Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional
purchases of a person’s life. That’s why it is so important to find an
agent that can not only help you navigate the home search process, but
one who can also answer your questions and represent your needs from
start to finish. Most importantly, your agent should care about your
happiness and ensuring that you find the home that best fits your needs.
. Here are some qualities to consider when selecting a real estate
agent:

1. 
   Someone you like. More than likely, you will be spending a lot of time with your agent, so look for someone that you enjoy interacting with.
2. 
   Someone you trust. One of the best ways to find an
   agent who you feel you can trust is to ask friends and family for a
   referral. Another way to do this is to interview different agents and
   ask for client references.
3. 
   Someone who listens. While your agent can’t read your
   mind, they should be able to make educated recommendations and offer
   advice by listening closely to your needs. Make sure you talk to your
   agent about your priorities, what types of features appeal to you, as
   well as any factors that could be deal breakers. This will arm your
   agent with everything they need to help find you the perfect home.
4. 
   Qualified and experienced. Make sure your agent has the
   qualifications and experience to meet your specific needs. For example,
   some agents have more experience with short sales, while others might
   be experts on certain neighborhoods or types of housing.  Your agent
   should also be fully trained in contract law and negotiations
5. 
   Knowledgeable. A great agent is someone who is out in
   the neighborhoods, exploring communities, visiting listings, performing
   marketing analyses, and collecting all the information that you need to
   make an informed, confident decision about your real estate needs.
6. 
   Honest. Your agent should be upfront and honest with
   you about every aspect of your home search process – even if it involves
   delivering bad news. The best real estate agents are more concerned
   about finding the right home for their clients, not just the home that
   brings in the fastest commission check.
7. 
   Local. Every community is different and all real estate
   is local, so it’s important to find someone who really knows the local
   market and can provide you with whatever information you need to
   familiarize yourself with a particular area..
8. 
   Connected. A well connected agent will have
   relationships with lenders, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, and any
   other service provider you might need during your home search.
9. 
   Straight forward. You want an agent who will work hard
   to help you find the best home, but you also want someone who will be
   straight forward with you about the process, the market reality, and
   what is realistic for you.
10. 
    Committed. Your agent should be in it for the long
    haul, meaning that they’re looking out for your best interests every
    step of the way, no matter how long the process takes. The best way to
    find an agent with these qualities is by asking around. In all
    likelihood, someone within your circle of friends or family will have
    experiences to share and professionals to recommend.