Last time we started of this series with Step 1 of buying a home titled: Decide To Buy. 

Now is Step 2: Speak with a real estate professional.

In reality Step 2 and 3 are really done in sync.  In essence when you decide to purchase a home the next step is to assemble a team to help you complete your goal.  I believe a professional Realtor should be involved shortly after your decision is made because they have resources and contacts to help you complete the rest of the team: this includes helping you find and or decide on a lender. 

It's not up to them to steer you to anyone but to provide you with contact information to good lender with whom you may speak and see who would best match your needs.  This really is the same with choosing a Realtor. 

This is an important step and should be done carefully because the entire process of buying overall is simple until it's not, and a good experienced professional Realtor will help you throughout the process, especially when things get difficult, when problems need to be solved when the extra effort is needed. 

The key work is experience, the daily full time years worth of experience for which there is not substitute.  That's not to say a new agent could not do a good job or an experienced agent a bad one.  Below are some steps to choose with whom you'll work.

1. Select Candidates.

You'll meet candidates through various sources.  Some of the best ways are through referrals from friends, co-workers and family but also open houses website and so on.  What you're looking for is someone who will look out for you interests, someone serious, qualified and with the resources to help you.  Not all Realtors are the same and whit whom you work will make a very large noticeable difference.

2. Interview Them.

You should do a personal interview.  A face to face meeting is best but start the interview process before you even meet.  Check them out by searching for their name online.  You'll be amazed at home much you can get to know a person, especially if they are socially and professionally active online.  Check their standing with the Arizona Department of Real Estate.  Talk to them about where you want to buy an whether they work those area.

3.  Consultation.

This is best done fact to fact and a final step before making the decision with whom to work.  This is when you get into a deep conversation about your needs and wants and the processes of buying a home.  A good professional Realtor will come prepared and will do with giving answers to your questions.  Ask away.  You want to be as best prepared as possible for the process and the more each of you know the better and easier will be the experience of buying.

In general a buyer's agent does not charge a fee - although some do: the buyer is paid through a commission split from the seller.  The buyer's agent puts in a lot of time and effort to protect your interests, arrange and manage everything not to mention preparation and showing of homes.  Make it a mutually beneficial and loyal process: communication and questions are key and will result in you moving into your new home.

In the next step will touch on Obtaining financing.  Financing is often just as important if not more important then the home itself.