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Interview at least three agents to find one you can trust.

Step 2: Find a Real Estate Agent Who Knows the Market

A knowledgeable real estate agent can help in your property search and is especially key if you're a first-time buyer, says Michael Vesole, manager of the Mike Vesole Group @Properties, a Chicago-based real estate group.

"Most people who are buying condos are entry-level buyers," he says. "It's important for these buyers to find someone who has a lot of experience with condos and lofts and who can explain the process well. Transactions usually go sour when the buyer isn't aware of how the process works."

Tips for finding an agent:

• Look at the free sales publications on newsstands to identify agents who have condos listed, because they'll understand the process.
  
  
• Go directly to the property you're interested in and talk to the agent at the sales office.
  "Because they're a representative of the builder or developer, this will give you an idea of the 'personality' of the developer," says Tim Vasko of RealEstock.com. "If you like the agents and the vibe of the sales center, then you've at least got an idea you might like the way the developer does business."
  
  
• Get referrals and interview at least three agents. Find one you can trust and will enjoy doing business with.

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