Do I have a good realtor?

Question

Should a realtor be finding the homes for you and previewing them or do you go to them with the homes you want to see?

The reason I ask this is because I was looking for a house, had a few offers fall through and decided to rent for one more year. I hope over the course of the next year to restart my search.

I personally really like this realtor I used before, but as I think about starting to look again I wonder if I should use her. She had me set up on an online system where I could set search parameters (kind of like realtor.com) and then look at pictures of the homes I wanted to see. Then I could request to see them. That's how we set everything up. She didn't really send any to me to look at or preview any of them either. It was mostly me searching and her showing. When it came time to negotiate offers (which fell through - it wasn't her fault), she was very helpful. I just don't know if this is how it's supposed to work though. Please advise.

Answer 1

You have answered your own question when you said you trust her completely.  Trust is very important.  I can't emphasize that enough.  While theoretically she is "working" for you she is being paid by the vendor- not you.  She is also working with the listing agent and the listing agent wants to get the best price possible for the seller- not for you.   So, your agent walks a fine line.

Doing research on your own online is a good idea but this doesn't mean your realtor can sit on her duff until you call her.  Many homes are listed and provide a virtual visual tour of the place.  You can eliminate a lot of houses and save a lot of needless running around this way.  But your agent should still be on the lookout.  Your agent should be available to answer any and all questions as they come up as well as transport you to view the homes.  Your agent should be expected to find out all of the particulars of the property including provide answers to questions that you might not be able to get.  For example: how long has the house been on the market?  How often has it been reduced?  How much did it sell for when it was first built?  Are there any liens against the home?  How much are the monthly utilities?  What can you expect in the way of future development in the neighborhood?  For example rezoning to multiplex dwellings beside you.  Change in traffic patterns that could make it much noisier.  Why are the current owners selling?  

Most importantly your agent should be honest enough to tell you if the vendor is asking too much and to tell you what a good starting price should be.  If you have a very good relationship your agent can even tell you if it's not a good idea to buy a certain home that you might be interested in.  And to tell you why.

I'd keep your agent if you trust her.

Answer 2

Well; IF she was not successful for you before ; then what makes you think she will be any better .... ?

You cannot consider "friendship" when it comes to Business .

I would probably find another realtor .. and find out how many properties he has sold in the last month or two etc .... that will tell you just how agressive he'll be for you .

Personally: I prefer to go to sites like Realtor.com and find homes that i think I might like  ...THEN; I call the realtor and tell him/her to set up an appointment ......

Answer 3

This a general response.  Most Realtors are great when the market is hot.   When the Realtor has to earn her fee her value becomes the subject of concern to many home owners.  The problem is very human.  Realtors who have not lived through the rough markets do not know how to deal with a downturn like we are experiencing.  You really need someone who knows about hard work or just go it on your own.  Price is the only driver to get buyer to the table.  I am not sure about the age of your Realtor.  She may not know that you always aggressively reduce the price of the buy house and the sell house in a down market.  That is the market.  The real estate "professional" is probably a liberal use of the term professional.  I have never used one.