By using an effective, experienced real-estate agent, he or she  can be a big help in selling your home in today's sluggish market. But finding such a Realtor may not be so easy. Some agents these days are pinching pennies. A lot of them think you can just put something on Craigslist and it will sell, and that's not how it works anymore. Often there is work to be done prior to even listing the property. To ensure you're doing business with a solid real-estate professional, contact some of his or her previous clients and ask about their experience.