You should look at your initial consultation as a 'getting to know you' interview. It is an opportunity for you and the agent to determine whether you should work together. You will also obtain valuable information about the area, prices, financing, qualifications, and procedures.

During this initial interview or consultation, both you and the agent should be asking questions of each other to determine whether there is a 'good fit' for a mutually satisfactory outcome. For you that would be to find a home you love. For the REALTOR that would be happy clients and getting paid.

The first step in the consultation should be to determine your 'Your Ultimate Scenario'. This would be the picture you have in mind of what the perfect scenario of buying a home would be. If you can tell the REALTOR what that picture is, he/she will have it in mind, too. When you are both looking at the same picture, it's a lot easier to achieve your desired outcome.

The agent should also explain how they work and how their business is structured. This is important because you need to know from the beginning if their model of services fits your expectations.

Finally, the agent should walk you through the entire buying process ' from initial consultation to showings, to making an offer, to closing and beyond.

For an idea about some questions you should ask during the interview, see: