Since buying a home is most likely the biggest and most complex purchase you will ever make in your life, it is vital that you choose a real estate agent that can help make the transaction go as smooth as possible. When interviewing a real estate agent, here are 5 straightforward questions that you should ask:

• How long have they been licensed as a Realtor?An inexperienced real estate agent may be fine for easy transactions, like condos or townhouses. But for most transactions, you want to look for a real estate agent who has a minimum 5 years of experience. It’s not too difficult to become a licensed real estate agent. It’s staying licensed and staying in the real estate industry for at least five years that demonstrates a strong commitment to the profession.
• Does the Real estate agent do this as a part-time or full-time job?While all agents have to start somewhere, working with a part-time real estate agent may not be in your best interests. Part-time real estate agents have other obligations that can get in the way of giving you full time attention
• How much of a real estate education does the real estate agent have behind them?Although designations and college degrees are not needed, there are very few agents that have industry designations or a college degree. Getting one or the other, or both may show the real estate agent’s devotion to their expertise.
• How accessible is the agent?Does the agent have office hours? Can you call them at home? Do they quickly respond to emails? Buying real estate can be a hectic experience. With lots of surprises along the way, you’ll want an agent that’s easily accessible if you need to reach them.
• Take note if the agent is good listener.Do they butt in before you’ve finished a sentence? There’s nothing worse than wasting time looking at houses you have no interest in because the agent has not listened carefully to your needs.