With a buyer’s market opening up, I think I’m finally ready to find my forever home What should I look for in a real estate agent? 

Are they licensed? Buying in this market is easier these days, but still tough. You need an agent you can trust, and a gut check isn’t enough. Make sure any agent you consider is currently licensed and has a clean record by visiting your states department of license. You’ll also learn if they’ve received formal complaints or been subject to disciplinary action. 

Do they listen to you? If your agent keeps trying to push you into homes outside your requirements, they may not be paying attention or, worse, trying to sell you a home you don’t really want. Clearly communicate what you’re looking for, and if they steer you away from that, it may be time to look elsewhere. 

How are their references? It’s good to venture beyond online reviews. Any established agent will give you a list of clients they’ve sold homes to in the last year or two if you ask. You need to hear directly from someone who bought in the same market at the same price range what their experience was like

Are the homes they’re showing you set up to aging in place? If this is your forever home, be very clear that you’re looking for a place with aging-in-place features, preferably one with fewer stories — you don’t want to be trekking up two flights of stairs with mobility issues. If these features have not been installed, find out how easy it would be to install them in the future. Which brings us to the most important question for any buyer.