Among your friends, one or more may be "in real estate". That could create a dilemma when you decide to sell your present home. How would you decide which friend to represent you in the sale of your home?

You no doubt want to sell your home at the best possible price, in the least time and with a minimum of inconvenience. To accomplish each of those objectives, your home should be marketed effectively from the beginning - by a true professional.

If you choose one of your agent/friends, choose one who devotes full-time to real estate and has made a long-term commitment to be the best. Your friend should possess extensive knowledge about your neighborhood and especially the type property you are selling. The friend should be "in-touch" with the local market, and have daily contact with mortgage lenders, bankers, attorneys, and other real estate related individuals.

Your friend should be a member in good standing of the local Board of REALTORS®, another measure of your friend's commitment to excellence. Your friend's activity level, the degree of involvement in day-to-day changes that occur in real estate locally, will very likely reflect an established record of successful real estate sales.

Does it sound as though you should put real estate professionalism ahead of friendship? You really should, and if that professional also happens to be friend - everyone's a winner.