Selecting a real estate sales associate to assist in the large financial transaction involved with buying or selling a home can be a daunting process. While chemistry between the real estate professional and the consumer is important, it is not the only variable to consider. The history of the company, a sales associate’s success rate and the vibrancy of the local market are all things to keep in mind as well.

In order to streamline the decision making process, the professionals at Coldwell Banker Select Professionals have provided a list of questions to ask and guidelines to follow when screening a prospective real estate professional.

What percent of your company’s listings have sold in the last 12 months? Ideally a seller will want to work with a sales associate who has a high percentage of completed transactions within the local market. While this number will vary depending upon how active the local real estate market is, a higher percentage is preferable.

What was the average amount of time it took to sell those listings? Comparing marketing times between real estate companies will provide the consumer with an indication of how well that company and its sales associates market homes.

What was the average sales price? Look for a figure that is close to what you would like to receive for your home.

What was your company’s list-price to sale-price ratio? Significant differences between original listing prices and ultimate sale prices can be an indication that the list prices quoted at the outset were unrealistic.