Working with an agent means more than having an expert on your side.

The agent becomes your partner and sounding board, protecting your interests, making the process as convenient as possible and leading the way to your eventual home purchase.

Their expertise will help you make informed decisions every step of the way. You will need an agent that is highly trained, knowledgeable about the market and has the necessary skills and resources to help you find a home. It important that you find an agent you feel comfortable with and who fits your personality and preferences.

The following are some questions you might ask during an agent interview:

Q. How will you help me find the right home?
A. Look for someone who has knowledge of the area that you are interested in. Listen to how they speak about your options and what information they have about communities, schools, homes and features. They should be able to clearly explain the available areas and homes and separate the good properties from the less-than optimal ones.

Q. What advice can you give me concerning my own situation?
A. Every home purchase has unique circumstances. Your financial position, job prospects, family size and future plans all have an impact on your home purchase. Get a sense of how your agent can counsel you on your specific situation. What qualifies them to help you with that special need.

Q. Why should I work with only a single buyer’s agent?
A. If you don’t have an Exclusive Agency Agreement with your agent, you are not legally obligated to work with just him/her. However, listen to your agent’ ideas on this point and then decide what is right for you. Most buyers find it most convenient and less stressful to work with a single agent.

Q. What happens when you are not available?
A. Make sure that you agent explains what will happen when they are out of town or otherwise engaged. Do they have a partner who will step in and assist you or do they have an assistant(s) that will work with you during brief periods of unavailability? How will they communicate with you: email, business phone, personal, voice mail, cell phone etc.? Discuss the best methods of communication for your needs.

Q. What distinguishes your real estate company from the competitors?
A. What is the company’s business philosophy? Does the company invest in the latest technologies to meet buyer’s needs? What is their history in the marketplace? The agent should be able to articulate these items to clearly differentiate their company from the competitors.

Q. What distinguishes your personal service from other agents?
A. Listen to how the agent describes themselves and their willingness to be there for you. Do they put your needs above their own? What is their personal business philosophy.
After each interview, ask yourself:
Do you feel the agent is honest and trustworthy?
Are they realistic in talking about your needs and home purchase?
Do they communicate well with you and vice versa?
Are they committed, motivated and experienced?
Do they have the technology tools and company resources necessary to assist you?