Why even use an agent? Because the seller almost always pays for the commission for the sale of a house. That means that you can use the services of a real estate agent for free. So you might as well use one.
A real estate agent has the tools to help you find a house that fits you and your budget. This includes access to more listings, educating you on the types of home loans you might qualify for, assisting you with escrow requirements and eventually preparing the final contract for your new home. Plus, it helps to have a pro by your side when you're dealing with something as expensive as buying a house.
Make sure you are talking to a buyer's agent and not a seller's agent. For example, if you see a house that interests you, don't use the agent whose name is on the "for sale" sign. That agent represents the seller, and will try to make sure the deal is to the seller's advantage, not yours.
Where Do You Find an Agent?
Utilize some basic resources to find an agent. Look in the phone book under "Real Estate" or check out real estate ads in newspapers and magazines. Start with reputable agencies you're familiar with, such as RE/MAX or Century 21, before talking to someone at a smaller, local agency.
Talk to a few agents and feel them out. Ask them for references. Make sure the agent you choose has been licensed by the state in which you are looking for a home. If an agent tries to pressure you into a house you don't want, drop that agent immediately. Hunting for a house can't be done in a hurry, so pick an agent you feel comfortable working with over an extended period of time.
