Finding a good real estate agent is no easy task. It’s an important one, though – a real estate agent takes care of everything from setting the price of your home to handling the paperwork after closing. A good agent could be the difference between a fast, successful home sale and a lengthy, frustrating one. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent? And how do you know when you’ve found a good one?

How to Find a Real Estate Agent

Ask friends and family if they know someone with a real estate license, and if they’d recommend them. Do you know anyone who’s sold a house recently? Call her and ask who handled her sale. If their experience was positive, ask for a referral.

If your personal search turns up dry, you’ll have to dig a little deeper. Do an online search for the top real-estate agencies in your town. Visit open houses and chat with the real-estate agents there, making special note of the ones who seem professional, engaging and knowledgeable. Be sure to get business cards from these agents. Also pay attention to how quickly houses sell in your neighborhood, as well as the name of the agent involved. Lots of fast sales usually indicate a very good agent.

The Qualities of a Good Real Estate Agent

A good agent is honest with you, even if the truth isn’t necessarily what you want to hear. If your home isn’t attracting as many buyers as you’d like, a good agent can tactfully point out things you should change about your home. For example, maybe you should consider repainting your hot-pink bathroom walls–you may love it, but buyers probably don’t.

A good real estate agent sets a realistic asking price for your house, based on market research, your home’s value and the selling prices of other homes in your neighborhood. Because the price is reasonable, real estate agents often close at or near their original asking prices.

Hire a real estate agent that will work with you every step of the way. An agent should share his or her marketing plan with the seller and keep communication open throughout the process. The agent should also be available and easy to reach with questions. A good realtor also advises clients when they receive an offer and helps them evaluate before making a decision.

Bad realtors don’t operate in the best interests of their clients. They’re hard to reach, don’t keep their clients informed and often pressure clients to accept a low-ball offer just so they can sell the house quickly and collect their real-estate commission. With so much at stake, it pays to do your research and find a good agent to handle your house sale.