Some first time home buyers shy away from contacting a real estate agent because they feel they will be put into a high presure situation to purchase a home or that they will have to pay for the agents service out of their own pocket. Others may feel they will get a better price if they do not go with a realtor. What ever the misconceptions are, having an agent help you with your home purchase is in your best interest. Their job is not to sell you a house but rather to help guide you through the buying process and help facilitate the transaction. Their experience will help eliminate stress by negotiating a contract on your behalf, tackling the paper work, keeping you out of legal trouble and finding your dream home.
An agent has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which is a data base that lists approximately 99% of the homes for sale in your area. You let him or her know your "Must haves" and "Would like to haves" (See First Time Home Purchase Part 4) and they will provide you with the homes on the market that are available. They will also meet or take you to homes that peak your interest so that you can visit them more closely.
The best part about having an agent help you through the buying process is that their services are usually tied to the seller. Before thinking you can get a better deal from the seller by not using an agent, just ask yourself a few of these questions: how did the seller determine the selling price, is the selling price to high, low or just right for the neighborhood, who is going to draw up the contract, who is going to review the contract for you, how do I make sure I do not get taken or how do I make sure I do not buy someone else's headace?
Make your buying experience an exciting and happy experience by having an agent on your side.
Until next time, Happy House Hunting! 
Shawn