They should be providing marketing plan with timelines, and reporting back to you when the action steps have been completed.

The answer could fill a book.  In my market - it seems that sellers are not asking enough questions to ensure they hire the right/best agent for the job.Sometimes it just boils down to how low the agent will go on a "discount" and sellers do get what they pay for when their primary focus is on how little can I pay you to sell my home.

Local market knowledge, trust based on verification and a record of achieving results are important considerations when listing a home for sale.

Let the agent show you how they market and ask lots of questions.   Listen carefully how they respond.   Good luck.  

Professionalism, enthusiasm and an ethical outlook

IMO it doesn't matter whether they are a new agent or not - new agents are hungry and eager to make a name for themselves

Another trait is willingness to communicate!

They want to sell - they will run and advertise.

Loyalty and ability to sell.

Someone who would look after the client's best interest.  That also means someone who will communicate with clients on a regular basis, knowledgeable,  give advice,  market the property through many different ways and not only post the listing in the mls,  prompt in their response, etc.  I think I can write a very long list here.

A history of proven professionalism.  The same thing we look for when we choose a doctor, attorney or other professional we hire for their services.

If our marketing is known and the quality of what we do is key....instead of marketing only stating we're #1 there is usually no question.

Who advertises the most in the market, who is honest and deserving of trust, who closes the most listings in less than 60 days not the lowest list price, who does seller feel comfortable being married to for a couple months, who has knowledge to get house cleaneed, decluttered and has Fabulous photos of other houses, who has deep knowledge of contracts, construction, loan process and negotiates for the seller. I didn't mention cheapest

A good listing agent stays in touch, continuously monitors the market, adjusts marketing approaches and discusses postioning the property to sell. The seller also needs to be open minded and responsive to recommendations.

Melissa Cochran You have received many excellent suggestions.  Good luck.

Does your agent provide a listing presentation which shows what they will do to market your home? And then do they follow through? 

give them "the boot" if they lose interest.... you should not need to keep them interested....OMG.... they had better tow the mark for the client... 

I want the most liked of the very successful agents in the community. If I had to keep them interested, I make the wrong selection. 

You should be compiling a list here for yourself.

I think Richard Weeks has the best answer.

I love Kathleen Daniels's answer and would add to that, in response to how do you keep them engaged after they have your listing...if they're not responsive or doing what they say they're going to do, FIRE THEM! To me, it's that simple!

Melissa Cochran An agent who has a good marketing plan. With a good marketing plan you won't have to keep them interested. They will be doing their job. Welcome to ActiveRain!

Full time agent who specializes in listings; an agent who can demonstrate their average days on market for their listings versus the overall market average; level of experience in listing property; comprehensive, written marketing plan they share before you list.

Pretty much the same things you look for when looking for a lender, except you know the real estate agent is aware of what a closing date is.

However they are discussing or answering your questions is a preview of how they will interact with others as they represent your interests. Challenge or test their stance to see if it holds. Watch & listen. On marketing, discuss it all upfront & leave open for more discussion if necessary...

A realistic enthused individual with market knowledge and a plan of action!

Insist upon a Written Marketing Plan (to make them accountable and measurable ) !!!

Click on the "Contests" button at the bottom of the page in the "Explore ActiveRain" column - you will find our September Challenge "Your Value Proposition"!

Real estate knowledge of the local market and communication.

I have a guarantee of service and will let someone out of the contract if I do not what I say.

Timely communication is perhaps tops on all sellers' minds.

Kathleen has a good answer.

Melissa Cochran - now this answer could be a huge blog post split into 5 parts or more...lol.

Continuous contact keeps everyone on there toes

Having your listing does them no good if it does not sell, they will be continually marketing to the best of their ability.

    Experience.  Knowledge. Attitude.  Communication.  Proven examples of MLS listings, website postings, online advertisements.

I don't think you would 'keep them interested in continual marketing', because that would mean they are not doing their job Melissa Cochran- it's not something that you would do, it's what they will do.  There are numerous ways to Market, and what that realtor offers is what they will do.  You would look for a person that would come to you on a Recommendation if that is possible, because that is huge.  No one will recommend someone that they did not have a stellar experience with (or I would hope not).  You would look for someone who is professional yet personable, someone can be a new realtor or an experienced one, though they should have energy and be interested in you and your home.  They should also be someone who will 'listen', and not just 'talk themselves up', because they don't 'hear you', if they are doing all of the talking.  Interviewing realtors is similar to interviewing doctors or another professional - some are a 'better fit' than others.  Hope this helps!   

a proven marketing plan, EXPERIENCE, an agreed to schedule to inform you of progress of action items completed in their marketing plan, testimonials that focus on experience and how negotiations were handled and how problems were solved and not how "nice" of a person they are.

 Someone who has an genuine interest in helping you. Needs to tell you the services and able to follow up quickly. Tell him if he does not deliver his services you can cancel the contract.

Look at their track record and have the right to cancel in case you aren't satisfied.