If you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent, that person must: promote your best interests; be loyal to you; follow your lawful instructions; provide you with all material facts that could influence your decisions; use reasonable skill, care and diligence; and account for all monies they handle for you.

It's important that you choose an experienced agent with whom you are comfortable. Your agent should be actively seeking potential homes for you, keep you informed of the entire process, negotiate on your behalf, answer your questions with competence and speed and guide you through the process as smoothly as possible.

As your agent is loyal to you, you should also be loyal to her (or him). Contact your agent prior to seeing any For Sale by Owner (FSBO) properties, and allow the agent to represent you. There are many potential pitfalls that the agent can help you avoid.