Before you decide to hire Buyer Agent to help you with your home or investment property purchase, make sure you are getting everything that you expect.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about how they work, their experience, training, and knowledge.  You are about to go on a journey with this person to make the largest purchase of your life - make sure you are going to have an enjoyable experience and productive relationship with the Buyer Agent you select.

Here are 12 questions you need to ask before you get started:

1. How long have you been in the real estate business?
2. Do you work in the real estate business full-time or part-time?
3. How much time will I spend working with you vs. your assistant or other team member?
4. What special training or certifications do you currently hold? (e.g.:  Certified Buyer Agent, Accredited Buyer Agent, Graduate - Realtor Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, etc.)
5. What percentage of time do you spend working with buyers vs. listing and selling property for sellers?
6. How many clients (buyers and sellers) do you typically work with at any one time?
7. How many transactions do you close in a typical year?
8. How does your firm handle “dual-agent” or “designated agent” situations?
9. Are you a REALTOR and subscribe to a professional code of ethics?
10. Do you have any past or current complaints filed against you at the board of registration or your local real estate board?
11. What is the average percentage price reduction that you have been able to obtain for your clients from the last listed price of a property to the final sales price?
12. What is your preferred approach to alerting and showing clients potential properties?