A realtor’s connections can make or break your real estate experience. Learn how to identify agents with strong industry relationships that can give you an edge in buying or selling. I learned the hard way that a realtor’s network matters more than almost anything else in real estate. When my cousin recommended her fantastic realtor, I didn’t think to ask about their professional connections. Big mistake. While she was great at paperwork and pleasant to work with, when we encountered a tricky negotiation with a difficult seller’s agent, she lacked the necessary relationships to facilitate the negotiation behind the scenes. We lost the house not because of money, but because we didn’t have an agent who could pick up the phone and call in a favor. 

The right connections can open doors that remain closed to others. I discovered this when I finally worked with a well-connected realtor on my next purchase. She knew listing agents personally, had relationships with mortgage brokers who could expedite approvals, and even had home inspectors who would prioritize our inspection. When we found our dream home with multiple offers, her longtime friendship with the listing agent got our offer seriously considered, even though we weren’t the highest bidder. That experience taught me that a realtor’s network isn’t just about popularity, it’s about having the right relationships to navigate challenges and create opportunities. 

So how do you find these well-connected agents? Start by looking at their professional affiliations. Realtors who actively participate in their local association, serve on committees, or teach continuing education classes typically have extensive networks. When I interviewed potential agents, I asked about their involvement in professional organizations. The one I chose was actually the president of our local realtor association and taught contract law classes to other agents, which meant when we hit a complicated contingency issue, she knew exactly who to call for guidance. 

Office affiliation matters more than most people realize. While boutique agencies might offer personalized service, larger brokerages often provide access to more extensive internal networks. My current realtor works at a large firm where they have daily meetings to share upcoming listings before they hit the market. This inside knowledge gave me a 48-hour head start on properties that hadn’t even been photographed yet. The office itself had relationships with local contractors, stagers, and photographers who prioritized their clients. 

Seasoned real estate attorneys and mortgage brokers are excellent sources for referrals to well-connected realtors. These professionals work with countless agents and know who has the respect of their peers. When I asked my mortgage broker for recommendations, she named three agents who “other agents love working with because they make transactions smooth.” That’s the key, you want a realtor whom other industry professionals respect and want to work with. 

Social proof offers valuable clues about an agent’s connections. I scroll through realtor social media accounts to see who they interact with regularly. Do other agents comment on their posts? Do they tag mortgage brokers, home inspectors, or contractors in their content? When I found my current realtor, her Instagram was filled with photos of her at industry events with other top agents, and she regularly featured collaborations with local professionals. This digital footprint revealed an active, engaged network. 

The interview process is where you uncover the depth of their connections. I always ask potential realtors: “When was the last time your professional relationships helped a client overcome an obstacle?” The best answers come with specific stories. One agent told me about calling in a favor with a title company to expedite a closing when his buyers’ lease was ending. Another described how her friendship with a contractor helped a client get repairs completed quickly after an inspection. These stories demonstrate real-world value beyond theoretical networking. 

Look for agents who have worked in your market for years, not just months. Longevity builds relationships that can’t be rushed. My realtor had been in the business for fifteen years and had literally watched other agents grow from newcomers to industry leaders. When we needed a specialized renovation loan, she called a mortgage broker she’d known since he started his career, and he moved our application to the top of his pile. 

The true test of connections comes during the transaction. Well-networked realtors communicate differently with other professionals. They text rather than email, call rather than message, and often have personal relationships that smooth over conflicts. I watched my agent resolve an appraisal issue by calling the appraiser directly—something that would never happen with a less-connected agent. 

Community involvement beyond real estate often indicates valuable networking. Realtors who serve on local boards, volunteer with community organizations, or participate in neighborhood associations develop relationships that transcend business. These connections can provide off-market opportunities and local insights you won’t find elsewhere. 

References

National Association of Realtors. (2024). The power of networking for real estate agents. Realoq. https://realoq.com/resources/the-power-of-networking-for-real-estate-agents/

AgentUp. (2024, May 16). The importance of professional networking for real estate sales. https://www.agentup.com/learn/the-importance-of-professional-networking-for-real-estate-sales

Yavas, A. (2024). Do networks matter in real estate? Real estate agent performance through network analysis [PDF]. University of Texas at Arlington. https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=financerealestate_dissertations

Engel & Völkers. (2025, January 16). The importance of real estate networking: Benefits, tips, and types. https://www.engelvoelkers.com/es/en/resources/networking-real-estate-benefits-tips

Behind the Design Co. (2025, April 9). Benefits of networking in real estate investment: Tips and strategies. https://www.behindthedesignco.com/blog/the-benefits-of-networking-in-real-estate-investment-tips-and-strategies