If you'd pay good money for the services of a plumber, a lawyer or an accountant, would you trust someone you don’t know from a bar of soap to sell your house?

Believe it or not, the biggest billboards or the loudest print ads may not equate to the best agent – certainly for your requirements, anyway.

When you select a real estate agent, the situation should be viewed as though you’re performing a rigorous job interview. After all, you’re selecting someone to perform a job – for you! When it comes to selling what for most people is their biggest asset, your expectations should be demanding.

Perhaps surprisingly, most of us do not select real estate agents on the basis of recommendations from friends or colleagues. It is the advertising ability of an agent or agency that usually draws us in. You might have experienced a good agent at an open home you’ve attended, or you might be pulled in by those advertisements; these days, the internet is a major search tool when it comes to locating agents.

At the very least, agents should portray a high degree of professionalism and dedication for their work. Does the agent you’re investigating appear interested in your property – or is it just another one in a line of many they’re hoping to nab as ‘a listing’?

So what attributes should you be looking for in an agent? Some of the qualities should include:

• Recognising what your actual requirements are.
• We live in a marketing directed world where serving the customer, not oneself, is the directing force.
• Professional designation and membership of the local Real Estate Institute.
• An ability to meet with your requirements, not those of other parties.
• Always remember, the agent selling your property works for you, not prospective purchasers.
• References from previous clients.
• Knowledge of the area in which you’re selling your property.
• A realistic familiarity of the price range in which you want your property to sell.

When selecting an agent, formulate a list of the questions you will need to ask your shortlist of prospective interviewees. The find an agent feature lets you know which agents are working in your area.

• What is your experience as a real estate agent?
• Are you employed full time or part time as an agent?
• How long have you worked this particular location?
• How many property sales were you involved with last year?
• Do you normally represent buyers or sellers?
• How many properties do you currently have listed?
• How many prospective buyers approach you?
• What do you perceive your personal strengths are as a real estate agent?
• What do you think our property is worth in the current market and how did you arrive at that figure?
• Which marketing strategy do you suggest is the best one to pursue for our property?

Remember, your chosen agent should provide you with:

• Access to recent market sales data in your area.
• Contact with a large number of buyers.
• Advice on how best to market and present your home.
• The ability to negotiate the best price to you with buyers.