A good real estate agent understands the local market he/she operates in backwards and forwards. They help house-seeking clients find neighborhoods and homes offering the best balance between the clients’ lifestyles, concerns and budgets. That is why choosing the right agent is so important.

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Most real estate agents are independent salespeople who provide their services on behalf of a licensed real estate broker. The broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent’s sale of property. Earnings are almost always based strictly on commission. "Realtor" is a proper noun; it is a title only conferred upon real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors.

When you are selecting a real estate agent to work with feel free to ask questions that will give you a good idea of that particular agent’s track record and experience. An agent should be willing to tell you how many transactions he personally completed in each of the last few years. Compare that number to the industry average in the area. Locally geared sites such as Boston Real Estate Broker can help you find qualified agents.

Some other questions you should ask are:

• How long have you been representing buyers as a buyer's agent?
• What percentage of your personal business and what percentage of your company's business is representing buyers? Is the balance of that representing sellers?
• Will you try to sell me one of your listed properties before you show me listings from other real estate companies?
• Do you have information about For Sale By Owner properties?
• How many buyers have you successfully represented in the last six months? Can I have the names and phone numbers of three to six of your most recent buyer clients?
• What training have you taken that specifically relates to being a buyer's agent and representing buyers? Do you have any specific buyer's agent professional designations?
• What is your commission? Or do you have hourly rates or a set fee?
• Will there be a written contract?
• Do you have a list of home inspectors, insurance agents and reputable lenders for me to consider?
• What clauses will you incorporate in our offer, to protect us as buyers?
• How will you help me save money?
• Specifically, how will you protect my interests and why should I hire you rather than another agent?