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     As professionals trained in market analysis, contracts and state regulations, real estate sales people can make the task of buying or selling a home easier. When looking for such an agent, consider the following tips:

A Glossary of Terms

Real estate agents

     People who work with you to find the right home. They have access to home lists and can make appointments and bring your offers to a seller. Although you work with them, the seller pays the agent for helping to find a buyer. The average commission fee is usually between 5 and 7 percent of the home's selling price.

A broker

     Someone licensed to open a real estate office and conduct business under his or her own name. In all real estate offices, there is a broker of record. An agent must be associated with a broker in order to conduct business.

A buyer/agent or broker

     A person hired by the buyer, and, under contractual agreement, works to represent his or her interests in a real estate transaction. Like agents, they have access to home lists and coordinate appointments. Most buyer/agents don't list or sell homes as part of their business and work exclusively for home shoppers.

A Realtor (registered trademark)

     An agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the trade organizations that promotes real estate information, education and professional standards.

What does a real estate professional do?
     Real estate agents and buyer/brokers help sellers and buyers with the complexities of moving a home on the market.

     This includes showing buyers homes that meet their needs, preferences and price range. It also includes helping a seller determine the price of their home. Real estate professionals have access to an area's multiple listing service, a computer database of all available homes in a district.

     Real estate agents also give comparative market analyses of similar homes in a neighborhood. "Comps" as they are called, can tell a buyer how much similar homes sold for, or tell a seller how much to list a home for.

     A Real estate agent and buyer also presents offers to the seller and acts as an intermediary in counter-offers and negotiations. They draft contracts and coordinate the tasks of financing, home inspection, title research and legal counsel.

Finding the right agent for you
     Ask colleagues, neighbors and friends for recommendations. Interview the agent and ask for references. Check them, then ask to see a few houses with the agent. You should feel comfortable and not pressured. Buying a home is the biggest purchase of a person's life; a real estate agent should be sensitive and understanding to your wants and needs.

     Also, look for agents who work full-time and for those who have gone beyond the license requirements by taking additional professional classes. These agents or brokers will have initials following their names, such as GRI, meaning they have passed these more rigorous courses.

     Finally, find out whether the agent has time for you. You will be looking at the most homes possible, if an agent sounds harried or annoyed when you call, move on.