An agent who won't take fifteen minutes to help you understand what to expect when you're buying a home isn't much of an agent. Be aware: If you search for homes first and contact the Agent who has a particular property listed, that Agent will absolutely represent the seller--not you.

The relationship between a homebuyer and an Agent is a little like a marriage: it must be based on trust, mutual goals (to get you the house that best suits your needs!) and understanding. To a large degree, the homebuyer entrusts the Agent to always keep their (the buyer's) interest primarily. It is important that you understand whom the Agent with whom you are working represents.

Finding The Right Agent  What to look for in an Agent?

• Ask if your Agent is a REALTOR® a member of National Association of REALTORS®

• An understanding of your needs

• A willingness to work with you until your needs are fulfilled

• A sense of professionalism

• Someone who is dedicated to his or her profession

• Familiarity with the area, and price range, in which you have an interest

• Strong references from previous buyers and sellers

Home Buying Questions to Ask

• If you decide to work with an agent, will the agent help you compose your offer to purchase a home? If not, who does help?
• If the agent uses fill-in-the-blank forms, ask for a blank sample copy to take home and study
• What types of disclosures are sellers in your area required to give to buyers?
• Can the agent give you a sample copy of typical disclosures?
• What types of home inspections are standard in your area?
• Are there other inspections that the agent recommends?
• How much do the inspections usually cost?
• Are they regarded as a buyer expense?
• When are inspections done?
• Is a survey required for most transactions?
• If so, who typically pays for it, the buyer or the seller?
• Who does the title search to verify that the deed is problem free, attorneys or a title company?
• What's the average cost for that service?
• Who acts as settlement agent, the person who puts together final paperwork for you to sign? (Attorney, title company personnel, real estate broker, other)?
• Other than loan costs, what's the average total cost for other closing fees?
  Taxes, settlement agent fees, etc.
• How long does it usually take to close on a home once an offer is accepted?

Ten Things Home Buyers Should Avoid Doing Before Closing On A Home

1. Don't Do It Alone -  It's the agent's duty to track many of the day to day details that involve the lender, the seller, or the seller's agent. Be sure your agent schedules a final walkthrough just before closing.

2. Don't Make a Major Purchase

3. Don't Change Jobs Unless It's Necessary

4. Don't Let Your Emotions Take Over - Keep a cool head during the entire home buying process

5. Don't fall so much in love with the house that you'll buy it no matter what needs to be done--unless you're sure you can handle it emotionally and financially. Don't Become Best Friends with the Seller -  It's great to be friendly, but don't get into too many long discussions with the sellers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments.

6. Don't Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low -There are some things you (and your agent) can do to correct the problem

7. Don't Ignore Lender Requirements

8. Don't Forget to Line up Your Hazard Insurance -  Before closing, your lender will want to see an insurance binder showing you have coverage for the new home. Get it as early as possible so that closing isn't delayed.

9. Don't Give an Earnest Money Deposit Directly to Seller -  Your agent will deliver an earnest money to seller’s agent brokerage company

10. Don't Forget to Switch Utilities