Most real estate transactions require you to be represented by an agent. There are some exceptions, like when buying a home for sale by owner. Choosing a real estate agent should be like interviewing someone for a job. Call different agents and ask any questions you might have about the home buying process. Agents should take time to answer your questions without an assumption of representation. Once you feel comfortable with someone, you will need to sign an agreement in order for him or her to represent you.
Begin searching for a house
Once you have chosen an agent, he or she will give you listings to review. You can also look in the newspaper, or search the internet for available homes. Another source of listings can be found in magazines specializing in Houses for Sale. You can typically find these magazines outside of grocery stores and gas stations. They are free and contain very current information. Most of these magazines come out on the first week of the month.
Choose a home and make an offer
When deciding which house to choose, take into consideration all other aspects of the particular house you want. Are there any deed restrictions, and can you live with them? What is the resale value of the house? Are there any association fees? What comes with the house? What are the yearly property taxes? etc. Once you have answers to all your questions and you pick a house, you are ready to make an offer. Include with your offer any items you might want included in the house like refrigerator, stove and microwave. Most listings will specify the items included with the house; this should give you a starting point for your list. If the house listing is not clear on specific items you might want, add them to your list. Your real estate agent will submit the offer and with a little luck, it will be accepted. Do not get discouraged if your offer is rejected and you have to start over. You probably will have by now a few other choices to reconsider.