2006-06-13 08:32:14 · 11 answers · asked by T 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
She is right. I would not go with a national company like Prudential or Century 21 just because of the name. Check with friends and see who has had a good experience with a realtor and find out who they used. Word of mouth is the best way to shop.
2006-06-13 08:37:14 · answer #1 · answered by bearklektor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a realtor with one of the major national companies. The best way to find a realtor is to ask around. Friends/coworkers/family are all good sources for information.
I would also look on realtor.com in order to narrow the search. Having a general idea of what you are looking for and even a list of some properties you found on realtor.com can be very helpful as a starting point in finding a new home.
You may ask why you need a realtor at all. The aswer is simple. Real estate agent and realtors in particular are trained to be knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate and the transaction process. We can help you find homes, gain access to the home before you purchase it, guide you to a lender if needed, and dont forget surveyors, property inspectors, appraisers, etc. We also help guide you through the negotiation and closing processes.
Back to your main question, ask firends and family members for their input, look at the many "homes" magazines availiable, or even walk in to a real estate office and ask to speak with an agent.
Some good advice is to sign a Buyer's Representation Agreement also, this agreement ensure that the realtor is working for you only. Most people dont know that without a Buyer's rep agreement, the realtor's duty lies with the seller, even if they are not the listing agent. But, in general, realtor's are legally bound to treat you fairly, honestly, and to the best of their abilty.
Hope this answers your question and happy house hunting.
BTW, the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent is that the realtor belongs to the national association of realtors.
2006-06-13 16:08:48 · answer #2 · answered by treat9966 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Ask friends who have purchased homes about who they used and whether they liked the service they received.
2. Look around in the neighborhoods in which you might be interested. Look for for-sale signs and see what realty firms are representing sellers in that area. Call the firms and ask for the Realtor who is specializing in representing buyers in those neighborhoods.
3. Look at the Yahoo! Real Estate section. It has a tool that can help you locate Realtors: http://realestate.yahoo.com/Realtors/
4. Narrow your list or referrals and finds down to three or four people and interview them, just as you would interview anyone who was applying to you for a job.
Find out about their experience, community knowledge, and services you might need in connection with buying your home -- home inspection services, financial institutions/mortgage brokers, movers, etc.
Pay attention to how well they listen and understand what you and your family are looking for in a new home. When you find someone who demonstrates good knowledge of the market and a thorough understanding of your interests, "hire" them to be your representative.
Happy house hunting!
2006-06-13 15:51:50 · answer #3 · answered by Rad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not use a realtor...waste of money!! find a home yourself (realtor.com is a great site) and just be sure to get an attorney (best money you'll ever spend)... they can do all the paperwork (which they end up doing anyways) and for alot cheaper than using someone random..all realtors do is find the home and pray to god that you buy it so they can eat for the month!! with a little research, you can find any home that they can!!
2006-06-13 15:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by tonic072780 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One that is a Realtor. But best way to find a realtor is talk to friends/family in the area and get a recommendation from them.
2006-06-13 15:35:31 · answer #5 · answered by hokigal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Select a Realtor and not a Real Estate Agent. You shold poll friends, family and neighbors for a referral to a good one, or go to www.realtor.com and look for a local Realtor
2006-06-13 15:37:21 · answer #6 · answered by DJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Attend open houses in your area. This will give you an opportunity to meet different agents and see whether you 'click' with any of them.
Should you change your mind, don't be afraid to drop them and go with someone else. You should always feel they are working for you and there are lots of hungry realtors out there.
2006-06-13 15:45:12 · answer #7 · answered by Dianna R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hear people say that buy owner is a great way to go you deal directly with the owner and get away from having to pay the realator any money since you won't be using one they tack on a few grand to the final numbers when you use one. We paid ours I believe just over 3k and she was useless to us all she did was find us the listings my broker and I had to do the rest of her job for her.
2006-06-13 16:16:12 · answer #8 · answered by MOVING 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are also going to need a mortgage, call Quicken Loans I have had a very good experience with them.
www.quickenloans.com
2006-06-13 15:49:27 · answer #9 · answered by Ryan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that depends on where you live at I live in New Jersey and when my mom was looking for houses she went with this company call EXIT they are really good and they helped us a lot.
2006-06-13 15:49:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋