Real estate experts go by a few different names, although the distinction shouldnt matter for you as a first time home buyer. Important is to make certain the broker or agent you chouse is a licensed real estate professional. All real estate brokers or agents are licensed and regulated by each state.

To the average home buyer or seller, the difference isnt much. To become a real estate agent, an individual must complete the required number of classes and pass the agents exam. To become a broker the agent must than take additional classes, have a specified amount of experience in the field (normally 1 year), and pass another exam. Having a real estate broker license confers certain privileges, including the right to open, run, and own a real estate office, and to work independently without an office. A real estate agent must work for a broker, who is responsible for that agents actions.

Work With a Broker Instead of an Agent? Not necessary! Although it would seem that a broker may have more experience or be more knowledgeable than an agent, it is not always the case. A lot of excellent real estates agents have choose not to become brokers because they have no intention of ever running their own office. The experience and knowledge of a real estate agent who has been working in an area for ten years will far surpass that of a brand new broker.

Realtors vs. Non-Realtors A realtor is a broker or agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and subscribes to that organizations code of ethics and conduct. There are about 2 million real estates agents and brokers in the US, of which around 800,000 belong to the NAR. Is it better to work with a realtor than a broker or agent who is not a realtor? Not necessarily, because when you look for an agent or broker you must look for the best, most knowledgeable, and most reliable agent or broker. Dont worry about titles, designations, and how many diplomas he or she has. Finding a Real Estate Agent or Broker Finding a broker or agent who meets your needs and is compatible with your personality can be tougher than it sounds. Buyers who have the worst experiences are often those who just walk into or call a neighborhood shop and ask for anyone at random.

But how can you find a good agent or broker? Here are three valuable suggestions:

a. Open your local newspaper to the real estate section and see who runs the biggest ads, week in and week out
b. You can ask your parents, relatives, or friends for referrals. But before taking any decision, make sure they had a great experience with the agent they used
c. Call your local board of realtors and ask for the names of agents who sold the most property last year.

Choosing the Right Agent or Broker

In addition to looking for an experienced agent, try to find one who suits your personality. Working with a real estate is a little like a short-term marriage. Even in the best of circumstances, the pressure will mount and you may not always like whats happening, or how a situation is being handled, or how a situation is being handled. Youll be in close proximity for an undetermined amount of time at least 3 to 6 months from start to closingso its a good idea to find someone with whom youre compatible. To ensure youre working with the right person, take on the responsibility of interviewing several agents or brokers before you take your final decision. If you simply take a friends or relatives suggestion, you may find yourself working with the wrong agent or broker, looking in the wrong neighborhoods, and touring homes that are too expensive.

Here are the most important sixteen questions you should ask the agent or broker when youre making the interview:
1. How many years have you been in the real estate business?
2. How many years have you been with this company?
3. How many residential real estate transactions have you complete in each of the past three years?
4. What percentage of your home business is with home buyers?
5. How old are your clients in average? Do they have children?
6. What was the price range of the homes you helped people buy and sell last year?
7. What was the average price of the homes you helped your clients buy and sell? If you want to buy the home of your dreams in less time with less money, than click on the link bellow to discover the most powerful home-buying strategies real estate companies dont want you to know and save at least $13,000 in additional fees & taxes guaranteed.
8. Are you an exclusive buyer broker? Do you ask home buyers to sign an exclusivity contract?
9. Do you charge an up-front fee that is later applied to the commission?
10. What are the primary neighborhoods or communities in which you work?
11. How familiar are you with the schools, crime statistics, and demographics of the various neighborhoods.
12. What style of home do you most frequently work with?
13. Are you a smoker or nonsmoker? (if this is important for you)
14. How many home buyers or sellers do you work with at a given time?
15. How do I reach you? Can I e-mail you? Or phone you at home?
16. Do you work with an assistant? Will I be working with an assistant or with you?

You can find out a lot about agents just by the way they answer these questions. If they bristle and seem reluctant to share information with you, that may be a sign of things to come. If theyre open and friendly, and you develop a connection on the phone, you may have found someone with whom youll enjoy working.