#1. Buying with a Real Estate Agent

It is a good idea to have an agent for your first time. The agent will help you feel secure. You will have someone to talk to who has been through it many times and will be able to answer questions. The Agent will look out for you so you can avoid getting burned or taken advantage of. Using an agent is virtually free. Agents do not charge you anything to go out and look at houses (even if you decide not to buy), and they will take you out for as long as it takes for you to find the right home. Agents get paid by the seller of the home after you buy your house. Traditionally the buyer's agent and the Seller's agent each get 3% of the purchase price. That fee has become more negotiable in the last 10 years (1%-2.75% each).