First, a good listing agent IS NOT the agent who promises that they can get you a particular price (REMEMBER - the market determines the sales price, not you or the agent) and NOT the one who quotes you the highest list price (this one is more likely giving you a high price simply to obtain the listing, which will probably end up becoming an expired listing and you will need to hire someone else). It may be appealing to hear that Agent X can get you $, but if the market does not support that price, you are wasting your time  - if you are relocating this may be your biggest and most costly mistake.

If you are in a seller's market, while it may be easier for your home to sell quickly, a strong agent is still important.

If you have NOT hired a listing agent to help you yet, here are just a few suggestions of what to look for.

• A strong marketing plan, in writing, including print but especially a broad range of Internet strategies - a sign in the yard, a listing on the MLS, and an open house here and there will probably NOT sell your home in this market. You should see clearly WHAT you agent is going to do and WHEN, and you need to hold them accountable for their written plan
• Someone who really knows and understands the current market and can provide you with specific data (comparables, trends, actual sale) to support their position. Do they know who your competition is? Do they know who is most likely to be your target market?
• Someone with a high percentage of sold homes relative to the number they list (just because someone LISTS alot of homes does NOT mean they sell them - some agents sells 50% of their listings)
• An agent who can demonstrate a strong understanding and use of technology in their marketing and real estate business. The majority of buyers these days use the Internet to search for homes FIRST before hiring an agent.
• Someone who asks lots of open ended questions and LISTENS to the answers, and who can provide options as well as solutions to problems
• A list of references that you can call. Testimonials are important, too, but actually speaking with some references will be more reassuring.

For more information on finding a REALTOR, especially to help you with buying in your new location, see my previous post.