Bill Evans

If you're searching for your next dream home and/or looking to sell your current home, it's important to have a qualified real estate agent on your side protecting your best interests.

A good agent will help you avoid pitfalls, get top dollar for your home and keep you organized throughout the entire buying or selling process.

So how do you go about selecting an agent? Some home sellers select an agent based on the price at which the agent will list the property. This is not a good way to choose an agent. You have to keep in mind that the market ultimately determines the value of a property -- not the agent.

If you want someone who will sell your home quickly for top dollar and who will negotiate toward the most affordable price possible for your next dream home, choose an agent based on competency, experience, marketing strategies and tools.

When searching for a competent and experienced agent, going with a Realtor is typically a safe bet. Realtors are licensed professionals who adhere to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics.

Those who belong to the NAR stay current with home trends and receive ongoing education, making them well-prepared to offer you the most advanced real estate expertise. The key here is to find out what Realtors have the best reputations in your community. If there are certain agents who are highly regarded in your community, you might want to contact them, as they can provide a considerable amount of local market information.

In addition, take a look at the abbreviations following an agent's name. They're important because they refer to various accredited designations that the agents have earned through a lot of hard work. For example, the designation CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) is the highest designation available to agents in the residential real estate industry.

In fact, only about 4 percent of all licensed Realtors can claim this designation. The award recognizes accomplishments in education, experience and volume of transactions throughout a career.

Be sure to choose an agent who can analyze a home's strengths and weaknesses and who can help you accentuate your home's best features when preparing to sell. Good agents are able to reach a wide audience of potential buyers with effective marketing strategies and innovative online tools, making it easier for them to sell your home once it's been listed.

Industry research shows that more than 80 percent of buyers start their search online -- a number that will continue to grow. With this in mind, you must find an agent who offers listings with an extensive online toolset, including virtual tours, community and property videos, mapping and home valuation programs and detailed property information such as school and community data.

Remember to employ an agent who fits with your personality and with whom you have a good rapport. Knowing you're in trusted hands will let you relax throughout the real estate process -- not agonize over it.

Bill Evans is the president of Real Living HER, the largest residential real estate firm in Ohio. E-mail: Bill.Evans@RealLiving.com.