First Time Buyer - Not getting professional help

New to the home buying game? You'll need a reputable real estate agent, a good loan officer or broker, and perhaps a lawyer.

Venturing into this process alone, without professional help, is not a good idea.  While every rule has its exception, generally, 1st-time should not try to deal directly with the listing agent, he says.

"If you are getting divorced, are you going to go to your husband's attorney for help? Of course not," he says. "Same here. If you go to a listing agent, they are only going to show you their listings. You must find a buyers' agent to help you."

Get references

If you hire an agent without a referral from friends or family, ask the agent to provide references from previous buyers. The same goes for loan officers or mortgage brokers.

"It's very hard for 1st-time home buyers because they don't know who they are dealing with..

It's crucial to find a professional who will give you "truly independent advice." 

You are about to make what is possibly the largest single investment of your lifetime. You want to make sure it's done right.