Picking a real estate agent can be tricky. The right agent can help you purchase your dream home or sell your house quickly. In a way, they can be similar to chefs. Those who are successful display exceptionally-prepared cuisine in a high-end restaurant, while others end up overpricing and missing the mark on marketing their listings. You don't want to be the customer being shoveled greasy food by a cook in a fast food chain.

Each agent has his or her own secret weapons on marketing real estate. The difference is how they use them. So, how do you spot a top-producing agent that'll help you achieve your goal? Here are a few characteristics that they have in common.

• Local Market Expert

  Usually, they rank as a top seller in their target area. By breaking down their target into smaller, more specialized areas, they have a better handle on pricing strategies, demographic, and how to attract more buyers. If they can sell houses near your location within a 5-mile radius, then they can sell your property, too.

• Attention to details

  Attentive real estate agents notice small home improvements that can increase your property's marketability. They create detailed listings that attract buyers, and you won't have to worry about any late contracts or requirements.

• Connections

  They already have a list of buyers who are searching for a home in your area. Plus, they don't neglect maintaining helpful connections with other real estate agents who may have potential buyers interested in your home.

• Tenacity

  Your agent should have the tenacity to keep pursuing leads and garner the most amount of exposure. They know that every missed lead could be a missed opportunity to sell your house. They don't give up easily, and they contact every possible person who may be interested in your property to discuss details with them.

• Flair

  They should be able to project themselves well, whether it's in the way they creatively word listings with panache, stage your home, or produce marketing materials.

• Responsive

  Once you hire a real estate agent, they should be YOUR agent, meaning they should be able to return your phone calls. Communication is key to selling your home, and you should be informed throughout the whole process.

• Sold something recently

  How long has it been since they've sold a property? If it's been quite a while, they may not be as successful as they appear to be.

  The most important quality, however, is integrity. The main reason agents or brokers continue to experience success is because they manifest a high level of integrity in every interaction with potential buyers, clients, and other agents.