Mahoning Valley - In most parts of the country including in the region, it's been a seller's market.

21 News wanted to find out if that trend is still continuing locally or if the hot housing market is cooling down.

We sought out Deborah Barber, who was awarded Ohio Realtor of the year, and Realtor of the year for the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors, who says the housing market is slowing a little but emphasized it is still a seller's market.

We asked what somebody should look for in a good real estate agent?

She told us someone who knows the area and is accessible.

"Somebody that answers their phone or gets back to you in a reasonable amount of time. I know everybody is very busy right now, but customers are important. They are who we are and if we don't take care of our customers we're nobody," said Barber.

Local realtors tell me there are not a lot of homes for sale in our region, however, the homes that are for sale are often going for the asking price or higher.

Barber added, "We don't have hardly any inventory at this point, so that's why as soon as a good house comes on the market your having about 15 buyers looking at that same house. We need some houses. Sellers call us!"

Barber who is a realtor for Altobelli Real Estate in Niles emphasized, "If your a buyer getting pre-qualified is a must or your offer on your dream home may not even be considered.

We asked her if cash is king right now. She told us that cash is often king but at times there are exceptions.

"Sometimes the numbers are the ones that are going to make the decision," said Barber.

Barber's awards are based on involvement with the Realtors organizations, business and educational experience, along with volunteer work and activities in the community.