General Guidelines 

1. Determine your housing needs and choose a desired area.
2. Consider what kind of agent you want - regular agent or a buyer's agent. In brief, a buyer's agent will negotiate the best price and terms of sale for the buyer - not for the seller. Regular real estate agents are obligated to get the highest possible price for the seller.
3. Make sure agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
4. Ask agent for references.
5. Ask for the agent's credentials. Agents receive several designations: GRI-Graduate of the Realtor's Institute, CRS-Certified Real Estate Specialist - requires a minimum number of closed transactions, a GRI or 10 years of experience and extra hours of study.
6. Broker agent with a broker's license is generally more experienced than an agent with a sales associate's license.
7. Work with a full-time agent who is flexible, helpful, and never too busy to take your calls.
8. Be wary if the agent's assistant is continually answering your questions and handling the showings.
9. Choose an agent who will really listen and show as much interest in your satisfaction as in making the sale.

For Buyers 

1. Make sure the agent does the driving.
2. Ask them to provide you with listing printouts of the homes on your tour; they make a handy reference during the showings.
3. Request the agent bring their instant camera to make snapshots of the exteriors of the homes you like best. After touring several homes, the snapshot will make it easier to recall your memories of the home.
4. Bring an area map with you during the tours. Have the agent help you place the homes on the map for your later reference.
5. Make sure agent has full access to the area's Multiple Listing Service. This service gives you the listing of all properties, not just properties listed with your realtor's company.
6. Make sure the agent is familiar with the area in which you wish to buy your house.
7. Ask questions about schools, shopping, and recreational activities. Their answers should be thorough.
8. If things are not going according to plan, discuss and try to solve the situation with them. If you can't, find another agent.
9. Don't succumb to pressure or the phrase "someone is making an offer on that house." Take your time, make your offer, and say no if you do not feel comfortable.

For Sellers 

1. Ask to see agent's marketing plan.
2. Be wary of promises of open houses and mass agent tours. Your concerns should be their ability to properly price your home and represent your interests once they are under contract.
3. Ask agent to explain their policy on "Dual Agency." This occurs when an agent in the listing agent's office brings in a contract on the property. Since they both work for the same broker, they cannot give you single agency representation. If they don't have a policy, or cannot explain it clearly, continue your search.
4. Make sure your contract with the agent has an "out" if things are not going according to plan. Most agents will not have a problem signing a listing agreement for 60-90 days. If you are satisfied with them you can do a second or third 60-day listing. Keep in mind, more expensive homes may take longer to sell.