You may feel it is important to you that you choose an experienced agent who is there for you. You may want an agent who is actively finding you potential homes, keeping you informed of the entire process, negotiating furiously on your behalf, and answering all of your questions with competence and speed.

If you decide that you want your own representation in the buying process, first, find an agent who represents you and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a buyer's representative, he or she is required not to tell the seller of your top choice or what your highest price can be. In addition, he or she is also focused on getting you the lowest asking price.

Also, when you use a buyer's agent, you will see more properties. Not only is a buyer's representative plugged into their Multiple Listing Service, but they can actively look for homes that are listed as For Sale By Owner, or homes that sellers are thinking about listing.