4 Simple Ways to Find a Brilliant Agent on Real Estate TikTok

In the last few months, the amount of real estate agents that are coming to TikTok has exploded.

It used to be, ‘I can’t believe you’re doing that’ (and who hasn’t heard that reaction after joining TikTok?). Then it was, ‘I can’t believe you got a client from that. Could you teach me how to do that?’

And now, real estate agents have flooded TikTok – which is great news for homebuyers.

Real estate TikTok is a thriving community where you can learn just about anything about buying a house and find a great real estate agent in your area.

Let’s talk about how to do it.

How to use real estate TikTok to buy a house

TikTok is YouTube in 15 second- to three-minute-form, and you should treat it as such. You can learn anything on TikTok, including all kinds of information on how to buy a house.

When you’re ready to start your homebuying journey, search for real estate agents in your area and on relevant hashtags. For instance, if I needed to find a real estate agent in Richmond, Va., where I live, I’d search #richmondva or #richmondrealtor. Do that for wherever you want to buy – #portlandrealestate, #charlotterealtor, #chicagorealestate. You get the idea. That will help you find a list of agents you can check out and follow.

Here’s a pro tip: Search hashtags for the areas surrounding the city where you want to buy, too. So, if I’m searching in Richmond, I’d also search #midlothian and #henrico to find agents that can show listings in nearby areas and who are likely to know the inside scoop on different towns and neighborhoods.

@lizbrownrealtordaily #rva #richmondva #richmondvirginia #rvatiktok #rvarealtor #richmondrealtor #henricova #chesterfieldva #rvarealestate #richmondrealestate ♬ Spongebob Tomfoolery - Dante9k Remix - David Snell

But you don’t want to choose a real estate agent based solely on proximity. Just because a TikToker works in your area doesn’t mean they should be your agent.

Use these questions to vet real estate TikTokers before you even reach out to them.

Are they a fit for you?

Nothing beats an in-person meeting for figuring out whether your personalities gel. You can learn a lot about a real estate agent by scrolling through their TikTok videos and Instagram feeds. Most agents link their Instagram accounts in their TikTok bios, so see what they post there, too.   

Why does this matter? When you buy a house with someone, you talk to that person a lot. You’re going to want to see how they act, how they communicate, and what their energy is like. Does it interest you? Are they knowledgeable in the business? Follow their Instagram stories for a week, and see what they’re like in real life versus as a real estate agent, and see if they’re a fit for you.

Definitely see who they are on TikTok. You can tell a lot about a person by their TikTok feed, because you can be real on TikTok. Instagram is useful for learning about who someone is, but it’s a more curated, aesthetic-driven platform. TikTok is more raw, and people tend to let their guard down a little, share more about who they are outside of work and what it’s like to engage with them in real life.

Instagram is all about pretty. If you come see me on TikTok, you might catch me in my car, in my robe, or make-up free. You’re to going to see other real estate TikTokers being a little more natural there as well.

How many followers do they have?

Follower count isn’t everything when it comes to finding a real estate agent on TikTok. But you want to work with someone who has at least 1,000 followers, because anyone who reaches that point has put in the work to build a following.

That tells you that they’ve been consistent at something. And if they’ve been consistent enough to get 1,000 followers, and it can bode well for their consistency as a real estate agent. When you’re buying a house, you want to work with someone who shows up for you every day until you’ve closed on that home. So consistency is a key trait to look for in real estate TikTok.

Do they post local content?

When you look at a real estate agent’s social feeds, notice whether they’re only posting “Just Sold!” announcements or local content. Just Solds tell you nothing. They sold a few properties, but what do they do for their clients? Do they educate? Do they share tips and insights about the areas in which they work?

As a TikToker myself, I always try to teach my clients and followers something, whether it’s about the buying and selling process or about the Richmond area. If someone is moving here from out of town, there’s a lot that they don’t know.

That’s why I made a TikTok about what it means to live north or south of the river in Richmond, because the distinction matters here. I also made another video about what it means to live inside or outside the highway belt (because again, if you’re moving to Richmond, it matters).

@lizbrownrealtordaily #rvahomes #richmondvirginia #rvarealtors #rvarealtor #richmondrealestate #richmondvarealestate #varealestate #rvarealestateagent #richmondrealtor ♬ original sound - Liz Brown Real Estate Coach

All real estate TikTokers and Instagrammers have their own styles and expertise. Pay attention to what they’re sharing and the value they provide. Are they serving hyper-useful homebuying insights on their accounts every day? Are they giving you the tea on the best neighborhoods in the city? Tips about where to find information about local areas? Insider info only a local would know?

The agents who freely share those details and tips on social media will likely be a wealth of information when you’re working with them, too. 

Related reading: How To Buy a House in 11 Steps | 2022 Guide

Do they come across as professional, even on TikTok?

There’s a fine line between professional and unprofessional on TikTok since so much of the platform is about personal stories and behind-the-scenes details. If an agent comes across as scattered and inexperienced in their videos, that’s probably how they’re going to be in person.

You can show up on video in a robe or fresh off a workout and still be professional. It all depends on your confidence and experience. A great real estate agent will be able to rattle off homebuying tips and advice from just about anywhere. Most importantly, they’ll convey a sense of professionalism and reassurance regardless of what they look like or where they are in their videos.

Just remember that the way an agent presents themselves on TikTok is the same way they’re going to represent you as a buyer or seller. In this market, they need to be able to very clearly articulate who you are, what you want, and why you’re the person who should be buying this house. And if they can’t present basic information to you on TikTok, how are they going to do that in real life? 

You found an agent you love on TikTok, but they’re not in your area. What do you do?

The beauty of TikTok is that you can find content creators all over the country, and the world. The downside is that you might follow a real estate agent who seems perfect for you, but they don’t work in your city or state.

If that happens, ask them for a recommendation. They may know someone where you are and can connect you with a fantastic agent in your area.

I recently started the TikTok referral network with hundreds of agents across the U.S. for this reason. Members can refer followers to excellent agents who will likely be a fit. For instance, if you message me looking for a recommendation, I’m only going to send you names of people who are in your area, are equipped to help you buy the type of home you want, and who are a close match when it comes to personality and communication style.

If your favorite real estate TikTok influencer lives clear across the country, chances are there’s another agent out there who will be equally great.

The bottom line

If you’ve spent any amount of time on TikTok, you know it’s more than memes and dance crazes (although those are pretty fun). It’s a place to learn, connect, and even start your homebuying journey.

You can learn a lot about a city or state just by searching relevant TikTok hashtags and familiarizing yourself with an area before you’ve even moved.

And you can find the right real estate agent to help you find your dream home right on real estate TikTok.