Real estate transactions can be stressful and are full of nuances, subtleties and loads of paperwork. Aside from that, every transaction is different because every single one involves the ultimate variable - people.

Well, here's a shock: real estate agents are people, too. I'm not trying to be funny - all I mean is that every agent is unique. We've all had different experiences and have various specializations and interests.

Looking for an agent can be tricky and confusing, too. Don't let that stop you-your needs are important and you should take time to assess your situation and find the right representation for you.

Who are you?

Are you a first-time homebuyer who needs a little extra attention? Many agents enjoy thorough involvement in the transaction and enthusiastically educate their clients about each step of the homebuying process.

Has it been a while since you bought or sold real estate? If you've got some experience but are unsettled about real estate in today's world, I can hardly blame you - there's so much information out there that it's easy to get overloaded. There's an agent for you.

Are you technologically adept and expecting to heavily rely on the Internet, Web-based tools and instant communications? You likely want someone who is equally adept and willing to communicate with you quickly, correct? When you're interviewing your agent, make sure she knows these considerations are of high importance to you.

Do you live out of town and need a local representative to completely handle the transaction? Some agents work mostly with people who relocate from out of town.

Maybe you're looking for the perfect commercial space to build your family business. You can hire someone who deals exclusively with commercial real estate. There are even sub-specialties within commercial real estate.

Perhaps a vacation home is in your plans. Guess what? There are agents who make this their niche.

What if you prefer to handle most of the legwork yourself, but need an agent to help with the marketing or contract negotiation? Rest assured - there's an agent for you.

A difference that matters

It's important for you to know that not every real estate broker or salesperson in Texas can call himself a Realtor. Only those agents who are members in the National Association of Realtors, the Texas Association of Realtors and one of the local associations around the state may use the term "Realtor" on their business cards and in their marketing materials.

Hiring a Realtor means you've retained someone who is committed to continuing education, professionalism and integrity. In addition, Realtors are sworn to uphold a strict code of ethics and to treat all parties fairly.

It's a difference that matters.

Specializations and professionalism

Many Realtors hold one or more certifications or designations, each one indicated by an acronym behind the agent's name. These letters signify that the holder has not only undergone advanced or specialized training in real estate, but is also committed to his own professional development.

Some of us specialize in residential listings, buyer representation or investment property. Others concentrate on international or commercial real estate.

Find your match

There are all kinds of real estate agents out there, and there's one for you, no matter what your situation or what level of service you seek. There are lots of ways to find agents these days - the Internet, print advertising and good old fashioned referrals, to name a few. Regardless of how you find your agent, though, if you're looking for a higher level of professionalism, I strongly recommend that you make sure whoever you hire is a Realtor.

Whether you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com.  All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.

Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert

This column was published in the 11Jan09 edition of the Galveston County Daily News