greta, it isn't your realtor that will sell your house. he/she usually won't even show it. 99% of them won't represent the client and the buyer. so it is really how your house is marketed. if they take pictures you don't like...make them take over and over.

what to look for is the company they work for. do they run newspaper ads? if so, when and how often will YOUR house be listed. does the realtor place their own ads in the home for sale magazines. when will your house be listed. most times they have already submitted the homes 30 -60 days in advance.

does the realtor have their own web page? how many home sales web sites will they post your house? are they willing to place "unconventional " ads in places like craiglist?

do they make cd's for people to take?

how often can you have an open house? can you hold your own? if so and you find a a buyer...how much will they cut their commission.

commission structure IS negotiable.

do take down your personal pictures. box them all up and take them out of the house. pediphiles target homes where they see pictures of kids of online. also, do not let pictures of the kids rooms be used online.

all meds even otc need to be in a box that you take with you when you leave.

if you have a lock box on the door and you are not home when the booking company calls, they will come right in. you may not get any notice. i had them walk in and NEVER call.

i have more...can you tell i went through this?