I'm completely naïve on the subject, so bear with me. ;)

How do you go about hiring the RIGHT real estate agent for you? I think personality (and obviously territory) are important so we are comfortable with who we are dealing with.

Also, what do you do? Just walk in or call and make an appointment?

Any tips in beginning the buying/selling process would be appreciated. :D

I would ask a few friends who they have used and how they liked those agents. That's how I found my last agent and she was great.

You can go to the website:realtor.com
There you can choose what you would like to do, what area, and i believe it even has tips on buying , selling, and picking a realtor.

Unfortunately, my friends aren't at the home buying stage yet. My in-laws and 1 friend have realtors, but they live in different states.

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Originally Posted by LearningAsIGo

Unfortunatly, my friends aren't at the home buying stage yet. My in-laws and 1 friend have realtors, but they live in different states.

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Okay then I would ask a current neighbor, or someone at work. There has to be someone around you know that has used an agent. What state are you in and where do you want to move?

There's nothing wrong with interviewing agents, though this is usually done for the listing process. For a buyer's agent you can call someone who puts an ad in the paper, has TV ads, etc. Calling an agent who markets means you are getting one who is motivated. Of course, given the overall market right now, ALL agents are motivated because they're all going broke! Drive around the neighborhoods you are interested and look at the "For Sale" signs; many will have the agent's name. You can also pick a real estate company and call their office for a referral. If you are relocating to a totally new area (Maine to Ohio, for example) most companies have a relocation department you can contact.

If you're in the DC metro area I've got a great agent I can give you!

Good idea, I do have a coworker who moved recently. When she comes back on Monday, I'll ask her who she used.

Learning as you go,
Just because your friend and in-laws live in a different area doesn't mean that their realtor could not help you find a reputable realtor where you are located. Many realty companies as you know are nation wide and have contacts everywhere. I would contact their realtor for some leads of a good reputable realtor in your area. Hey its worth a shot.

Go get those free real estate magzines on the shelf in grocery store. Try to call them and find out if they are the type of agents you like.
U can just call them and talk to them, don't have to leave your personal information