When it comes to shopping for a house to buy, you are going to want to consider hiring the help of a real estate agent. This is because real estate agents know a great deal of information that can help you find the right home for you. Here are five specific things they know that will help you:

1. Local Pricing: If you are looking to buy in a certain area, your real estate agent will know what the pricing in that area is like. This way, if you find a home that is bellow this range, you know you might be getting a great deal. However, this also helps with negotiation if the home is well above the average price. This also helps to narrow down the specific area to shop at. For example, if you are looking to spend less, your real estate agent can point you to an area that has lower pricing. 
2. New Developments: A real estate agent will know what areas are going to see an increase in price due to new developments that are going to be built in the near future. This way, you can buy a home that is going to see a significant increase in value. For example, if a new school is going to be built, or a library, then it can help make your home more desirable. 
3. Tax Costs: A real estate agent is also going to know what areas are going to have lower tax costs, which can save you a significant amount of money on the yearly cost of your home. If you are looking to save money, then purchasing in a neighborhood that has lower tax rates is definitely more desirable. 
4. School Ratings: If you have kids, then purchasing a home that is within a great school district is probably high on your priority list. A real estate agent will know what school district certain homes will be in and what those school ratings are like. 
5. What Homes Are For Sale: A real estate agent has a long list of homes for sale. They know how to find homes for sale in the best way, as well, which allows them to find the perfect homes for you to look at. This can save you a great deal of time because you won't be looking at any homes that are not going to work for your needs. 

When you know what a real estate agent can help you with, you can see why it's definitely worth taking the time to find an agent near you to help you with the process of finding a home for sale.