NWR: Realtor

sgdc2011

For those that just bought houses or are going through the process now, how did you find your realtor and how did you know they were the ones you wanted to work with?

We are getting ready to start looking in a month or two and I think this is a good place to start.

TIA

Danes983

I used the realtor that my parents, and my best friends mom used  She is wonderful.  So friendly and really lookd out for our best interest. When we started looking before we were ready she said to us that she would take me to look at 100 houses, but that she wanted us to be happy and not feel rushed. She was right. We waited and love out place. Where are you looking?

sgdc2011

We are looking in the scotch plains and local sourroundiung area as well as berkeley heights/ long hill/ new providence areas.

Renee1105

I got my realtor rec. on the nest. I loved her and we bought in Scotch Plains.
Let me know if you want her info.

mercy4

I looked a lot myself and went through listing agents when I wanted to see homes.  We ended up being able to use our close friend for our final decision.

USER876

Trial and error.  I tend to do my own research, and found it really annoying when I would know more than the realtor.  I went through a lot of different ones until I found someone I really liked.  We looked at over 100 homes, and in the end it paid off for this person because they got a buy and a sale all in one.

1.  Avoid part timers

2.  Go with a local realtor or better yet one that lives in the town you are looking in.  They can offer more on the "ins and outs" of different communities in the town than someone coming from another area.

3.  Don't sign an agreement that forces you to commit to a certain realtor for any period of time

4.  Go to open houses, sometimes you may meet someone there that will be helpful.

5.  Whatever anyone tells you, including a realtor, verify it yourself doing your own research.

6.  Find someone that has a basic knowledge of building inspection and isn't afraid to go up an attic with you or into a crawl space.  It's good to bounce thoughts and concerns off someone else when looking at a house rather than going in with a blind offer until your inspection.  I can't tell you how many of these realtors didn't have a clue what they were looking at regarding the house infrastructure.

sgdc2011

Renee- I'll take her info. Thanks!

odonnellalys

Trusted realtor of my father and uncle.

Giaspo

Luckily, DH's mom is our realtor.  Before I met him, I used a referral of a friend who turned out to be great. 

If you are starting from scratch, a great way to find someone is by visiting open houses in the target area you want to live.  That way, you get to spend a few minutes with the agent and see if you click, and you'll wind up with an expert in the area.  You'll be able to tell pretty quickly if you like them or not. 

You've got to love your realtor because they will be working for you during such a stressful time.  If you start using one and find that they aren't working out, don't be shy about finding someone else.  It's too important!  Good luck!