About to embark on a home buying mission? If this is the case do you have a strategy for finding a real estate agent? Here's a suggestion for you.

Before choosing a realtor, speak with friends you know who have used a realtor within the last couple of years. Ask them questions about how knowledgeable the agent was, how friendly, how easy to work with. Personal references are often the best.

And don't forget that you can find realtors online as well.

Before committing yourself to a realtor or real estate company, do some shopping around. Visit several web sites to compare different programs and people. Comparing is what gives you the knowledge to make a good judgement.