REALTORS, as with people in general, are all different and display different styles for marketing and selling real estate.  Each individual REALTOR represents different techniques and philosophies, people skills, experience levels, proven success records for different property types, etc., which can all play a part in the decision process of choosing a REALTOR that best exemplifies the qualities being sought to market one's property. Adequate time and care should be allocated to researching different real estate firms. First hand experience from neighbors and coworkers can be invaluable when trying to identify potential agents.

If you are selling your home and you have identified an agent for consideration, a listing presentation can be arranged at which time the REALTOR can explain the marketing techniques he or she would employ in selling your proeprty.   During this presentation, there should be free discussion between the owners and the REALTOR to define and explain exactly what is expected from each other during the sales process.  A formal listing agreement can be the result of this presentation whereby the REALTOR agrees to use all efforts to sell the house within a certain time period.  The agent should agree in the listing agreement to market the house actively as defined in a marketing plan, list the property in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and manage all aspects of the sale process including appraisal, loan approval, inspections and any other general duties needed for successfully selling the property.