Yes, all real estate agents have equal access to the master database of homes for sale. Yes, we all have the same State license. But we in the real estate business often discuss among ourselves how so many agents are part time, or invest far too little time in keeping familiar with the market, or consistently fail to get the best deal for their clients. We agents are not all the same, and some agents will help you far more than others. Please interview 2-3 agents before you decide which one to work with. The good, confident and capable agents will welcome the opportunity to compete for your business.

There really is a wide variety of methods used, and achievement levels of agents. It is a good idea to shop around and select your real estate agent as carefully as you shop around and select your home. Some of the homes that would most fit your needs may be handled by the least effective agents. Some of the homes that least fit your needs may have the most effective agents. Just because you like the house for sale, do not just pick the agent whose name is on the sign. The best agent to represent a particular seller may be the one agent you would least want to represent you as a buyer.

Here's an inside tip: All the really good agents I know are excited to be asked to audition with you and compete with one or two other agents for your business (but not ten others). Don't be shy about it. (Just please include me!) Ask each agent to explain how they will sell (or find) your home, and why that will get you better results than any other agent.

Why not use a 10-point scale like the one below to help you rate two or three competing agents and determine which is the best match for your unique needs? These interview questions provide a starting point for "auditioning" your agent candidates.

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