Referrals still most popular way to find an agent

While social networking does have its merits, approximately half of all buyers find their real estate agent through a referral from a friend, neighbor, or relative, according to data released by economists at the National Association of Realtors.

First-time buyers are more likely to find their real estate agent from a referral, while repeat buyers more often use an agent they previously used to buy or sell a home.

One in ten buyers found their real estate agent through a website, the study revealed.

While unmarried couples tended to rely on referrals slightly more than other types of households, there was little difference across the type of household.