It's up to you to tell your agent what you want and how you want to be involved in the home search process.  Some buyers prefer their agents to handpick properties for their consideration; others want to receive the hotsheets on a daily basis so they can comb through the new listings themselves.  You should listen to your Realtor's advice, but always remember that you're the boss.  And speaking of bosses, it's a good idea for ALL decision-makers to visit the properties your Realtor shows you.

As a buyer, it usually costs nothing to hire a real estate professional to help you find and purchase a home--your Realtor will likely get a portion of the commission the seller pays to his Realtor.  When choosing an agent, get referrals from friends, relatives, and co-workers.  Listen to your agent, but make your own decision. 

Ask Questions.  There are no dumb questions.  NOT asking questions is dumb.

This is especially important during any kind of contract negotiation.  Verbal commitments are hard to prove after the fact, so make sure that all the small details are added to the purchase contract.  If the seller says you can have the washer and dryer, make sure the contract says so!

Some homeowners think that selling their own home will save money and give them an advantage over the Realtor-using majority.  Before you start down this complicated path, here are a few reasons why using a real estate professional is important: 1) You will be drastically limiting your exposure to potential buyers.  2) Most buyers find negotiating with sellers extremely awkward, and therefore avoid For Sale By Owner situations.  3) Most buyers use a Realtor in their home search.  This means you will have to offer a selling commission to attract buyer's agents, which will cut into your expected "savings."  4) Lack of negotiating experience can result in a lower selling price, or worse, a bungled contract and possible lawsuits.  5) If you plan to use a lawyer to help you negotiate, your lawyer's fees could be considerably higher than a Realtor's commission.  6) You only pay a commission to your Realtor if they successfully sell your home at a price you are happy with.