Many first time homeowners are intimidated by the entire home buying process and may turn to a real estate agent to answer all of their questions. While a real estate professional can be a valuable resource for your home buying needs, they shouldn’t be the only resource you count on.

Ilyce Glink, author of “100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask”, encourages homeowners to educate themselves about the prospective neighborhood by doing online research and interviewing several realtors to find the best match. This is a proven strategy for first time home buying success.

When it’s time to find the best real estate agent to handle your project, there are some specific questions you can ask so that you end up working with someone who truly understands your needs. Key questions to ask a prospective real estate agent include:

1. How many years have you been selling real estate in this neighborhood? Find out how well-established the real estate agent is in your prospective neighborhood so you can be confident that they can show you all the benefits and the drawbacks.

2. What is the average price of homes that their clients buy and sell? Make sure you are working with a real estate agent who is comfortable with your budget range and won’t try to sell you a premium or luxury home if you’re not ready for it.

3. How many home buyers or sellers do you work with at any given time? This question will give you an idea of how much time the agent can devote only to you and keep up with communications.

4. Do you work with an assistant? Communication is a critical part of the home buyer and realtor relationship, so you need to know if you will be working primarily with his/her assistant on a regular basis, or directly with the agent. Make sure you are comfortable with this relationship or setup so you can have all of your questions or concerns taken care of within a reasonable amount of time.

5. What percentage of your business is with first time home buyers? Finding out how frequently your prospective real estate agent works with first time home buyers gives you some indication of their experience and may help you make a better decision for your final selection.

6. How many years have you been with the company? A well-established realtor or agent who can show a strong track record of success with a certain company may be a better match for you than someone who has moved around a lot or has only recently jumped into the business. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from a supervisor to find out if the agent has the experience and skills you need.

Finding the best real estate agent for your home buying experience can take time, so it is in your best interests to review several qualified agents in your area before making the final decision. Real estate agents can offer many insights and guidance about your prospective home and neighborhood, and you will need a reliable and experienced professional to help you find your dream home.