Here are some proactive ways to find an agent.

1. Many agents are hired by referral so start asking around for recommendations. 
2. Look on the internet for exclusive buyer agents. Type this into an internet search and you will find some agents who specialize in this.
3. Talk to the office manager of a real estate company and ask the following questions;

-         “I’d like to interview a few agents. Do you have any that exclusively work with buyers?

If they don’t have an exclusive buyers agent then ask;

-         “I’m interested in interviewing some agents and want you to recommend some to me. I want someone who prefers to work with buyers and has some experience. But they don’t have to be a top producer or the agent with a lot of listings. I want to work directly with the agent I hire and not get delegated to someone on their team.”

Once you’ve selected a few agents you can take control of the process and interview them. Here are some ways to approach the interview.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN AGENT

The first step is to simply recognize that you are the fish and agents are using bait to catch you. Here is a list of the typical bait used by agents:

-         Open houses

-         Ads in real estate magazines

-         Home shows on TV

-         Mailers and flyers

-         Internet ads

Once you realize how this all works you will recognize how to not take their bait. Remember you are in a position of strength because you have what they want, the money to buy a home. Now you can be in control and understand what your options really are. 

The second step is to hire your own agent and never work with the listing agent. .

The final step is to take a proactive approach and select an agent early in the process. . Before you actually hire an agent you need to learn how to interview them.