A REALTOR® can be a home buyer’s best friend. But some buyers behave in ways that are counterproductive to the REALTOR’s® efforts. Here are five ways you can help your REALTOR® help you achieve your home-buying objectives:

1. Identify your must-haves. Savvy home buyers have a clear vision of what they want and are able to differentiate between needs, which are must-have criteria, and preferences, which are desirable but not absolutely necessary. The better you define your must-haves and preferences, the better the REALTOR® will be able to locate a home that will match what you really want.

2. Disclose your top dollar. No one wants to overpay for a home, but if the REALTOR® doesn’t know how much you can afford to spend, you may waste a lot of time looking at homes you won’t want to buy. It’s okay to state that you’d prefer to spend less than your top-dollar, but don’t artificially limit your choices to a lower price range if you’re willing and able to spend more.

3. Get pre-qualified. A loan pre-qualification letter can help you demonstrate to the REALTOR® and the seller of the home you want to buy that you’re financially qualified and able to purchase the home. Even better is a pre-approval letter that says your financing is subject only to an appraisal and title report.

4. Get set. REALTORS® typically devote the most time and attention to buyers who are ready to transact. If you need to sell your current home before you purchase a new one, you can demonstrate your readiness by putting your current home on the market. If you’re a renter, be sure you have a month-to-month tenancy or be prepared to break your lease agreement. And if you’re not planning to move within the next few months, tell the REALTOR® when you expect to be ready.

5. Be honest. Giving frank feedback about homes you’ve seen on the market can help the REALTOR® understand your preferences and perhaps negotiate changes to a home to mitigate characteristics that you don’t like. For example, if you want to buy a home that has tattered carpets or an unusual paint job, the seller may be willing to update those items if you stipulate those conditions in your contract.