Experts say that all good real estate agents should be able to manage the basics of buying and selling property. Whether you're looking for a home or trying to sell the one you're in, good agents should stay in touch with you, give you feedback on your property or properties you're considering buying, be able to tap into a relocation network and help you get the best deal.

Large independent firms such as Baird & Warner, Kahn and First United have offices in various parts of the city and suburbs. Such a firm has an identity and a corporate message that it tries to thread through its branches, which may have up to 30 agents. Baird & Warner, for example, has nearly 30 offices, with a total of 700 agents.

Franchise operations are actually independent companies that are tied into a large national network. Century 21 offices, for example, are not owned by Century 21. Rather, they are owned by individuals who live and work in their communities. Sometimes one person will own several Century 21 offices in several neighborhoods.