Ask about the composition of the Realtor staff - the duties each member has, and how they will be involved in the marketing of your home. What differentiates the best agents from the rest is their marketing philosophy and the strategies they've developed to achieve their goals. You're looking for a Realtor who tailors his approach to your specific circumstances, and then puts the tools at his disposal to your best advantage. What you want is someone who does more than provide a physical description of your home and area to prospects. Your Realtor should be essentially selling you home's benefits.
Exposure is the key to any home sale.
In many cases your home will be sold because another agent knows a buyer who is looking for a home like yours. Beyond simply listing your home in the MLS, your agent should be using a wide variety of techniques to let those other agents know about your home and keep them aware of it until it is sold. Determine how much communication you want, then find an agent who will give you the attention and time you deserve. You worry about being locked into a lengthy listing agreement with a less than competent real estate agent, costing your home valuable time and exposure on the market. Well, worry no more.