Real estate transactions tend to be either extremely stressful or very pleasurable experiences. Ask anyone and you will hear opposing views, based largely on the individual's experience with his or her real estate agent. Knowing how to find a good agent seems to be the determining factor in whether an individual will want to buy or sell another piece of property. The best real estate agents are often not those who pepper their faces all over television and print advertisements. The most effective professionals listen to their clients and work ethically and diligently to achieve the desired results. They have a strong knowledge of local market conditions, property inventory, and the latest relevant legislation. Look at the listing signs in the area to identify whose names are on the listings that sell quickly. These professionals get results and they may be more effective than an agent who has a large volume of listings but is not doing anything with them. Many people are not aware that there is a difference between a Realtorr and a real estate agent. Less than 50 percent of all agents have joined the National Association of Realtors and thus may call themselves a Realtorr. The association has a Code of Ethics that Realtorsr must promise to follow. This Code stipulates standards of conduct that exceed current legal requirements. If this factor is important to you, verify whether the agents under consideration are Realtorsr. Agents rely on referrals from satisfied former clients in order to be