I recommend you interview at least three full-time agents before you decide on the one with whom you will work. Look for real estate signs as an indication of success, ask future neighbors for their recommendations, and do research on the web to see who is active in your desired community.

In your search for the right agent, here are some questions you might want to ask. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is designed to get the conversation started. You will want to make sure your personalities are compatible, because you may be spending a lot of time together in your search for a home. Asking these questions will also allow you to ask other questions you may have:

* How busy are you? Will I be working directly with you or will you hand me off to a member of your "team?" And do you have multiple ways that I can contact you when I need you?

One of the current trends in the real estate industry is for top producers to assemble their own "team" of assistants and associate agents. Often, these helpers specialize in various parts of the home buying process. One may handle contract processing, another might work primarily on loan applications, and another might be assigned to attend the loan closing.

While there is nothing wrong with a team concept, you have a right to know ahead of time who you will be working with and when.

* How often will we communicate? And are you committed to listening?

One of the common complaints about agents is that they didn’t return calls promptly. Make sure your agent understands your expectations about staying in touch. If it appears your agent is focused on their own agenda and not yours, you may want to broaden your agent search.

* Do you have the time to take on another home buyer? How many active buyers and sellers are you currently working with.

While this is related to the above question, it is actually a separate issue. If the agent is so overloaded with buyers that they can’t provide you with the attention you deserve, you will likely be disappointed. Ask up front.

* Have you done business in the neighborhoods I am looking at? What homes have you sold in this area? Do you have a good knowledge of this community?

No agent can be fully conversant about every community in the Atlanta metro area - it’s just not possible. But you are likely to get the best service from an agent who specializes in your backyard.

* Are you a full-time real estate professional?

If the agent is fooling around with another job and trying to juggle you and their other priorities, you may not get the attention you need. Insist on an agent who is not distracted by other employment.

* Are you up-to-date on the latest real estate technology? Are you comfortable with computers and email and the Internet? Do you have a website that will help me as a buyer?

Some real estate agents have never made the leap to the information age, and are still resistant to change. While your experience with such an agent may be satisfactory, you may have to shoulder some of the burden.

* What professional designations have you achieved?

The National Association of Realtors recognizes several levels of educational achievement. Among them is CRS, which is a Certified Residential Specialist, and ABR, which is an Accredited Buyer Representative. Each of these represents many hours of advanced education, which will likely translate into a better buying experience for you.

* Does your broker offer "buyer brokerage," or are you acting as a sub-agent of the seller?

I am convinced that, in most circumstances, you are best served by hiring your agent to represent you. That means signing a buyer brokerage agreement, and it also means limiting yourself to just one agent. So you may want to spend some time working with your agent before you are ready to commit yourself.

Once you make the decision to hire a buyer’s agent, you can be sure your agent is working to promote and protect your best interests. Be sure to discuss this topic with every agent you interview.

* Will you give me a list of buyers you have worked with recently?

This is important, because you can contact several of these recent purchasers, and check out their experience. Did the agent stay in touch? How did the transaction go, from start to finish? And perhaps most importantly, would they use the same agent again?

Asking these and other questions will let the agent know you are serious about finding the right home and the right agent to help you in your search.