Your Realtor should show you research to back up any recommendations. This includes information about recent sales, current listings and recent expired listings in your neighborhood.

Choose a local Realtor. He or she will know your area better, will be seen as a source for people looking to relocate in your neighborhood, and will get better cooperation from other agents.

It is likely that any amount you might save by having a friend or relative from outside the area serve as your Realtor will be lost in their lack of knowledge about the very specific local market.

Ask for references from the Realtor. He or she should be willing to give you names of previous clients.

Ask the Realtor what will be done to market your home. Consider the office and company support available to him or her as well as the initiative and professionalism shown by the individual.