It's been said that everyone knows at least three real estate agents. While that may not always be the case, choosing the right agent to help you sell a house can be a tough choice. Look beyond their commission rate, and ask yourself these questions to make your decision easier.

Do they really know the area? Whether they're new or not, they should have plenty of local knowledge. This is important when dealing with questions of school district, property taxes, planned changes to the community, or local ordinances. Someone who is thoroughly familiar with the area, and fond of it, will better convey that enthusiasm when marketing your home to potential buyers.

Are they easy to communicate with? Real estate agents have lives too, keeping busy with clients, meetings, and their families. But even if they're always on the go, they should be able to return calls promptly and reach out to you whenever something comes up. They shouldn't push your needs aside or make you feel like you've inconvenienced them by contacting them. And they should follow up with you on any questions or concerns you may have.

Are they aggressive marketers? Showcasing your property to its best advantage through high quality photos and text is crucial to attracting buyers. But a proactive agent will go beyond a yard sign, open house, and listing on some web sites. They will actively seek buyers through social media marketing, print flyers, email campaigns to other agents, custom web sites, and networking. They will also solicit feedback after every showing so you can know what people really think of your home. Aggressive marketing is hard work for them, but it can pay off with a quicker sale at a higher price.

Do you trust them? This one is hard to quantify. You need to read their customer reviews, but you should also pay attention to little things when you talk with them. You want someone who will show you a little bit of who they are as a person, who asks you questions and listens to the answers, who addresses your concerns, and above all, who seems genuinely interested in helping you.

Whether the agent you choose has been in the business for decades or months, they are all required to have the same amount of yearly training in order to be licensed. All REALTORS® must adhere to a code of ethics. Seasoned agents have a lot in their favor, but even new agents may have real-life experience, and all work under the supervision of a managing broker. Experience counts for a lot, but attitude goes a long way in making your real estate transaction satisfying. In the end, it boils down to who you believe will be competent, proactive and trustworthy.