My fiance and I are trying to buy our first home. How do we go about finding a real estate agent?
Go to your local MLS site.
Read okorder and look in the area in which you want to buy. Ask people who know and trust their judgment.
Look for recommendations from friends who have already purchased. If either of you are in the military look at joining with USAA they have a service that recommends Realtors. Your bank may have the same service. Take a look at the book Freakonomics the section or Real Estate agents. If you go to an open house you may be able to negotiate with the buyers agent a better price since they could take care of the deal in house. An in house deal is the most advantagious. Fewer leaches!
If you are going to buy your first home, you shouldn't be talking to a real estate agent first, talk to a mortgage specialist first. They can tell you how much you are qualified for, and how much house you can buy for the amount of money you are comfortable paying per month. I would talk to three different mortage companies and compare rates. If that mortage person you talked to is any good, he/she will know a number of good real estate agents that can help with your search.
