Finding a good and trustworthy real estate agent is imperative if you want to have a carefree real estate transaction. However, the million dollar question is how to identify and engage a good real estate agent? A good real estate agent is an experienced professional who will listen to you, conduct the dealings in an ethical manner and fully knows your requirements.

Most real estate agents are able to stay and succeed in business because their satisfied clients refer them to friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. Successful agents make customer satisfaction their number one priority and put their customers' needs before their own. Enquire with all people you know for details about their real estate agent. There are several Web sites that will refer agents to you although there may not be any assurance for quality. The agents they refer are obviously those who have paid the Web site owners a fee to be listed in their directory.

By attending open houses, you can meet real estate agents in a non-threatening working environment and interact with them. Collect business cards and make notes on them. Find out if the agent is polite and informative and willing to understand your needs.

Carefully watch all the listing signs in your neighborhood. Make note of the day they were put up and the day the sold sign appears. The agent who sells listings the fastest is more result-oriented and obviously better suited for you than the agent who merely has the largest number of "for sale" signs.

Carefully go through your local Sunday newspaper for real estate agents ads in your neighborhood. Then scan the Web sites of the agents who are advertising. These agents might well be specialists in your neighborhood. Call and ask them about their background, business experience and other credentials. Please know you have to be selective in choosing a real estate agent. Some agents specialize in residential re-sales while others work exclusively with new home builders. Some agents sell only commercial or investment property.

Experienced real estate agents know the neighborhoods, the market norms and selling trends of homes and can ably guide you through the many steps involved in buying a home, including recommendations on mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and other service providers.

In some states, there are different types of real estate agents. As a buyer, you may curiously end up working with a seller's or listing agent, one who works for the seller of the home and whose commission is paid by the seller. Alternately, you may be able to find an exclusive buyer's agent to represent your interests in the transaction. To be represented by an exclusive buyer's agent, you must necessarily sign a contract.

If you decide to buy a home without the help of a real estate agent, you will have to choose good legal counsel. As a new homebuyer, though, you would be best served by working with a real estate agent with whom you are comfortable or a real estate agent you know well or one your trusted friends recommend.

Finding a good real estate agent is as good as finding a good dentist or a family doctor. Begin by asking your family and friends for referrals. Once you hear the same name repeated by many, you can personally interview the agent to satisfy yourself. As you talk with prospective agents, determine your comfort level with each as it is essential you feel a sense of confidence and trust in your real estate agent.