Buying or selling a home is a huge life change, and while you are looking to get top dollar for your current property, selecting your next dream home can come down to how well your real estate agent knows your needs. A good real estate agent will know the ins and outs of the markets, as well as your personal needs to find the perfect home or buyer. If you're looking to buy or sell your home, make sure you start with the right real estate agent. Ask your real estate agent important questions, so they get to know you and your needs. Here's a quick guide on choosing the right agent for your situation.

Choose A Person, Not Experience

One good tip for forming a good repertoire is choosing an agent whose personality meshes well with you. Don't choose your representative based solely on their experience. Your real estate agent should understand your needs and feel relatable and great at negotiating. You want someone who you feel will fight for the best deal for you either buying or selling.

Interview Multiple Agents

No matter if you're the buyer or seller in a transaction, sit down with at least three real estate agents before you commit to one. You should choose an agent that focuses on marketing the property rather than using the property to market their name. Do they seem honest and trustworthy? Your gut instinct is often very useful in making these determinations about someone.

Ask Other Homeowners for A Referral

Finding the right real estate agent often involves speaking to past clients. If someone has had a good experience with an agent, they will be willing to tell you how smooth the transaction went. Past referrals and happy customers generally mean the real estate agent is serious about their job and will serve you well.

Go with A Supportive Agent

First-time home buyers should seek a real estate agent who is prepared to offer a lot of support during the buying process. Agents who connect and offer great customer service will make the experience smooth and less complicated. Real estate agents often have several clients at a time, but you should never feel as though you're being overlooked in favor of someone else.

An Honest Agent is Key

A real estate agent who is honest about the property is hard to find. Any agent who uses fluff language about obvious flaws should be avoided. Go with an agent who is prepared to be real about the risks of buying or selling a particular house. Agents who are real about the risk of investing in a home will use real facts and figures about the market in your local area. Check those facts and figures with an independent source to be sure they're accurate.

More Research Helps

Once you've got a few agents in mind, don't be afraid to scour the web for reviews of that agent. Google any real estate agent to see their reputation online. Most agents maintain a social media presence, where they can be rated on a star system.