Whether you’re buying or selling, a real estate agent can have a tremendous effect on the success, ease, and financial results of the transaction. With that in mind, here are 4 things to look for when you’re on the search for a real estate agent:

1. Knowledge of the Territory.

Whatever else your real estate agent knows, most of his or her value will come from knowing the neighborhood. This enables him or her to find the right location for your dream condo, or know how to market the condo you’re selling. Territory knowledge is also one of the few things that can’t be learned in books – it requires on-the-ground experience.

2. Patience.

Selective buyers and sellers often demand multiple viewings before making a decision. Your real estate agent should be willing to do this as many times as necessary. If you sense he or she is getting impatient, beware. The last thing to base a major life decision on is the temperament of your real estate agent.

3. Reliability and Assertiveness.

Finding or selling a condo can sometimes be a cat-and-mouse game, especially when you’re trying to get a good deal in a tough market. Your realtor should return your calls within minutes, should be able to show you properties on a day’s notice, and should be assertive enough to get your offers in ahead of others.

4. Good Personal Reviews.

Ultimately, if this is your first time working with this real estate agent, you won’t know if they fulfill any of these requirements before investing time with them. That’s why asking for recommendations from trusted friends can be a great predictor of a good realtor experience.

The truth is, great realtors are hard to find. That’s why when people find one, they tend to stick with him or her, and recommend them to their entire network. Use your personal network, keep your ears open, and you should be able to track a good one down quickly.