Buying your first home creates a mix of emotions. You might feel excited when you begin, but that might morph into complete relief the day you move in and the process is finally over. Home buying is filled with twists, turns, unknowns, problems, changes, and things you never saw coming. If this is your first time buying a home, you haven’t been around the block before to know what to expect. This is why it’s imperative you choose a realtor who can take the reins and help you every step of the way. A great realtor can make or break this process for you, and knowing how to find the right realtor is helpful.

Ask for Referrals
A great realtor is one with an excellent reputation for helping homeowners buy and/or sell their homes with a great attitude and hard work. You will find people who’ve worked with and love their agent will sing their praises to you, and that’s the kind of realtor you want to work with. Professionals believe a good realtor is one who forms a relationship with his or her clients that outlasts the sale or purchase of just one home. It lasts a lifetime.

Speak to the Agent
Before you decide to hire someone to represent you as a buyer, schedule a meeting. This gives you the opportunity to look for a few things. You want to see how long it takes the realtor to call you back or email you when you make the first contact. You get to see how quickly and efficiently the realtor is able to schedule you into his or her calendar, and you get to see if the realtor takes the time to ask you questions and get to know you.

A good realtor does just that. They get to know the client so they can help them find the house that’s perfect. Without knowing the client, it’s difficult for a realtor to know what you want. You want someone who asks questions, shows interest, and is excited to help.

Discuss Expectations
Your realtor shouldn’t be annoyed if you can’t make a decision right away, nor should they try to push you from one home to another when you’re feeling confident in your decision. They should respect what you say, how you feel, and only guide you along the way. You both have expectations, and you should discuss them upfront. If your realtor wants to get you into a new house inside of a month, they’ll tell you. If you prefer to take your time and spend the next six months looking, let your realtor know. You are taking one another’s time, and it should be done only if you have the same expectations and goals.

Working with the right realtor is the way to go. The wrong realtor can make the process more difficult and stressful. At the end of the day, you need to work with someone who has a good vibe. Does your gut tell you this is the right or wrong realtor? Go with that and go from there.

About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball. The information in this article is credited to The Alan Smith Team—RE/MAX Professionals.