Should I just use the agent my lender or my attorney recommends?

A referral from your lender or attorney can be a fine starting point, but it is worth confirming that agent actually knows the towns you are buying or selling in. Referral relationships sometimes exist because of a business arrangement rather than a local track record, so ask how many recent closings that agent handled in your specific area. Interview at least one agent outside the referral to compare. The right fit matters more than who made the introduction.