Q: I'm thinking of moving to Vashon and have a question for you.

I've looked at ads for real estate agents and also looked at the company web sites. Everyone says they are an "award winning" agent, or have the "most integrity" or have the "most experience". Some have a bunch of initials behind their name that are supposed to impress us. Why should I believe this stuff and how do I really choose an agent?

A:Most professionals and trades use similar kinds of advertising. From doctors to car repair shops all businesses are trying to win your confidence. In most cases such advertising is really intended just to enhance name or brand awareness.

According to a recent study done by the National Association of Realtors that looked at the sources used by potential real estate buyers in choosing an agent, very few used advertising as a way to choose an agent. The biggest percentage, 44%, were referred to a specific agent by a friend or relative.

An additional 11% used an agent they had been happy doing business with in the past. 7% (higher on the west coast) found their agent using the Internet. The smallest category was printed advertising.

Personal references are the bests way to choose any professional. If I need my car serviced I don't reach for the classified ads, I ask friends to recommend someone they've been happy with. When I select a doctor or dentist I don't care what their ads say, I want to hear from people I trust that I'll be in good hands. Real estate is just as important.

Talk to people around town and ask them who they trust in the real estate business. Find out who has a great reputation. Experience matters, but not as much as depth of knowledge. Some "old timers" are loaded with valuable information, and some are moss backed folks who haven't kept up with the huge changes in our industry. I recommend that you interview agents, ask for references and most important, talk to people!