Terms of Use:    
Selecting a real estate agent is an important part of buying a new home, although not required.  A good real estate agent can be extremely helpful and should provide the following services:
- 
Present the homes that suit your needs as you've defined them. 
  
- 
Preview those homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way. 
  
- 
Help you determine the difference between a good buy and a property which, because of its characteristics (i.e. neighborhood, market appeal, other faults or flaws) might effect the resale value.
 
- 
Help you negotiate the best deal for you. And, with a pre-approval  your real estate agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the seller, and may make the difference between the seller accepting your offer or someone else's -- even if your offer is lower!