It seems like buying a home in El Centro should be easy, right? You look through open homes, or magazine advertisements, or drive by for-sale properties, and call the agent if you are interested in the home. Unfortunately, if you aren't represented in the sales process, your real estate purchase can become a real nightmare.

Most people don't give a lot of thought to the selection of a real estate agent. They may get a few referrals, or simply work with whoever is representing a home. But when you think about the fact that the real estate agent may end up making close to 6% of the sales price of the home in commission, and the average El Centro home will sell for well over $200,000 ? you're suddenly talking about a lot of money.

Real estate transactions are big business; it's probably the single largest purchase you'll make in your life. So don't settle for an agent that doesn't have the skill or insight to help you find the right home in El Centro. You need someone with experience in savvy.

Before you ever begin home shopping with an agent, you should take the time to interview the real estate agent and determine if they will be a good fit for your needs. You want to find out:

Is he or she a licensed agent? How long has he or she had their license? An agent that hasn't been in business very long (at least a couple of years) may not have the experience to recognize potential problems, or the skills to negotiate your transaction.

How can you reach the agent? Will you be able to call the agent on their cell phone or email him or her? How long will it take them to respond to a message? In hot real estate markets, you need an agent that will return your call within a few hours, or you may be missing out on a great opportunity. Just as important, does the agent work part-time or full-time?

Does he or she listen to you? You are the single most important person in your search for a home. You know what you like, what you don't like, what areas you want to avoid, etc. There are lots of agents that simply don't take the time to focus on their client and are all too willing to show homes they've listed, whether they meet the clients criteria or not. You shouldn't have to wade through homes you aren't going to buy.

Your time is precious. When you start looking for a home in El Centro, you want to be sure that you are finding the right home for you, without a lot of pressure or anxiety. The right agent can make all the difference to the process.

Ask friends and family for references, but don't hesitate to put the agent through their paces. You want someone who represents you and has your interests at heart. Then you can be assured of finding a home in El Centro that is perfect for years to come.