Buying a home is a big deal, which is why it makes sense to have a good buyer’s agent by your side. Not only will the agent listen to your preferences and find you homes that meet them, but she will also help you navigate the mountains of documents and requirements that are part of the homebuying process. 

Unfortunately, most people get so caught up in looking for the perfect home that they neglect the steps necessary to find a good buyer’s agent. Below, we put together a list of steps you should take to ensure you have the best buyer’s agent possible by your side during your homebuying process. 

Just as every person is different, buyer’s agents are different, too. Some agents are go-getters who move fast to find homes that fit your needs. Other agents are more laid back, taking their time to find homes for you to look at and encouraging you to take your time browsing and deciding as well. 

Take a minute to decide what you want in an agent in terms of knowledge, education, skill, and personality. Finding one that not only knows her stuff but also makes you feel comfortable is the key to working well together. 

Any real estate agent can represent a buyer, but only some have acquired the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation. This designation means that the agent has specialized experience and knowledge in representing buyers in real estate dealings. 

When looking for an agent to help you find your new home, be sure to ask about this accreditation to make sure you’re getting an agent who has your best interest at heart. 

Once you’ve identified a few buyer’s agents you’re interested in, go online to learn more about them. Be sure to visit each agent’s website and read their bios. 

You can also head to Realtor.com to research each agent as well. On this website, you can find out about each agent’s property listings, the properties they’ve sold recently, and whether they represented the buyer or seller in each transaction. 

Realtor.com often includes ratings and reviews for each agent they feature. Other resources for reviews include Angie’s List, Google, Yelp, Zillow, and Facebook. 

Finding out the experiences of others who worked with the agent you’re considering can give you an insight into whether she is right for you or not. 

After researching your list of agents, narrow it down to a couple that seems to fit your needs best. Call each one on the phone and ask any questions you have that are most important to you. Remember, you don’t have to go with the first agent you speak with, so be sure to contact all that seems right. 

Buying a new home is a big deal, which is why you need a buyer’s agent who understands your needs and will work hard to make the experience a fun and hassle-free one. Use the steps above to be sure you get the best buyer’s agent possible.