When attempting to hire a real estate agent often something you avoid is as important as something that you do. Here's something you might want to avoid.

Consider avoiding the use of 'dual agencies'. A 'dual agency' is one that represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. This isn't a good idea for you. If one agent works for the buyer and the other agent works for you and both agents work for the same company then your financial interests might be compromised. For example, the buyer might be able to learn how low a price you will accept in the sale of the house. Likewise if you are the buyer the seller may just learn how much you will pay and hold out for the higher price.

Play it safe. Make sure both real estate agents in a transaction work for different companies.