Buying or selling is a big financial decision in your life. Try and find a real estate agent that specializes in your area of need. Single family condos, townhouses, specific neighborhoods. Look at For Sale signs in those neighborhoods you are interested in, check the web, ask friends and get referrals and talk to their previous clients. For best results deal with a real estate agent that understands financing. You need to be comfortable with the real estate agent you choose so be sure you are able to converse with them in a way that works for both of you before you agree to work with them.
Make sure the agent is representing you, not their own needs. If a real estate agent doesn’t want to show you the houses you are interested in and persuades you to look at the “offices” listings you may have a conflict of interest.
When you call your real estate agent, you need a caring agent that gets back to you within a few hours. You need responsiveness and great service when you are trying to buy a home. A delayed response back from your agent could end up costing you a home you really wanted. Most of all you need great communication.