By Lisa Wilder Larson

Whether you are selling or buying a home, choosing the right real estate agent can make the experience more profitable and pleasurable.

With nearly 300 real estate agents serving the St. Cloud area, there are many from which to choose. "Every agent in town has the same inventory ... so all we have to offer is our service," says Mike Bobick, a Realtor with Prudential Pladson Realty Inc. and 1998 president of the St. Cloud Area Association of Realtors.

Many home buyers and sellers find their real estate agent through word-of-mouth or personal referrals. Touring open houses also is a way to meet agents from a variety of realty companies.

The final decision is made when you sign a contract with the agent for representation. While this may scare first-time home buyers, it is something that can work in your favor as well as the agent's. "Without a contract, unfortunately, we can't afford to be loyal to the client if there isn't any loyalty the other way," Bobick says. Such contracts are time-limited, and many agents will agree to void a contract if the relationship turns sour.

The most important factor in choosing an agent is whether he or she is someone with whom you feel comfortable. You need to be able to ask any and all questions that come to mind and state your wants and needs. And you need to have a level of confidence and trust in the agent's response.

Beyond establishing a rapport, you should interview prospective agents about their experience and their availability to commit the time needed to meet your expectations. "We're too 'Minnesota nice' sometimes," Bobick said. "You need to look the agent straight in the eye and ask the difficult questions." Consider yourself an employer conducting a job interview. Experts suggest talking with at least three candidates before hiring someone.

Here are some suggested questions to get you started:

1. Ask for a list of recent buyers and sellers represented by the agent. Then call them and ask what they thought of the service the agent provided.
2. Ask how long they've been working in real estate and the price range of homes with which they typically work. Find out how familiar the agent is with the area in which you want to buy or sell by asking how many sales they've been part of in that area. Ask whether the agent usually works with new construction or existing homes.
3. Ask how many buyers and sellers the agent is currently working with and whether they have a self-imposed limit for how many clients they will take on at one time. If the agent overextends his or her self, you will be the one who suffers.
4. If you are selling a home, ask how the agent would advertise your listing. Find out if they are keeping pace with technology and using all the means available to get the word out. Ask what price they expect you can get for your home; most agents will provide a comparative market analysis showing recent sale prices and current listing prices of nearby comparable homes.
5. If you are buying a home, ask how often the agent will advise you of new listings and approximately how many showings he or she will take you to each week. Ask about some of their more difficult purchase agreement negotiations to get a feel for their approach.
6. Determine the agent's level of objectivity. Ask if they work primarily with one builder or if they have ownership or other interest in any particular housing developments. Their interests may or may not serve you well.

"Anytime you're making a major purchase of anything, it really pays to do your research," advises Mark Bragelman, senior vice president of Liberty Savings Bank.

Ultimately, buying or selling a home is an emotional undertaking. The more you can set aside those emotions while choosing an agent, the happier you will be in the end.