How should I choose my real estate agent?

I have some suggestions. Obviously you want someone who knows your local market well, who is punctual, responsible, connected to other agents, and intelligent. I'm assuming that you already know that. Here are some other things to look for:

1. Would you like to have a cup of coffee with this person? If the answer is "no," keep looking. You aren't actually going to have a cup of coffee with them, probably, but you are going to spend some time together. There will be a lot of time in the car, if you're buying. But in general if you don't have a good fit with your agent's personality, you'll dread hearing from him or her, and you'll avoid calling as well. Communication is important, so go with someone you don't mind having a chat with.

2. Would you let this person house-sit/pet-sit for you? This goes back to the responsibility thing. Your agent, if you are selling a home, is going to have keys to your house, and access to lots of information about you. If you're buying, your agent will eventually be responsible for a very large check that you've signed. If you wouldn't let them house sit for you, trusting them to lock the doors, feed your cat, and get the mail everyday, you shouldn't hire them as your agent.

3. Do you agree with this person's sense of style? Everyone has a different way of looking at the world and at themselves. I like diversity, but in real estate relationships I prefer a good match. If you are thinking about hiring an agent who's sense of style doesn't suit you, you might find that he doesn't show you houses that suit you either. Or if you're selling your home, the suggestions that she makes to get your home ready to sell might be intolerable. On the other hand, if you know that you have bad taste (you know who you are) try to find an agent who's taste you respect.