The real estate search can be super daunting. Buying a home is not just finding a place to live, but likely one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. Finding someone who can help you navigate the process, offer guidance and avoid the many pitfalls that can come with purchasing a home, will save time, headaches and money down the road. So, what sets agents apart and how do you make sure you are working with the best?

First, we believe all buyers should interview a few buyer’s agents. This is someone with whom you will be working closely and in whom you should have 100% faith. Get recommendations from friends and family, look at online reviews, and set up calls with different agents. Now that you have a few people on your list, here are some questions we recommend asking in order to get a feel for how each agent works:

1. How long have you been in the business? Are you full or part time?
   Being full time is arguably more important than how long an agent has been in the business. A full time agent should be deeply in tune with the market, know the current trends, and be connected with other local agents. This last point is more important than buyers realize, especially in a competitive market, as an agent’s reputation can help win in a bidding war.
2. Why do I need a buyer’s agent, and how do you think you are uniquely positioned to help your buyers?
   This will give you a great idea of the role that this specific buyer’s agent believes that they play in your search, and what they bring to the table as far as skill set goes.
3. What geographic areas do you focus on?
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Some websites offer a laundry list of other questions, but we think these 4 questions and requests shed the most of light on how an agent sees their approach and value add to a buyer’s process, as well as what expertise and support they can offer to you in your search. In addition to evaluating the answers you receive, listen to your gut – who did you get along with? Who seemed straight forward and honest in their answers? You will be in the search process with this person for as long as it takes, and finding the right fit is the best gift you can give yourself!