Finding the right real estate agent to work with is the most crucial part of your home buying journey. Your agent will play a key role in helping you find the right property, negotiate terms, and walk you through the entire process. The agent you work with can impact whether your offer is accepted and whether you ultimately make a good investment. Often prospective homebuyers will want to help a friend or family member who is getting started in the business and, while I can appreciate the sentiment, in the end it could strain a relationship if you lose.