home is a good fit for you both.

I would recommend communicating what you are needing from your realtor to her and ask if she is able to meet those needs. If she is not you might want to interview other agents to find someone who is better suited to you. Best of luck with your home search!

Blake Rickels · Answer

Yes, your realtor should absolutely be helping you find a home. That’s a core part of the job.

A good agent doesn’t just unlock doors. They should be actively monitoring the market, sending you relevant homes, watching for new listings, and helping you narrow down options based on your situation.

In your case, you also have a more complex setup with needing to sell your current home first. That makes it even more important to have someone guiding the process, coordinating timing, and helping you identify realistic options.

You shouldn’t feel like you’re doing all the searching, driving, and filtering on your own. And you definitely shouldn’t feel rushed or like you’re imposing when you want to see a home.

Also, decisions about who lives in the home are yours. Your agent should be working with your priorities, not dismissing them.

There is a much easier way when it’s handled correctly. The right approach is:
- Set clear criteria together  
- Have your agent send and filter homes daily  
- Get alerts immediately when something matches  
- Move quickly on the right opportunities

If that’s not happening, it’s reasonable to question whether it’s the right fit.

At the end of the day, your agent should make this process easier, not more stressful.

Paul Avratin · Answer

I’d be honored to serve you as your agent in the Chattanooga area. With over 40 years of experience in the industry and a proven track record from North Georgia to Knoxville, I bring both the knowledge and tools to guide you every step of the way.

My clients consistently speak to the level of care, responsiveness, and results I provide. Whether you're buying or selling, I make sure you're equipped with clear answers and sound advice for any question that may come up.

Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help whenever you're ready.

Is it my realtor's job to actively find me a home?

Answers (8)

Stacy Huntsman

Keith Jean Pierre

Kevin Neely

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

Amanda Courtney

Raquel Penas Fernandez

Gale Culver

Blake Rickels

Paul Avratin

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

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