If the second option is selected, the buyer may pay a fee to the agent for his or her services but the agent is responsible only to the buyer. In either case, you will want to look for an experienced agent familiar with the neighborhood that interests you. Interview several agents. Ask the agent for the names of recent buyers who used his or her services and talk to them. You should be interested in how much time the agent spent with the buyers, how helpful he or she was during negotiations, and whether they were satisfied with the services provided.
Most people prefer to work with experienced real estate agents.
Two years' experience is a good rule of thumb. Experience in handling closings is important as well. Obviously, if an agent has had two years' experience but has closed only two transactions during that time, the agent may be less experienced than one might like. Also make sure that your agent has a good record of locating the types of homes specified by prospective buyers. Remember, unless a buyer is working with a buyer's agent, the agent's commission depends on the selling price of the home.