Real Estate Agent Question:

The Multiple Listing Service is a no-brainer. You want to find out if the rest of the advertising will consist of newspaper ads, exposure on a local television show, glossy advertising giveaways or, maybe, a radio transmitter that lets passers-by get a description of the house 24 hours a day.

Agents are paid to market your house; if they don't have a marketing plan, you'd be better off doing this yourself.

You also want to know if they will help you "stage" the home for sale, either themselves or by bringing in an expert, possibly for an additional fee. There are plenty of things you may love about your house that a professional seller will tell you are turn-offs for would-be buyers. Will your agent give you suggestions, or will she get in the trenches with you and help you dress things up to put the best foot forward in an open house?