If you're in the market to purchase a home, here's something you should know . . .

Your decision to buy a home involves much more than just looking at 2 or 3 homes, making an offer, and moving in. Hiring the wrong real estate agent can mean the difference between making a wise investment or losing money, finding a home quickly or taking a long time, a trouble-free transaction or a living nightmare, etc.

Unless you have experience interviewing people, and real estate agents in particular, you don't always know what questions to ask. Further, you don't always know what answer will best suit your needs. So here's a list of important and insightful questions you should ask any real estate agent BEFORE you sign anything.

Question #1: Are you a REALTOR?
You want to be sure you are working with a real estate agent who is also a REALTOR.

Question #2: How long have you been practicing real estate?
This question will reveal more than just years practicing. You want to delve down into the number of transactions, average price range, areas of specialization and types of homes they've purchased or sold personally and assisted with as an agent. You also want to know how productive they've been in each year in practice.

Some REALTORS in business less than 5 years may have more experience than other REALTORS in business 10 years or more! You want to know what kind of experience they have that will apply directly to your real estate situation.

Question #3: What qualifications do you have to represent me?
This question looks for their overall commitment and dedication to building their personal and professional skills. If they're not willing to commit to improving themselves, they may not commit to your needs and satisfaction either.

First, look at their overall education. Did they go to college? Do they have any REALTOR or professional designations? How often do they invest in improving their skills and keeping up with technology and other industry trends?

Question #4: Tell me about your personal real estate operation?
This is an open-ended question designed to get your REALTOR talking about their business. You want to know how much they've invested into their business as related to giving you competent and quality service. For example: What resources do they have available to them? Do they have a pager, cellular phone, email, and other methods of reaching them? What are their office accommodations? The more a REALTOR invests into their own success, office and systems, the more they'll be able to commit to you.

Question #5: Can you give me a list of references?
A REALTOR who doesn't accumulate a list of satisfied references either doesn't do much business, or isn't providing the kind of service or follow-through you need. References don't always need to be past clients. They can be professional references as well: bankers, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, etc.

Question #6: What systems do you have for tracking the housing market and listings on a regular basis?
This is a very important question. As a buyer, you want to know their competence in understanding values of certain areas. They also need systems to keep you continually up to date with opportunities in the market. You want them to have more than 'access to Multiple Listing Service.'

Question #7: Do you guarantee your services?
Some REALTORS will give you a blank stare at this question. If they do, you might want to consider taking your business elsewhere. Why? Because you need to know their level of commitment to your success. Is your REALTOR willing to stake their successful outcome with yours?

Smart REALTORS guarantee their services because they are confident they can perform for you because of their experience, commitment, and work ethic. REALTORS on the cutting edge of real estate guarantee their services.

Question #8: Can you refer me to reputable mortgage lenders, bankers, inspectors, contractors, etc?
This question reveals how active the REALTOR is and how well connected they are professionally. At some point in the buying or selling process, you will need the services of a reputable, competent lender, title company, etc. If your REALTOR is active, committed, and diligent with their practice, they'll be able to give you a few names of each right on the spot.

Question #9: How many people do you speak with each day about real estate?
This question will tell you how well connected a REALTOR is, and how actively they will seek a home for you by talking to other REALTORS.

Question 10: Will you personally handle the transaction for us?
You want a REALTOR who is involved in your transaction from start to finish. You want a REALTOR who's committed to your interests. Your REALTOR will need to represent you to other REALTORS, to sellers, to lenders, to title companies, etc.