When buying or selling real estate, most of us use a real estate agent. After all, it's good to have professional help when dealing with such a major purchase. Or is it?

When buying real estate it is important for you to remember that a real estate agent is a salesperson. Their job is to sell you a home. While most real estate agents are professional, unfortunately some are not. Here some things to watch for in your real estate agent.

When you look for an agent, find out how long he or she has been in business and whether he or she belongs to professional real estate associations. These associations have standards to assure agents are qualified. Agents are also required to be licensed. Ask to see an agent's license if you have doubts.

When you are starting the buying process, does the agent seem to have your best interest at heart? Does he or she look for parcels in your price range, in the location you want, with the amenities you need? If you are using the services of an agent, be sure to continue hunting for parcels yourselves. You may find the ideal home your agent missed.

One of the reasons the agent may not show you all the properties that meet your criteria may be because of the agent's commission. If the agent will not receive a commission on a certain parcel, he or she won't bother to show it to you. Remember, the real estate agent is working for a paycheck, just like you do.

Once you have a parcel in mind, does your agent show you all the potential problems it has? The seller is required to disclose them, but an unethical agent may downplay them or not show the list to you. Be sure to have the parcel inspected before you make a purchase offer. While the real estate agent may recommend an inspector, go through an independent inspector instead. An unethical agent may give kickbacks to an inspector in return for a glowing inspection report.

Because an agent lists many properties, he or she may not have time to consider other factors in purchasing real estate. He or she won't know or care how the surrounding neighborhood looks. He or she won't know about local zoning ordinances and issues that may directly affect the parcel you are considering. You will need to do some homework yourself.

It pays to be cautious in choosing a real estate professional. Remember, you do not have to use a real estate agent if you have the knowledge to do it yourself. While most real estate agents are honestly interested in serving you, there are a few who are only out to make a buck. Take your time and choose wisely and you will find an ideal agent to find your ideal home.