Ryan Peterson tell us what you need to look for in a real estate agent, and provides some advice on how to choose the right one.

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Hiring the right real estate agent when you're trying to sell your house, will save you a lot of headaches. A good agent is a marketing whiz, which is exactly what you should be looking for, especially in today's real estate climate.

"There's a big difference between what agents do, and what they charge for their services. You want an agent that's going to see your home fast, and for top dollar with the least amount of hassle," explained Willie Miranda, Real Estate Broker. "There are three things that are going to sell your house: marketing, price, and the cleanliness of your home. You're really hiring that agent to come in, and do the marketing services for you."

There are agents out there that work exclusively with either buyers or sellers. Make sure to do your homework, but if you're looking to sell, it may be in your best interest to work with someone who works with both.

"The advantage for agents that do both, is that we know both sides of the perspective. If I'm working with buyers and I understand the selling process, I may be a little better at negotiating that deal," said Beth Grzyboski, Real Estate Sales Associate.

As with anything, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. How much experience does the agent have? Have they been working in the area long? Are they familiar with the particular neighborhood or community where you're trying to see your home? Above all though, make sure you trust the person you end up hiring.

"Ask how many transactions they do in a year, in terms of representing a buyer, and how many transactions they do in a year representing the seller," suggested Scott Varley, Real Estate Broker.

Kevin Clancy, a broker, said, "As a seller, you want somebody who has systems in place to follow up with leads and calls on your home, and get the home sold."

Word of mouth works pretty good as well. Talk to friends and family who have recently sold a house, and ask them for a recommendation. Remember, the agent works on commission, so it is in their best interest to get the highest price possible for your house, as well. But if it is not working out, don't be afraid to cut ties, and look for someone else.