Buying a house can be an exciting experience -- and one of the largest financial investments you'll make in your lifetime. By educating yourself on the home buying process and seeking out the sound advice of a Realtor, you'll save time, energy and money.

Realtors are licensed real estate professionals who are also members of a local real estate board. A Realtor acts as an agent for the buyer or the seller -- or, in less frequent situations, for both. But no matter whom they represent.