Select a Buyer's broker: Many people have negative impressions of salespeople and would just as soon do without one. They attempt to find a home by driving neighborhoods, calling phone numbers printed on signs, visiting open houses, or through the Internet. These steps are a great way to become informed but a buyer should be aware of the pitfalls of searching for a home without a buyer's broker.

There are a number of disadvantages in looking for a home without the assistance of a qualified Realtor®. First off, you are limiting the number of homes to which you are exposed. You probably don't know all the neighborhoods that could fit your needs. The agent you talk to on the sign call or open house work for the seller and are obligated to get you to pay as much as possible for the home.

The reasons to have a buyer's broker: A buyer's broker works for you, the buyer, to get the best possible price and terms. They can expose you to all possible neighborhoods fitting your needs. Many of the best properties sell within a day or two and searching for real estate with out the benefit of a Realtor® will invariably cause you to miss many of the best properties. Agents have resources for everything including lenders and loan officers, title companies and escrow officers, quality property inspectors, pest inspection companies, construction and property repair companies, moving companies, etc. You can and will benefit from their expertise and contacts.