Im a real estate agent, depends on what you are looking for in what area, zillow.com is a great place to start researching and it will show you all the homes for sale in an area and will lead you to an agent
Answered By: Dom J - 8/4/2007 |
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Unfortunately there's no such thing as a decent real estate agent... they are basically the same as car salesmen. i am not bashing them, just speaking my mind from experience.
the large corporate real estate agencies have agents that are 'sub contractors' that work on minimal commissions and pay their own benefits, they are no longer employees of the company.... so what does this mean? it means that they want to sell you a house at any cost. no sale = no pay. no pay = no pay personal bills...
be careful, do your own homework. GET YOUR OWN HOME INSPECTOR THAT IS LICENSED BY THE STATE. using a realtor's home inspector will get you in trouble. if the home does not pass inspection, then there's no sale... so most home inspectors that have an affiliation with a real estate co will downplay larger defects in a home so the sale can be made. do not scrimp on a home inspector, get a GOOD ONE!!!
Source(s):
good luck... i'm speaking from experience.
Answered By: clump y - 8/4/2007 |
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I need some body to help me for this I can"t do it a none i need help, I dont want make a mistake ,It not a small thing as I think.
Answered By: Tell the deal - 8/4/2007 |
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You may want to work with a few and see which one makes you most comfortable. Since most agents can see all of the same homes available in a given area via an MLS system, the big difference from one agent to another will be experience, drive, personality, and overall knowledge of the market. Don't waste your time or the agents time. Make sure you have a nice down payment, and get a mortgage pre-qualification so you know exactly what you can afford to look at. Realtor.com is a good place to start. You can also walk into a couple of neighborhood offices and start the process that way. An office where everyone is sitting around is not the right choice. A busy office is always good. They will generate more leads and more contacts, and probably have more listings.
Source(s):
I am a licensed Real Estate Agent in New York City.
Answered By: TheDude - 8/4/2007 |
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I personally like to go on recommendations. That way you get first-hand insight from someone on what worked/didn't work.
I used a really great realtor.....you can check him out at: www.sellwithbell.ca
Very responsive, personalized service. Gave great advice, and really had MY best interest in mind. Very honest and trustworthy....which is kind of hard to come by in the real estate field.
Good luck!!!
Answered By: Hermosa997 - 8/4/2007 |
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Answered By: youthpastor1955 - 8/4/2007 |
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Once I was looking into buying this condo, the RE agent I didn't like, but I meet another one at an open house I really liked, so she became my agent on that condo I liked. end of story,
YOUR AGENT will not charge you a dime, they make their earnings from the seller, and belive me, they work their but off on your favor, ONE THING: never go with a listing agent (seller's agent) as they will allways be partial in favor of their main client, the owner of the selling house
Answered By: Juneau1965 - 8/4/2007 |
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This is my business - I work with an affiliate of realtors - we do home inspections and home warranties (do NOT not get a home warranty!!!)
when I need to research a new agent that I haven't met before I go straight to our local Association of realtors. For example here we have a few - to give you an idea www.sccaor.com or on the state level it is www.car.com so you go to these sights it will bring up all of the agents in those orgs and then you can go to their websites and read their 'about me' section and see the houses they have either listed or represented the buyer on. or I don't know if you have mls listings for your area but here it is www.mlslistings.com then you can search the agents. Another thing about going to the mls site is that you can see all of the homes in your area that are for sale right now without having to speak to anyone.
I hope this all helps.
Answered By: Lisa N - 8/4/2007 |
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As a former Realtor and Broker of 10+years, let me say that with todays vast online resources available to buyers and sellers, a reasonably intelligent person can navigate the entire buying/selling process without shelling out exorbitant fees! It's work, but balance that against the cost of say $12,000.00 for selling a $200,000.00 home, and you'll agree with me that it may be worth the effort!
Answered By: heavymetalrick - 8/4/2007 |
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Answered By: youngminiva - 8/4/2007 |
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If you are staying in your area, go to open houses, make some phone calls, see who follows up with your inquiries and who blows you off. You want to work with a Realtor who is helpful and fits your needs. Some Realtors are very good with first time home buyers and will slow walk you through the process. Others are good at what they do, but are not necessary the best with those who need alot of assistance from their Realtor.
If you are moving away, send out some emails, see who provides you with the information you need quickly and who listened to what you were looking for.
Still don't have it narrowed down? Interview your short list. Ask about what is important to you. See who you "click" with. Buying a home (especially your first home) can be a nerve-racking experience, it is important to have a professional you trust and feel good about working with to make the process as enjoyable as possible.
Go find a great Realtor, and happy house hunting!
Answered By: godged - 8/4/2007 |
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You put the lime in the coconut you take it for a ride
Answered By: Maria2Blue - 8/4/2007 |
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By going to a real estate
Answered By: Stephanie P - 8/4/2007 |
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Just trus your heart,be yourself
Answered By: Suleiman S - 8/4/2007 |
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Ok
what you want to do is look in the newspaper and find some names or you can go on google.com and type in realtors for your state area or zip code and what u wanna do is make sure you put in your appliaction.
Answered By: Virginia all day 757 - 8/4/2007 |
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Century 21 is well known, they have a decent reputation, they are not top-of-the line.
Start with Century 21, if you don't like them, drive around the areas where you want to live and see which Real Estate Agencies, have a For Sale Sign on the lawn.
Make a list of the agencies and call them.
Answered By: newyorkgal71 - 8/4/2007 |
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We've bought three houses and I still can't answer that question. They are salesman and do not have your best interest at heart...just their commission. Some would say to pay an agent to make sure they are acting only for you, but I still don't trust them. Of the three agents we had, one we picked blindly by calling a telephone number in a newspaper, one was the girlfriend of my husband's co-worker and the third came highly recommended by my husband's friend. Guess which two were NIGHTMARES!!!! Right!
Answered By: butrcupps - 8/4/2007 |
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You should ask your friends and family ya' know snoop around
Answered By: answer24 - 8/4/2007 |
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First you have you to go outside and pull up your shirt then all the real estate people will come to you only the best ones
Answered By: Janice B - 8/4/2007 |
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I prefer to use different agents for different things. I generally like to get to know them before I do business with them. That way, I know whether or not I feel comfortable with them or not. I like the agent to represent my company and what my interests are. I feel that certain qualities are important to the customer.
I would interview them about themselves and their business. There are certain qualities that you want and you should be able to find those in the agent.
Answered By: bpl - 8/4/2007 |
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Like lawyers, all you need do is prick your finger, they'll smell the blood !
Answered By: Brad V - 8/4/2007 |
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Well u can look at adds in the directory or u can look in the newspaper....or if u have a friend that just recently bought a house then just ask them .....and i perfer remax than century 21.....hope this helped
Answered By: ǻŊщФ↕ - 8/4/2007 |
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Check with a large organization as you mentioned. Try out an agent, but DON"T be afraid to get another if you are unhappy. I did it for a while and there are all kinds in that business.
If you are really interested, see who advertises in the Sunday paper. That costs a lot of money, so if they have a big ad, I know it seems simple, but they are probably doing a lot of business. See if the houses they are advertising are in your range. Some specialize in mansions, some in condos, etc...
Answered By: Ronin - 8/3/2007 |
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Well i think the best way is to look up numbers in the phone book...... and call them and ask them how they do there work and maybe that's the way you can find out....
Answered By: nikohl - 8/3/2007 |
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Ask people in the neighborhood.
Watch a lot of TV commercials, and READ MANY ADS (Newspapers, buiness listings, Commercial ads, etc.)
LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO STATIONS.
Answered By: Charles v - 8/3/2007 |
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Does your state allow you to be your own agent?
Cut the middle-man out, save some cash, and feel good about yourself.
All they do is look for houses and set up the lawyering. A flat rate lawyer is approx $500 throughout the whole ordeal, and you only need one when you're ready to make an offer. The form is simple enough that you don't even need one.
Answered By: xtravar - 8/3/2007 |
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Well the best way is postcard every time in mail u can get aleast one card of realtor.
i am also a realtor
let me know if you want help
i'll guide u
Answered By: chem-mystry - 8/3/2007 |
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Agents vary widely in their level of knowledge diligence and honesty within the same company.
Agents are independent contractors, the company has little or no ability to supervise them.
It is very difficult to base your selection on the appearance of the agent, their advertising, or the amount of business they do.
One of the largest real estate offices in our city, with over 600 agents is now being investigated by the department of real estate for fraud.
Over the past few months there have been regular news stories about this company and the fraud they have perpetrated on their customers.
I have met some of their agents and they seem diligent and pleasant.
I have seen their advertising on television. Their advertising is very impressive..
I would never have guessed that they were committing fraud on their customers if I did not actually know one of their customers.
Several years ago an agent from that office committed fraud on one of my colleagues who bought a condominium from them.
My colleague paid over $40,000 more for that condominium than any other condomimium that had sold in that complex. That condominium was not in even very good condition.
I helped my coleague file a complaint with the department of real estate against the agent and the company several years ago.
They treated us like we were crazy.
Now several years later this company and several of its agents are front page news for the fraud they have been commiting.
They have been doing exactly the same thing that they did to my colleague to many other people as well.
The good nes is that the agent who defrauded my colleague will probably have his license revoked.
The bad mews is that my colleague probably will not be able to get his money back because there are so many lawsuits against this agent and the real estate company that there will be very little if anything left to pay damagesand the damages are much higher than the maximum limit of their errors and omissions insurance.
I would wait until you get to know several people who have bought houses and only use an agent that they are still happy with one year later after the close of escrow.
Fortunately the real estate market is slow right now so prices will not go up on you. If anything prices will continue to fall and you will pay less for the same house, and you will find a very good diligent and honest agent to work with rather than some crook who only knows how to put on a good show.
Answered By: Mike - 8/3/2007 |
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My reccomendation would be Re/Max Realty Associates in Munster, Indiana (if you are from around that area). I, along with many others would rate them as a 20 on a scale of 1-10!!! Either way, like the other answerers stated, find one you are comfortable with and dont be afraid to change if necessary! GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN FINDING A HOUSE>>> it's a wonderful experience!
Answered By: onehotttmommy - 8/3/2007 |
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I GO WITH SOMEONE THAT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED. PROVEN HARD WORKER FOR A REALESTATE AGENT.
Answered By: parrowmike - 8/3/2007 |
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My first answer would be to tell you to ask around, you can do that even if you are new to a community. then there's always the BBB, or you can check the Internet for ratings, i would say that well established Realtors such as century 21 or remax would be reliable, but remember each has their own Realtors, you can also ask the agents for their licenses & credentials. in the end if you chose a realtor or a company & you find that your not comfortable w/them you can always move on & find someone else.
Answered By: Shirley D - 8/3/2007 |
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I am a realtor with Prudential in Ca.Go to Realtor.com. You may find some Ideas. Make sure The Realtor is from the area you are planning to buy so he/she is famaliar with the neighborhood." Do not get emotionally involved with a property until escrow is closed!
Answered By: ebay_singh - 8/3/2007 |
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By having several interviews with several agents.Paying very close attention to each.By
making a judgment call within yourself.Being
you have left out major/minor details.Especially
knowing something in particular was not mentioned.
Be that as it may,will the agent bring it to your
attention.Or just eager to have you sign.Even though it is the last of its kind.Never feel under pressure,you need to feel comfortable with your agent.After all it's your money.
Answered By: willie j - 8/3/2007 |
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-internet
-yellowpages
-newspapers
-friends
-familly
-go in person to an open house or to their location.
Answered By: zoolance - 8/3/2007 |
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I agree with the others that in any office there are those agents who are good, and those that just sit around waiting for things to happen. I would ask people, even those that have never bought a house, and let them know you are looking for recommendations. Someone who knows someone who has had a good experience is better than just picking someone randomly.
I have bought and sold 4 houses (and moved around lots more), and when I found a good agent, I made sure to call them back when I was buying or selling again.
Answered By: Prosthetic Lips - 8/3/2007 |
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Referals. really makes a difference.
Answered By: Ozeki - 8/3/2007 |
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Why get an agent, start looking at fsbo homes first. you will get much more for your money. we bought our first two houses fsbo and made plenty when we sold(saved commission when buying and selling, which equaled about $50,000. in total)Good Luck!!
Answered By: Amy - 8/3/2007 |
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Ask one online... you'll 50,0000 of them leaches spamming your e-mail box by sundown..
Answered By: puenembra - 8/3/2007 |
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Ok well there are heaps of real estates but depeds on what country your in, i live in australia so i go to www.realestate.com.au but im not sure about any other country
Answered By: ikii - 8/3/2007 |
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Since youre a buyer you dont have to pay for it so i would go with the biggest local broker because they will have the most listings. Also, try to get a well known and experienced agent because they may have leads on properties that arent listed in the MLS yet.
Answered By: drunkbomber - 8/3/2007 |
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After spending months looking for the perfect house for us, the BEST way to find an agent is the internet! Enter in "real estate/(your state)". Anything imaginable will be provided. And they ask specifics what you're looking for. Actually, also enter in your city for the local agents because even though the big names have a reputation for selling homes, the locals will bend over backwards to help you! I also checked online newspapers for our state in their classified sections. Good luck!
Answered By: dawnUSA - 8/3/2007 |
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If you have a computer then go to www. and were ever you want to move to then type in real estate. oh and go to goggle first. hope my advice worked.
Answered By: blueju - 8/3/2007 |
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I would call a large real estate office, such as ReMax and ask to speak to the agent who won the "top producer" award last year.
Answered By: Nezz - 8/3/2007 |
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All of the answers are good.... You need to interview several agents. I would find homes in the area you think that you want to live, look and see who has listings there. Call on the sign and tell them you want to talk about them being your Agent. See who listens to you, see who responds the way you want to be responded to, i.e. courteous, helpful, offers to get you with a reputable lender, etc. Meet with them, see their office and see if you like this person. You are getting ready to make the largest single purchase you have ever made. You will need an Agent who works well with first time homebuyers as you will have more questions than a seasoned one. You will need to understand the process to be able to make good decisions so you will need an Agent who will explain things so you can understand the process. You can go so far as to check with the local real estate commission to see if any complaints have been filed (not necessary but you can do as a precaution based on one answerer's frightening experience!) on the agent or the broker. Use good sense and interview the agent(s). Ask people at your office, school, or house of worship who they would recommend. But still -- interview them and make sure the agent is a good fit for you!!
Answered By: whitneymagnolia - 8/3/2007 |
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As a Realtor, I would definitely ask several people for referrals for Realtors that they have used in the areas that you are interested in buying.
Then, I would interview them. Ask them for a list of the services that they provide. This list should be extensive. The list should include providing information that is pertinent to purchasing a home, a consultation/counseling session where ideas, information of desired housing needs and have to haves are shared, financing information, time-line when you wish to purchase a home, when you would want or need possession, etc.
Next: Help you narrow your search by Internet use, show you homes on your time schedule, receive sound advice on the homes you are considering, assist you in your decision, you purchase offer, negotiate on your behalf, coach through the financing phase, closing phase,etc. They should be willing to go the extra mile for you.
This isn't nearly all the services that should be provided, but I am sure you get the picture. An agent that will be there for you is worth every dime that they receive.
The Realtor should listen to you in this consultaion meeting, and take stock in what you say. They should ask you questions about the reasons that you want a basement for instance or a large garage. This will help them to picture you needs. They shouldn/t show you homes where you don't want to be, Unless they can explain in advance why?
Answered By: Curiosity's Kat - 8/3/2007 |
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Wow! It is amazing the advice you are getting. As a realtor I agree with some of the advice but not with all of it.
I am a realtor, originally from NY and now reside in Florida. I was a little bewildered when I was planning to move here and went to a local office of a national company. The training of the agents is usually better but not necessarily so. I was very skeptical about the Mom & Pop real estate shops and now that I work with a lot of them I had the right gut feeling about them.
I frequently deal with people relocating to another area so what I do is I contact a Coldwell Banker office in the city or town where my clients are planning to move. Most national companies have an online directory that you can find by doing a google search ie Coldwell Banker or whatever should bring you to the main site and then you can search for the city or town that you are looking for. You should be given offices in that area and can look up their agents. I prefer being able to call the agents directly off the site and not to have to email them and wait for a response. I interview the broker first. If he is cooperative and understanding of my situation I ask him to recommend his best "Buyers Agent" I then interview that agent.
Some of the points that I look for is:
1. Do they answer their cell phones most of the time or do you get their voice mail?
2. Are they able and willing to disclose how many days a house has been on the market, if they believe the house is priced at, above or below market value and if they think the house will appraise.
3. Will they show houses that are on MLS (multiple listing service) and not just their own office listings.
4. Do they have an automatic email service from their MLS and can they email me listings to view at my leisure.
5. What available mortgage sources do they have and what success do you have in getting houses closed in a timely manner with as least amount of hassles as possible.
This is not an exhaustive list of questions that I ask but I do find that I get a good feel for the caliber of person that I am talking to. If they give me an attitude then I will cut short my interview and go on to the next agent.
If you would like my help feel free to click on my name and email me, I'll be happy to help you.
Sara
Answered By: sara h - 8/3/2007 |
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Good question. Well lets begin here to be honest not all well known Real estate companys are the best! In todays market and having a computer as i now see you really can do your own shopping. Ok now start making a list as you look around thye computer at so many of the homes available. Do you know what your looking for? A big Kitchen, number of bathrooms, neighborhood, room sizes, do you want land? Is it a home that will be a keeper or one to make money with?
Are you looking for a fixer -upper to save money?
The questions can go on and on. But im going to give you the best advice you could ever get! Real Estate is a business! A business to sell homes and please remember they are all on a commission!!! Being a man that Remodels homes you could and would never believe the things i see that people have been stuck with. Don't jump into anything!
Now when you do find a home you have a deep set interest in...find a friend who is in the same business as myself. Or Hire a company thats does as i do. And pay them to completely check the home from bottom to top! Foundation. Roof, flooring, electrical, plumbing, anything and everything that can go wrong. Believe me this is good advice from someone who knows.
Next be careful who you get your loan from and make sure that it is a FIXED MORTAGE! One that you can afford. And remember that you want to buy in an area that is going to get better. for instance. I have seen many homes that are just beautiful in a neighborhood that is mediocre at best! Do not over buy in a neighborhood. Look at the homes around the one you want to buy. Do the people take care of them? A bad home even down the block can bring your home down as far as worth. Use common sense and im sure you will find many of the ideas i have given you will be good ones that you will use in the purchase of your new home.
Oh and 1 more thing......never let the Realtor know this is your first purchase. Let them know you have a good knowledge. I wish you good luck and God Bless you in your 1st home.
Answered By: realman7777 - 8/3/2007 |
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I'm not sure that you can ever hire anyone to do a job and be a hunderd percent sure. The best thing that I have found is to take out a 3 THREE Month contract with them and have an option to terminate them for ANY reason if you think they are not doing their job. In general I do think that larger agencies spend more money to advertise. Open houses are helpful
I think it is more incentive to get them to do their job. Keep in mind , that they are not miracle workers , they can't always control the market conditions, the condition of the house , etc. You also have an obligation to the realtor to do your part to help make a sale. Listen to them for hints about how to improve the curb appeal / inside of house. The staging of the house is very important. Remove extra furniture from room, get pod storage for clutter, empty closets 1/2 way so they look better and keep the place spotless. they will give you lists of stuff to get done before it is even listed. It's no fun selling a house / but the closings can be worthwhile. Hopefully, this is your payday !
I would interview them / I think all you can really judge in meeting someone 15 minutes is if you like them appearance/personality and think they can sell. The only thing you can do beyond that is make sure the contract is in your favor (listing expires in 3 months not 6 and you have a right to terminate for any cause) and that you do your part in getting house ready and keeping it perfect for showings/open houses.
Good luck!
Answered By: Mildred S - 8/3/2007 |
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In the REAL YELLOW PAGES!!
Answered By: Albi - 8/3/2007 |
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