When the time comes to buy a house, you need a home buyers agent to show you homes and help you negotiate a good deal on your behalf. Rather than picking a realtor at random, it's important you interview a few and then select the best person for the job. When you interview agents, make sure you ask them each of these four important questions:

Question #1: What Neighborhoods Do You Have Recent Sales In?

In nearly all areas of the country, you will find areas with real estate that is more desirable than others. Even in a small town, there will likely be a "good" part of town and a "bad" part of town, where there's more crime. The transition from each area can be hard to spot. For this reason, you may find a property that seems to be a bargain because you don't have the experience to know it's located in a less than desirable area. The best way to combat this issue is to work with a real estate agent who has intimate knowledge and many sales in the area you want to buy.

Question #2: Do You Own Real Estate Yourself?

Owning real estate is a unique experience, and you want your real estate agent to have their own personal experience in this area. Someone who has never owned their own home just doesn't have the same understanding of the issues surrounding owning this type of asset as someone who has been through the ups and downs of property ownership. 

Question #3: Do You Have Established Relationships With Local Contractors?

When buying property, it's always advisable to have it inspected and sometimes repairs need to be made. A real estate agent who's experienced and known in the local area will have a full list of contractors and inspectors they can refer you to. This can be a huge asset and can save you a lot of time and frustration, especially if you are buying in a new area you aren't familiar with.

Question#4: Why Should I Work With You?

Finally, as you conclude your buyer's agent interview, ask the realtor to tell you why you should choose to work with them. Qualified real estate agents will have a prepared sales pitch and should clearly be able to tell you why they are your best choice. If the agent can't give you good reasons to work with them, then you should take this as a sign of inexperience and find a different agent.