A GREAT real estate agent can make all the difference to you.
 
Learning how to find a good real estate agent is critical.   Realize that a good agent is your best friend when it comes to helping you find what you are looking in the real estate market, whether you are an owner occupant, or an investor.

Whether you are buying, selling, or both, the agent will do all the heavy lifting, so you can continue to go about whatever takes up your time, be if work, family, hobbies, etc.
A Realtor and you are aligned from the standpoint that it is in both parties interest to sell your home quickly, and for the highest possible price, and in the case of buying, to find you the best possible deal within the shortest amount of time, or within your time constraints.

How to find a GREAT real estate agent involves finding someone that gets to know you, the client. She/he will understand what it is that you are in the real estate market for. She/he will know your motivation, your time line, your financial limitations, if any, and exactly what it is you are looking for.  She/he will take charge of your real estate needs, and make you feel important, because you are the most vital part of his or her’s real estate business.

You want a Realtor that stays in close communication with you.
She/he will communicate with you on every aspect of the process, whether it be selling, buying, or both.  She/he will return your calls, emails, texts, within a reasonable amount of time.
 
Realtors do get busy, but they should be able to get back to you within 24 hours, unless there are special circumstances involved.  As an agent myself, I always pride myself on returning clients communications as quickly as possible.

I always try to establish a GREAT relationship with my clients. One of respect, and courtesy.  I try to treat my clients the way I would like to be treated.  I use competent lenders that I feel good about referring to my clients. The same with referring home inspectors, stagers etc.
I also go the extra mile when needed.

If it is late at night, and that is the only time my client can get together to sign paperwork, I will meet them when and where they like. I have answered phone calls from clients very late at night, and very early in the morning, to discuss pressing needs, answer questions, or address concerns.
Talk is cheap, but I always make sure that if I tell a client something, that our Home Shop Team will deliver on what I say, or promise, or if it becomes impossible, I will explain to them exactly why this happened, and how it can be remedied to their satisfaction