Finding a Realtor you trust and feel comfortable with is key for a positive homebuying experience.

#5: Get the right Realtor.

Buying a home is not an ordinary business transaction. As such, your relationship with your Realtor is not like your relationship with your accountant. In an ideal situation, your Realtor will learn all sorts of private financial, emotional and relationship details about you and your family, and you will be comfortable making these true confessions. On the other hand, if you don't like -- or trust -- your Realtor, or they are unable to translate your vision into a home, a traumatic transaction is virtually inevitable!

What to look for. The right Realtor for a drama-free homebuying transaction is not necessarily the famous, fancy agent whose sign you see on every lawn. You want someone who has the time to hold your hand and patiently explain real estate basics, local standard practices and how the news applies to you (or not). You also want someone who:

• is a member of the National Association of Realtors (not just a licensed agent)
• is your 'flavor' of person (communicates in language and via media that works for you, e.g., emails if you like email, calls if you prefer the phone);
• is experienced with the type of transaction you envision (has represented buyers of bank-owned foreclosures, if you think you might buy such a place);
• is a great problem-solver, and can give you examples of transactions where she had to come up with novel solutions to get a derailed transaction back on track; and
• has a team of trusted mortgage, inspection and escrow providers she can refer you to and help you manage.

Find the right fit. You do want someone with a basic level of competence and who has worked in the general geographic area you're looking in, but they don't necessarily have to be a 20-year neighborhood specialist to be the advocate and representative you need.

• Referrals. Look in your circle of contacts for someone who bought a home from a Realtor they absolutely loved. Or, visit www.REThinkRealEstate.com and ask Tara to find you a tech-savvy buyer's representative in your area.

• Seminars. Attend local homebuying seminars presented by Realtors, and see if you click with any of them.

• Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council. Visit www.REBAC.net and search their membership database to find an Accredited Buyer's Representative in your area.

NEXT: #4: Prevent money surprises during escrow >>

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