Being the best in the business requires certain characteristics that set him apart from the rest of the pack. Below are some of the traits of the best real estate agent you have to look out for.

* a person of integrity
* in the full-time business of real estate
* experienced with the types of services you need
* knowledgeable about the area where you want to live
* sophisticated in business matters
* tuned in to your tastes and needs
* licensed by your state, meaning the agent has met minimum levels of education, training, and testing
* a member of a trade association such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR), meaning the agent is privy to listings, market information, and other data that non-members must struggle to obtain, and
* a recipient of additional credentials

However, looking for the best real estate agent in town is not a simple task. Read more to see some tips on how to locate this preeminent agent.

1. Get Referrals

Go to friends, family, and co-workers — particularly those who’ve recently bought or sold a home. Once you’ve got a short list of promising real estate agents, let each know you want to interview him or her for 30 to 45 minutes, preferably in person. You’ll be testing not only the agent’s knowledge, but his or her cooperativeness and punctuality.

2. Ask the Following Questions

* How many homes have you found for buyers in the last year?

Ask for the addresses of these recent transactions, and find out the selling prices. This will help you see whether the agent truly works with clients similar to you and how successful the agent has been.

* How can you help me afford the home I want?

Ask the agent what you can expect for your money, and for suggestions on special and new mortgage loan programs and recommended mortgage brokers. Also ask about recent insurance and tax changes.

* How will you communicate with me?

Will the agent call you, or use email? How often will you hear from him or her? Once a week is a minimum in a stable market, but daily check-ins could be necessary in a hot market.

* How do you organize your work?

Ask to see logs, checklists, worksheets, and other tools or documents the agent uses to keep track of the various details — from the house search and financing through negotiating an offer and closing the deal.

* Will you be representing the seller in any way?

Make sure the agent won’t be acting as a dual agent. If the agent will be representing you exclusively, ask whether he or she expects you to pay the commission instead of the seller.

* Who are some past clients I can call as references for you?

If you think you might hire this agent, be sure to follow through with these calls.