Buyers have many items on their wish lists when looking for a new house. In addition to the logistics, you must find a house that meets the needs of your family and where you feel you can make a home.

When you begin to work with a Realtor, it's important to name the specifics you require. It's also important to talk to your Realtor about your life style. In the Lowcountry, each plantation and subdivision has different amenities, covenants and features that should be considered as part of your search for a home.

One of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors' committees has focused on an outreach program with the various private communities and neighborhoods. Gated communities are invited to provide quarterly updates to the association, including information about capital improvement projects, new initiatives or other information pertinent for Realtors to communicate with potential buyers.

In June, we met with membership directors and general managers of many Lowcountry communities to display our new Web portal of community information, which is available to association members. We also discussed ways communities can make applicable information available for Realtors to pass on to potential buyers. Through our professional development committee, monthly education sessions focusing on a specific community are available for members. In these sessions, Realtors learn about the lifestyle, housing options, club information and more in the featured community.

Realtors are ambassadors for our town and communities. They are a wealth of information for buyers. But communication is the key to a successful working relationship. When you hire a buyer's representative, this Realtor is working for you, and will provide all the necessary information for you to make an informed decision.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, be sure to ask if your agent is a Realtor and a member of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors.

Jean Beck is executive vice president of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors.