The various steps in the short sale process require experience and expertise for an optimal result. When it comes to looking at short sale properties, the buyer's agent should offer expertise to accommodate the time-intensive process of the property you choose. Hiring an agent who has experience selling short sale listings will often be of benefit to a buyer because they know the intricacies of the process. Most importantly, buyers should select an agent who will make your interests a priority and work on your behalf to find you the perfect home at a fair price.

Referral from friends, coworkers or family - Ask someone you know who has recently purchased a home for a referral to their agent. Call the agent and inquire about their short sale experience.

Ask a friend who works in the industry for a referral - Agents who do not work with a lot of bank owned or short sale transactions generally know which agents do. Agents regularly pay each other referral fees, so the referring agent has an incentive for recommending a great agent.

Talk to Agents at Open Houses - Open houses give buyers a relaxed atmosphere to talk with agents. Ask them to describe a recent short sale experience and how many of these types of transactions the agents close each year.

Search for REO /Short Sale Agents Online - In the age of technology, many agents write blogs which can give insight into their experience. Ask direct questions just as we suggested above with other agents. You can also search by "short sale agent" with Google or a similar search engine.

Sort MLS records by REO and Short Sale Agents - If you have a friend in the real estate business, run a search through MLS by limiting the returns to short sales that have closed in the past six months in your preferred zip code. Then screen these agents just as you would any other.

Contact SSA - SSA can provide you with contact information for agents in your area who have experience with short sale transactions. These agents have used SSA previously and successfully closed a short sale transaction with us.