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Use Agnet Nearby or Friend in Another Town?

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BlessYou

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We have a very good friend that is a RE Agent in a town about 20 min. away. It is almost certain we will be selling our house in the near future. My spouse feels obligated to use our friend but I'm unsure given that he isn't 'local'. I feel especially strong about this since the current market isn't the best. Is there any stats to show if a local agent is better? On a plus side I do trust this person and feel very comfortable they will work hard for us. Any advice is appreciated!
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August 29 2007 - US
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Carrie R

Port Republic, Maryland

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20 minutes isnt that far. I dont see it as being a big deal. I dont even know if I wouldnt call it local but it does depend on your area. I sell real estate in 6 different counties.
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August 29 2007
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Robin Lynch, "robin398"

West Harrison

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When you are selling a house, an agent who knows your neighborhood will make sure you property is priced right and will do his or her best to market it aggressively. He or she will also know agents or potential buyers who have an interest in your home.
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August 29 2007
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Marci Reinheimer

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20 minutes doesn't seem very far to me. I can understand if it were an hour or more. (But I live in a large county with very heavy traffic).
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August 29 2007
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Kathy Hansen, "HomeBuyersAgent"

Real Estate Agent
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I'm so jealous, we are 45 miles from civilization.
In my mind, 20 mins away is practically next door.
If it is a "very good friend," however, think hard before signing the listing. If the friend doesn't get the listing, will he/she be unhappy? And if the friend DOES get the listing but can't sell your home, will YOU be unhappy?
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August 29 2007
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Winifred

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Here's something else to think about: This is a very tough market. What if your friend doesn't do something you want or you're not pleased with their job performance? Is it worth potentially losing a good friend over a business transaction? Maybe it would be safer to go with a stranger.
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August 29 2007
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teddy3

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If you value this friendship don't do it! Everyone I know who has ever tried to sell their home ( including myself ) by using a friend as their agent has lost the friend. The market stinks and it is taking a long time to sell homes. We know We have cut the price of our home over the past 8 months by almost $60,000! We used our friend and she was not as aggressive as we would like. She wanted us to lower our price but the commission was so high we couldn't renew our contract and lower it. We didn't renew the agreement and went with a lower commission agent . Our friend,by her choice, is no longer speaking to us. We tried to explain that " Business is business and friends is friends!".
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August 29 2007
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Justyn Kearney, "Justyn Kearney"

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I tend to agree, it is better not to work with a friend, you risk losing your friendship.
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August 29 2007
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Daniel Nesemeier, "dnesemeier"

Real Estate Agent
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Agreed, money is thicker than blood. Keep your family and friends out of business relationships.
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August 29 2007
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Lisa Jones, "Lisa Jonz"

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If you feel 20 mins. isn't local, then odds are it isn't since you know your area better than any of us here. Get a local agent. Some people can separate business from friendship, but in my experience most cannot. If you value this friend and vice versa, he will understand your reasons for using a local agent who has no personal ties to you and yours.
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August 29 2007
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Lisa Bosques, "Lisa B."

Burien/West Seattle

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I agree w/Lisa Jonz. Another idea is that, when you explain to your friend that you would prefer to work with someone from the neighborhood, ask the friend (give him/her an opportunity) to find an agent for you(if they're open to that!). That way he/she at least gets a referral fee. There are different opinions regarding referrals out there, but...it's JUST an idea.
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August 29 2007
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Kary L. Krismer, "Krismer"

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Depends on how good of a friend they are. Just an acquaintance and I'd probably use them.

More of an issue would be are the full time.
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August 29 2007
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Lisa Jones, "Lisa Jonz"

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Krismer, the agent is a "very good friend."

Lisa's got a point re: giving your friend a chance to give you a referral.
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August 29 2007
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Carrie R

Port Republic, Maryland

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hmmm, well my very first transaction was with a love you like family friend. Found her a house and then sold the one she lived in within 15 days.

She and her husband were thrilled with my service and completely trusted me knowing I had their best interests at heart. That being said, our personalities are such that we can say EXACTLY what we think to each other without getting into it and also respect each others opinions.

That really isnt always the case. If my friends and family hadnt given me the opportunity when I first started out...I wouldnt have had so many clients right away.

That being said, I have seen it get ugly with other people. Fortunately I have never had a problem like that.
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August 30 2007
 

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