How do you know which real estate professional you should choose when putting your home up for sale? Most people already know several Realtors, and if you ask around you'll likely receive a variety of recommendations. But are they right for you?

When doing your research, you should look beyond the number of sales. Have they received any awards? Special designations – all those initials after their name – show they have invested time and money into their professional development and growth. Have they earned their broker's license? These are all indicators of drive and initiative.

If you want a better picture of how they will perform, take the time to read through their reviews. Dig deeper than Zillow – check other sites like Google, Realtor.com, Facebook and LinkedIn. Also check their website, as some clients may have written directly to the agent and not bothered with online platforms. Watch for the comments which show they listened to their clients, negotiated and advocated for them, provided solutions, and navigated difficult situations. Listen for enthusiasm in the tone of these reviews.

After all this research you've finally narrowed it down to a couple of candidates. Great! But one lives right near you and the other is further away. Wouldn't the "local" one naturally be the better choice? Not necessarily! One year I had two listings at the same time where the homeowners did not use email; one was located 25 minutes north of me and one was 40 minutes south. That meant I had to drive to these homes every time we needed a signature on a document. For another listing of a unique property, the seller requested that I be present at all showings. It was a 45 minute drive one way for me, and over the course of some wintry months it was shown over 20 times. The effort was worth it in all cases, because my clients got the results they needed.

So now it's interview time and both candidates will bring their "A" game. Their market analysis should reveal a deep understanding of market conditions. Their multi-media marketing plan should be comprehensive. They should tell you up front if any changes or improvements are needed. If all else is equal, the answers to these questions should help you decide once and for all:

• What is their sold price to list price ratio?
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• What is the average length of time their listings spend on the market?
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• How many of their listings expired without selling?
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• How many of their clients cancelled their contract?

Some agents have a track record of unsold listings, and others have a track record of getting things done. In the end, you should be left with the feeling that the professional you chose is genuine, enthusiastic, capable and most importantly, willing to go the distance for you.