If you're thinking about working with a lower-than-average-rate agent, a few questions can help you make an informed decision.

• What is the agent's track record like? 

 Many discount brokerages and referral services will allow you to meet and interview prospective agents. Because they may be dealing with a high volume of clients, you should inquire about their experience beyond the number of homes they've sold. Inquiring whether they've worked with clients whose homes were similar to yours or who had special circumstances similar to yours, for example, may help you feel more confident in your decision.

• Are there any restrictions on the services they provide?

 The agent should inform you of any tradeoffs in exchange for a lower commission. You may be in charge of tasks that would normally be handled by a traditional agent, such as hosting an open house or negotiating the sale. If any services are offered a la carte or you are referred to an outside vendor, you will most likely incur additional costs in addition to the agent's commission.

• What do they have to say about your market? 

A potential real estate agentcan provide valuable information about the overall selling process as well as local market conditions. You should be able to get a sense of comparable local home sales as well as what to expect from potential buyers, such as what they're looking for and how quickly other homes sell.