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Selling your home during a buyer's market can pose the ultimate challenge. It is therefore important to find the right listing agent. How do you know the agent you hire will do his best to get your home sold in a tough market? During the initial consultation, ask some detailed questions. The real estate agent in questions should have a marketing plan that he should be more than willing to discuss with you. Here are fifteen steps an outstanding agent will take to market your home to get it sold, and he should have these items on their marketing plan and be prepared to discuss them with you:

1. Measure the rooms and determine correct square footage: This is important for two reasons: While listing a home can be done without knowing the individual room size, buyers are likely to skip looking at listings if they don't know what they are getting. Also, it is important to match up the total square footage of the home with the tax records and appraisal.

2. Prepare a comparative market analysis to determine the fair market value of the home: This is the foundation for pricing the home. Unfortunately a home cannot be simply listed according by what has been invested in it. Prices are determined by factors in the home's neighborhood and what most recent listings, which are comparable to the home, have sold for. Unfortunately, foreclosures will drive prices down as well. A CMA will show you exactly why your agent is suggesting the listing price he does. You have a right to see this analysis so you know exactly what is going on.

3. Discuss the changing market conditions: For example, a spring market typically sees more homes being listed, as people try to move during the summer when school is out. Also, a good agent will know how to anticipate the market and will warn you of the need for price reductions in the future and in how many days this would need to occur.

4. Guide you through the sell process and explain all the forms required by law: Before you sign the listing agreement, a good agent will make you aware of any addenda, disclosures, disclaimers etc you may have to sign and what they stand for. Different areas in different countries have different regulations and forms. Also, there is more involved to the selling process then simply putting your home on the market. Things are expected of you, the seller, and the agent should clarify them.

5. Prepare and present marketing plan for the home: This specifies in writing that the agent will follow through. If he does not

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