Picking the right agent is as important as picking the right lender.

Most people go to the internet to search for a home. It is safe and you don't have to deal with the phone calls that can come with actually contacting an agent. While searching, you are sure to come across scores of agents who offer you an account on the MLS so that you are able to search homes as much as you would like. This is not a problem to sign up for, but the idea is that when you are ready to actually go look at a home you automatically call that agent. A good portion of the time you have not spoken to the agent before now. This is where things can go wrong.

There are good agents and there are bad ones. The reason's for difference in quality can come from many area's of the buying process. The bottom line is they need to be experienced in this housing market. Tthey need to know areas and neighborhoods really well. They need to work with good lender's. They need to know local city professionals. They need to know listing agents in the area. It is extremely important to interview your agent. This way you know you are starting on the right foot. A good agent will have the experience and know how to help you begin to navigate your way to a great lender.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not going to say that you have to use what lender they ask you to but 8 out of 10 home buyers find a home and a Realtor before getting approved for the home they are calling the Realtor to walk through. The steps for buying a home are changing with technology and you, the buyer, can end up with a Realtor you can't stand and a loan that is not right for you. As with any professional service you use, the need to interview and get referrals from family and friends is crucial. 90% of consumers go with the first lender they speak to. This can work in your favor but if the two companies have wrong expectations of each other it can lead to a long drawn out loan process. When you work with a lender that consider's the Realtors that they work with to be a team you get a smoother process all the way around.

In the end, while it's nice to not be bothered until you are ready, make sure that you don't take the possibility of poor service and knowledge just because you happened to see or talk to one agent first for granted. While you are surfing for that perfect home, surf for the perfect agent too.