Once the agent determines what kind of home you are seeking, they will begin to research and show you homes. Remember that the agent working with you is not compensated until you settle on a home. That agent will do an enormous amount of work for you that you will never see. For instance, it can take hours to sort through all of the homes on the market to find those that fit your interests and to schedule viewing appointments. Respect the agent's work and do not look at a home without them, because they will not receive a commission on any house they do not show you. Again, the agent can show you any home listed in the Multiple Listing Service used by the local Board of Realtors, and can also frequently show you homes that are for sale by owner.