Real estate, like any industry, is full of good and bad practitioners (although I would argue that the range is very large in real estate, simply because the barrier to entry is so low in most states). Here are some technical questions you can ask of the agents you are considering to represent you in your next purchase or sale to increase the chances of ending up with a quality professional:

What are the main expenses that a seller typically pays in a real estate transaction?

The costs that a seller is typically required to pay when selling a home are as follows:

Realtors' commissions, as negotiated with the applicable Realtor(s)

State transfer tax, if applicable (these vary by state, county and municipality)

Title insurance, which varies depending upon sales price and is state-mandated/regulated

Occupancy escrow, if applicable, as negotiated per the transaction (this is rent that the seller pays the buyer to live in the home after closing; this does not exist in all states)

Water escrow, if applicable, as negotiated per the transaction (typically, $200 to $300)

Payoff of any existing mortgages or liens on the property

What the various forms of real estate agency that exist?

There are a number of agency relationships that can exist between Realtor and client: transaction coordinator, dual agent, and the two most common, buyer's agent and seller's agent (see detailed discussion at http://professionalone.com/buying/agency.htm).

What is title insurance, who pays for it?

There are two forms of title insurance that exist in a typical real estate transaction: the owners policy, which is title insurance that the seller provides for the buyer (which is paid for by the seller), and the lenders policy, which is title insurance that the buyer provides for the lender (which is paid for by the buyer). In a nutshell, title insurance is insurance that the seller is providing "good title" to the purchaser on the property that the seller is conveying to the purchaser.

What are the two primary types of title policies?

The most common form of title policy is called a "title policy with standard exceptions." A "higher" or "better" form of title policy is called a "title policy without standard exceptions." While there are additional differences between these two forms of title policies, the most significant differences are that a title policy without standard exceptions typically provides assurances with regard to boundary lines and mechanics liens.

What is radon, and why does it matter to me as a person contemplating the purchase or sale of a home?

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that is considered a carcinogen by the EPA. Radon is VERY common (in my home state of Michigan, I have yet to encounter a home without some level of radon). The key is how much. You should always have any home that you are buying tested for radon. Even if you are not concerned about the health risks (radon is often compared to second-hand cigarette smoke), you should still perform the test as this could affect your ability to sell your home in the future.

What is the difference between an offer that is "contingent upon the sale of a home," and an offer that is "contingent upon the closing of the sale of a home"?

A sale that is "contingent up the sale of a home" is a situation where a prospective purchaser is attempting to purchase a subsequent home, and that purchaser has no pending contract for the sale of their existing home. A sale that is "contingent upon the closing of the sale of a home" is similar, except that the prospective purchaser HAS a contract for the sale of their existing home, but the closing for that sale has not taken place.

By asking these questions, you can get a better sense as to the level of your Realtors technical expertise. A good Realtor will be able to answer all of these questions easily. Dont settle for less than the best when buying or selling a home there is simply too much as stake to risk your investment. for a more detailed discussion of this topic, please visit the Professional One website. Good luck!