The use of the word “quality” is relative to every individual, and the service they expect. In real estate, the level of quality you get from your agent is dependant on several factors. A few questions to ask yourself when you want to evaluate your agent are as follows:

1) Do they have my best interested in mind?
2) What is their level of experience?
3) Are they willing to go the extra mile to make sure everything is done properly?
4) If something unexpected comes up, do I feel he/she will be able to address the issue?
5) Would I recommend this person to a family member/friend?

While addressing these questions you want to keep in mind what the correct answers should be. In any situation the answers should cover a base similar to the ones I will provide below.
1) Do they have my best interested in mind?
This may seem like an easy one to answer, but the reality is it can be the most difficult. Real estate is a funny business where agents work under contract with no pay… until the property sells. With any situation like this, there will be cases where someone claims to, but does not have your best interest in mind. The way I look at it is not one deal big or small enough to risk my reputation.
It is very easy to be short-sited in this business. When selecting an agent you want to get a feeling of security and trust right off the bat. Most everyone has a natural ability to read people. Your gut will most often be able to tell when you should/should not trust somebody from the first moment you meet them.

2) What is their level of experience?
Experience is by no means a reason enough to hire or not hire somebody – but it is important. Experience in real estate, more than anything, is a testament to an agent being able to survive through ups and downs of each market. If you can make it through down markets and prosper in up markets… chances are you are very good at what you do.
As was told to me a long time ago by my first mentor, “real estate is a business of years”. This means if you can survive and prosper over many years you have clearly established the right approach, proper knowledge, and strong client relationships necessary.

3) Do I feel they will be willing to go the extra mile to make sure everything is done properly?
Going the extra mile can mean many things. This can be simple as your agent taking a phone call at 10pm to calm your nerves and reassure you that everything is under control, or as complicated as renegotiating a deal from scratch after four months of work. An extra mile of effort makes all the difference in real estate.

4) If something unexpected comes up, do I feel he/she will be able to address the issue?
Real estate transactions most often occur over a 2-3+ month period. In this time things often change from the original plan. It is important that your agent is well-versed in all aspects of real estate, not just showing property and writing an offer. Knowledge of the market and laws are extremely important, along with an ability to negotiate and present such knowledge.

5) Would I recommend this person to a family member/friend?
This may be the ultimate question that only you can answer. If you feel like your agent passed questions 1-4, chances are this should be very easy to answer. Someone you refer to your family/friends should be somebody you completely trust because they can you affect you, your reputation, and your relationships. Most all successful real estate careers are based on personal referrals. If you have faith in your agent pass along their information to everyone you know. If trust/confidence is not 100% there… neither is the quality!