If you are having trouble finding a real estate agent, then perhaps you don't have a good understanding of how agents work. Understanding what the agent does can help you in getting the most from the services by your agent.

Real estate agents are independent sales people who provide service through a licensed real estate broker. The broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agentÕs sales. Brokers are business people who sell real estate owned by others. Real estate agents learn the needs of their clients and then try to find a matching trasaction. If you're selling a house, the agent will find you a buyer; if you're buying a house, the agent will attempt to find one on the market that meeds the client's needs. The agent provides expertise about the market so as to match buyer and seller as quickly as possible. Agents know where to get a mortgage, what companies perform home inspections, and preside over the many details involved with selling a house.

It is always best to compare several different real estate agents before making your final selection. You'll quickly learn which are the most knowledgeable and able to help.

You can read more about real estate agents and what they do at the US Department of Labor.