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Buying a home can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can be equally stressful, especially for first-time homebuyers. A great real estate agent can make the whole experience easier and make you more likely to find the right home. So what does a real estate agent do, exactly, and how do you find a good one?

What does a real estate agent do?

A real estate agent is any professional with a real estate license. You may have also heard the terms real estate broker and Realtor® and are wondering what the differences are. The exact terms can differ from state to state, but let’s look at the most common terms and what we will mean in this guide:

• Agent: anyone who has completed the courses required by your state and passed a licensing test. Licensed real estate agents then sign on with a real estate company.
• Broker: a licensed agent who has earned additional certifications that allow them to manage a team of agents and open a brokerage company.
• ¸é±ð²¹±ô³Ù´Ç°ù®: an agent or broker who belongs to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

Agents also fall into two additional categories: buyer’s agents and seller’s agents (sometimes called listing agents). Buyer’s agents represent potential homebuyers like you. They show properties, answer questions along the way, and help you make an offer on a home.

A seller’s agent is in charge of marketing the home and completing the sale on behalf of the seller. Some agents do both: represent buyers and sellers.

The bottom line is, any licensed agent should be qualified to help you buy a home. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're a good fit for you or have the experience you need.

How a good real estate agent can help you

A professional real estate agent is your personal advocate. They should be able to give you the insight and support you need to make informed decisions, from the time you start house-hunting until you get your keys.

A skilled agent can provide:

• Knowledge about neighborhoods, home prices, and the local housing market
• Help with finding and touring homes that meet your requirements
• Advice about a home you're interested in
• Recommendations for mortgage lenders
• Guidance on making an offer and negotiating the best deal
• Updates on the transaction and scheduled events like inspections and closing day

If you're buying your first home, you may want an agent who specializes in working with first-time homebuyers. Whoever you work with, you should always feel comfortable asking any questions you have.

Trust plays a big part in your relationship with your agent. Expect fair and professional treatment, and if you don't get it, look elsewhere. Real estate agents should be willing to show you all the homes and neighborhoods you're interested in. They should listen to your needs and never pressure you to make a decision before you're ready. Learn more about your rights as a homebuyer and what equal housing opportunity looks like for you.

How to find a real estate agent

When you're buying your first home, the question of how to find a Realtor® or any agent can be even more challenging. Here are a few tips:

• Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. They can give you a first-hand account of their experience with the agent.
• Look online. Many agents have websites or customer reviews. Consider agents with the best overall ratings, longest experience in your area, or special interest in helping first-time buyers.
• Check out homebuyer programs. Websites for state and local first-time homebuyer programs often list agents who are trained to work with first-time buyers.
• Ask your lender. If you're already working with a lender, they may be able to recommend an agent with relevant experience in a first-time buyer program or loan.

Once you have a few agents in mind, email them or give them a call, then meet with them if possible. Be up-front about what you're looking for. This means telling them about your budget, target neighborhoods, and how much support you may need as a first-time buyer. The clearer you can be, the more likely it is that you’ll find the right agent for you.

5 questions to ask a real estate agent

There are plenty of questions you could ask when interviewing a real estate agent, but these can be especially helpful:

1) What do you know about first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs?

If you’re looking to purchase a home through one of these programs, it's vital that your agent is experienced with these programs, or can refer you to a lender who is.

2) How many sales have you handled in my target neighborhoods?

Local expertise is key. Try finding an agent with at least a few recent deals in the neighborhoods you’re interested in.

3) When am I committed to working with you?

Many homebuyers start touring homes without realizing this can obligate them to work with an agent, contract or no contract. Make sure you know the limits if you find that your agent isn’t meeting your needs.

4) Who else will be working with me?

An agent is often supported by a team, but the person you hire should be the one who is available to answer your questions, write your contract, and get the deal done. Get an understanding of what your agent is taking responsibility for in case you have questions during the home-buying process.

5) Do you represent buyers and sellers on the same house?

This is called dual agency, and most buyers prefer to avoid it. A seller's agent is committed to getting the best deal for their seller. It's better to work with a buyer's agent who is committed to advocating for you.

These are just a starting point. If you're still wondering about how to find a real estate agent that's right for you, check out the top 15 questions to ask your real estate agent.

Who pays the real estate agent fees?

The question of who pays Realtor® fees is confusing for many buyers and sellers. But as the buyer, you're in luck. Real estate commissions are negotiable, and usually paid by the seller, so you don't have to pay anything for the services of your agent. However, just because the seller pays your agent doesn't mean they are any less focused on your goals.

One other thing to note: agents get paid at the end of the process, when a home is sold. So what happens if you tour homes and get help from an agent, but don't end up buying? The fact is, the agent won't be paid. That doesn't mean you should avoid touring homes or feel pressured to buy before you're ready. Agents know this is part of the job. It's just something to keep in mind as part of your professional relationship.

When am I obligated to work with a real estate agent?

As you figure out how to find a real estate agent, it's important to know when you're legally obligated to work with an agent. In some cases, they may ask you to sign a "buyer’s agency agreement" before they show you any homes. This agreement typically states how long you'll be working with your agent. Once you sign it, you're required to work with that agent. If you've signed one of these and want to end the agreement, review the agency agreement and talk to your agent or a lawyer about your options.

If you haven't signed a buyer’s agency agreement, you're generally not obligated to work with a particular agent. But if you're feeling undecided, it's best to communicate this with the agent—ideally before they show you any homes. Once you've found the right agent, let them know you'd like to continue working with them on your home-buying journey.

When you make a commitment to work with a real estate agent, they make a commitment to work hard on your behalf and advocate for your best interests. Their goal is to help another deserving homebuyer—you—get the keys to a home you can call your own.