OT: Any realtors here?

[Robertelamin]

And it was USAA which is probably the best financial company you could possibly deal with....

 

[Hoophound]

And it was USAA which is probably the best financial company you could possibly deal with....

Next time call dogpause.

 

[jleves]

If only there were sites on the Interwebs that you could check to see if people had good or bad experiences with agents and lenders.

We bought a house about a year and a half ago - just about the perfect time as I understand that many houses in this area (socal) are starting to get multiple offers and it's pretty common to go above listing price now.

For the record, we didn't get a normal agent - we used redfin.com which turned out to be a great way for us to buy. While the company get the commission, the agents are salary based so it's in their best interest to find you what you want fast as opposed to finding you things that may benefit them for other reasons than helping you find what you want. Now, I'm not so deluded to think they don't get bonuses on sales but for the most part, it's a good model to work from. We also got back close to 2% of their commission back in closing costs so we really only paid about 4% overall. It cannot hurt you to check them out.

We found a great lender through the redfin site and rechecked with yelp and google. They were as fantastic as their reviews said they would be. It's really not hard to check these things.

 

[Hoophound]

Hmmm...I've been through the house buying and selling rodeo a few times and I thought dapriest had some pretty valid suggestions and observations.

I do agree with Suzy that, for most people, emotion inevitably plays a big part, just as it does in any decision that is based on attraction. The thing to remember is that there is always another house. We had at least three "dream house" deals fall through at various stages--including two that cratered while under contract--and, like Suzy, we've gone on to see that it was very much for the best (for us) in each instance.

I totally agree never to trust any real estate agent. I've known more than I can count, have used several, and many are very good friends. None of them ever did anything whatsoever of value for us in the process when we were buyers. Count on doing all your own leg work, including finding your own houses. Think of them merely as a necessary part of the process that you will need to provide you access to the listings you want to view. Sign up only for a limited representation for the day that you view the house that they have listed.

Zillow is really flawed. It is useful for whatever facts it reports, but its estimates of value are worthless imo.

Wow. Either you guys have had bad Realtors or you totally underestimate the job. I hope it is the first. I have spent years as a very high volume broker and I buy and sell property in other states regularly. I find, use and appreciate the input of an agent in nearly every transaction I do. Local knowledge is imperative. I even bring agents in on deals that I don't need them for just to hear their opinion. You should call and talk to several agents before dealing with one. When you find the right one you will know it. They will put you at ease and say things of value. Keep dialing until you find that person. I know agents with MBAs, law degrees, even degrees in medicine. The field is full of soccer moms and slime balls but it is also loaded with true professionals. Find one.

 

[Dove]

So, Tom. Whacha thinkin'? Great stuff here.

I strongly recommend a complete home inspection and if you are looking at a well do not go without a flow test. We had a selling agent ignore our concerns when the flow test yielded a well going dry after 30 minutes and a recharge that was awful. We brought in a well company for $200 and they left with raised eye brows and shaking their heads. We dodged a bullet there as we were almost closing on that one.