You’ll encounter many people who play a role in securing your new home; one of the most prominent being a real estate agent. Agents are responsible for guiding clients — buyers or sellers — through each step of the process. Make sure that an agent is licensed, is willing to listen to your specific needs and has a track record of communicating well with clients. It’s also a good idea to understand how your agent is paid. Typically, the buyer’s and seller’s agents split 5 – 6% of the sale price.