Regardless of how you get an agent's name, it might be worth interviewing at least a couple before you make a final decision - or at least arming yourself with some criteria to go over with any agent who has been recommended to you. An agent might use a high listing price to secure a contract, only to seek a lower price later, after little traffic is generated at the initial price level. Meanwhile, you've lost what can be the most critical time period in selling a home - the first weeks immediately after it's listed. Check on experience and productivity. As with most professions, experience pays in real estate.
Experienced agents know the market and the marketing process.
They'll have the best chance of quickly and smoothly helping you to buy or sell your home. The number of transactions an agent is handling monthly or yearly is going to give you an indication of how committed the agent is to the profession. More and more buyers are deciding they want full contractual representation on the same level as the seller. Be sure to discuss buyer agency with any agent you're thinking about working with. This can be especially important if you're selling in one city in preparation of moving to another.