James, I apologize if you thought I was denigrating large brokerages. I certainly don't believe large brokerages are bad, and I didn't mean it that way. Some of the best agents I've ever worked with work for large brokerages. I merely meant that one should not judge the quality of an agent by the brokerage for whom he or she works.

A good interview with the agent will quickly give you an impression if that agent will be a good fit for you or not.

I agree with everything wendy says below, but since the question below compares small brokerages to large brokerages, I wanted to give you my opinion why I work for one of the largest. I can get a 100% of the total commissions working for a small brokerage, but my clients get 0% marketing for the client. Or I can get 50-85% of the commissions and give my client 100% marketing.

100% commissions = not selling the property = 0 commissions = unhappy client
or
50% commissions = Sold Property = some commissions = happy client

Check out my website and http://discoverbountiful.com

While some agencies are better than others, I would focus more on the agent him/herself. The level of service and professionalism can vary widely from agent to agent, even within the same brokerage. I've met fantastic agents with small brokerages, and I've met terrible agents with large, respected brokerages.

When I was interviewing brokerages, trying to make a decision, I was surprised at how similar many aspects were. What was a little shocking to me was how much an agent paid for a brokerage name.

What I would suggest you do (if you don't want to just save time and hire me right off the bat!) is get referrals of agents from friends and family. See what they liked and disliked about the agent. Arrange to have the agent come and give you a listing presentation. Find out what they will do to market the home.. Find out what they feel like a good listing price is. Do you think that price is reasonable and competitive? Look at how well you get along with them. You will have to be working closely with them, and want to make sure you get along.

Are the professional? Courteous? Honest?

I would also try to find an agent who is living and working close to where your property is. If they live and work 75 miles away from your home, they may not be aware of subtle nuances of the local market, and getting to your property may be difficult for them.

Best of luck to you!

Wendy Remley
Koskan Real Estate
(801) 528-2324

There are some great companies out there and I have to say that it varies depending on the area. I have worked for other major companies and have based my license on what was the best for my clients in the Utah area. While it is easy for me to say that mine is the best, I would recommend you interview a few agents and companies to help you with your decission. I would love to show you some of the services that my company has to offer such as:

3D spot light tours, Homes Illustrated adds, newspaper adds, Loopnet.com, Wasatch Front MLS, Pureutah.com, DiscoverSLC.com, A real Estate Team of 5 agents to help assist on being more available to show your listing or answer phone calls, Risco Keybox, Proper Signage, feedback, Infonow, experience etc...

please go to my website:

Http://DiscoverSLC.com

I would love the opportunity to interview for your listing, if I can be of any assistance or start the Market Analysis / CMA of your property in order to help you understand what the value of your property is;
James Graham 801-898-7653