Sure. but in the real world, consumers turn out to have much more solidly grounded expectations about their real estate agents, according to results of a series of three-hour interviews with buyers and sellers across the country.

       According to research conducted for the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, the No. 1 quality that consumers demand a potential agent display is market knowledge. 

       Customers expect an agent to know the local town, the housing market and the economy, as well as the intricacies of the real estate business. In addition, that knowledge should extend to ancillary services needed to complete transactions, including mortgage financing and contracting work.
       Being knowledgeable was just one of 10 attributes that consumers identified as being essential to a good agent. The responses were elicited in in-depth discussions led by Partners for Service Excellence, an independent research company retained by Prudential to help its agents better understand customer expectations.

       Other qualities that consumers seek include:

Honesty and trustworthiness The ideal agent will give customers the truth about houses and the market, and they will not make promises. They cannot keep to make the consumer feel better, buyers and sellers say.

       One of the best tests of honesty is in the pricing of a home for sale or the potential bid by a buyer. Many untrustworthy agents will try to highball sellers, telling them property is worth more than a true market analysis would bear, in order to get a listing. (Always demand a comparative market analysis, with figures and property descriptions included.) 

Availability The agent should be able to work on the customer's schedule, not vice versa. Consumers said one of the most helpful things was for agents to have multiple ways of being contacted, say by office phone fax, car or cellular phone.

Pleasantness Find an agent who is friendly, polite, tactful and encouraging. They can be a tiger at the negotiating table on your behalf, but they should not be putting any undue pressure on you.

Professionalism In both manner and appearance, your agent should be able to exude confidence and infuse you with the same about your housing decision.

Flexibility Consumers say the best sales agents are creative, open to suggestions, willing to compromise and will adapt to your changes.

Frugality Buyers and sellers say that one of the main reasons for using an agent at all is to save time and effort on their own parts. A good agent should constantly be coming up with qualified buyers or suitable homes for you to see without being repeatedly asked to do so. But a good agent will not be greedy.

Understanding Yes, it is a touchy-feely world sometimes when you are considering the biggest purchase of your life, buying a part of the American dream. So in picking an agent, be certain they will listen carefully to your requirements, anticipate your needs and take a personal interest in you and your family.

Responsiveness Are details handled quickly? Are your calls returned promptly? Do you sense continued enthusiasm from your agent? If not, they are unresponsive and you should pull the plug.

Ability to keep a commitment Your agent should be prompt and punctual, follow through on promises and always give you accurate, updated information. (See Honesty and Trustworthiness)

By Steve Kerch 
Chicago Tribune