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Answers (12)
- John Stewart, "nwhome.us"
- Contributions:2158
This sounds like trying to get the Zestimate to accurately reflect the value of a specific home. I like Zillow's range of values better than the number that they pick and when it comes right down to it, there are actually people behind these profiles.
As you interview, ask the same question you just posted.
I find that most people who use Zillow are savvy enough to do their own home searches. A Realtor should be willing to help you get as much background information to any specific property that you need to make a reasonable decision about whether or not you want to pursue it. What tools do they use? How well do they communicate? How available are they?
Ask for references, just as you would in hiring any other consultant.
How much experience do they have evaluating the condition of homes or working with Home Owner's Associations?
How much experience do they have negotiating contracts?
Do they know what it means to be in the service industry? How extensive is their service? How long is their warrantee? Warrantee?
Watch how they express themselves in their posts. What sort of voice do they have?
Have fun.
As you interview, ask the same question you just posted.
I find that most people who use Zillow are savvy enough to do their own home searches. A Realtor should be willing to help you get as much background information to any specific property that you need to make a reasonable decision about whether or not you want to pursue it. What tools do they use? How well do they communicate? How available are they?
Ask for references, just as you would in hiring any other consultant.
How much experience do they have evaluating the condition of homes or working with Home Owner's Associations?
How much experience do they have negotiating contracts?
Do they know what it means to be in the service industry? How extensive is their service? How long is their warrantee? Warrantee?
Watch how they express themselves in their posts. What sort of voice do they have?
Have fun.
- Tonya Brobeck, "Tonya Brobeck"
- Contributions:637
Zillow is only one source to find agents, some of the best agents aren't on the internet much yet so keep that in mind. I would call a few that appeal to you, interview them, check their references, google them to find out more about them. Make sure they specialize in the area and interest you have.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25120
Realtors will not often talk to you about individual school quality or income demographics or crime even if asked directly citing concerns about Federal housing discrimination laws. Buyers need to realize that even a good agent may not provide this important information to them before they buy.
Buyers should choose a knowledgeable and compatible agent, but they also need to take responsibility for doing a little local footwork of their own to make sure that they have all the information that they need before they buy. Real estate agents often shy away from disclosing the negatives. After all, they are in the business of selling. Don't choose and agent based on the pitch. Instead ask questions (rockinblu's blog is great a place to start), listen to what the agent is not saying, decide if they are honest and then trust your gut.
Buyers should choose a knowledgeable and compatible agent, but they also need to take responsibility for doing a little local footwork of their own to make sure that they have all the information that they need before they buy. Real estate agents often shy away from disclosing the negatives. After all, they are in the business of selling. Don't choose and agent based on the pitch. Instead ask questions (rockinblu's blog is great a place to start), listen to what the agent is not saying, decide if they are honest and then trust your gut.
- Jesse Madison, "Jesse Madison"
- Contributions:143
There are some good comments on here. I just want to throw in my 2 cents. You should interview a few different realtors to see who you may click with. But be sure that they are experts in the market you are looking in. Ask them the right questions...find out if they live in the area, if they know the schools, if they have ever sold homes in that area, and any other specific concerns you may have. It is a huge advantage to work with an agent that understands an area and is familiar with the social, economic and political factors that may affect properties in any given community.
Too many people find out about negative factors after they purchase their home and regret their decision. This could cost you much more in the end. So do your homework and I am sure you will be happy with your decision.
Too many people find out about negative factors after they purchase their home and regret their decision. This could cost you much more in the end. So do your homework and I am sure you will be happy with your decision.
- Gary Collier, "gcoll100"
- Contributions:8
Hello, choosing a real estate agent could be the most important part of buying or selling property. It is hard to simply look at someones profile and make a decision. You may want to call a few and talk to them. Keep track of who you liked over on phone and meet with them. Ask your friends and family who they used and what they thought of them. However, you'll need to meet with who they refer. You may not be real estate compatible with that agent. You may consider looking for an agent who doesn't have so much to do that he/she doesn't have time for your needs.
Well, I hope that helps some. Take care and good luck finding what you are looking for.
Gary
Well, I hope that helps some. Take care and good luck finding what you are looking for.
Gary
- rockinblu
- Contributions:7202
The best Realtor for your needs might not even be on Zillow. Try this way instead>>>
http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/12/i_ve_got_my_fingers_cros
http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/12/i_ve_got_my_fingers_cros
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25120
I'd say the some of the most active agents around Seattle I've seen on Zillow are Sam DeBord , Geordy Rostat, Tonya Brobeck and John Stewart. There are also more agents in the Zillow directory here. You can read through some profile and contributions. Then pick 3-5 agents to call. Ultimately, your best realtor may not fit someone else and visa versa. Recommendations are always a good place to start, otherwise you have to call a handful of agents and trust your gut. If they sound good, but your gut says no listen to it. When I ignore my gut and vote with my head, I always regret it later.
I also think that open houses in your target neighborhoods are a good way to meet agents. They are low impact, you don't have to give the agent your info if you don't like them and it allows you to do a quick agent preview in a low pressure setting.
I also think that open houses in your target neighborhoods are a good way to meet agents. They are low impact, you don't have to give the agent your info if you don't like them and it allows you to do a quick agent preview in a low pressure setting.
- Hamp Yonce, "Zilluminati"
- Contributions:3463
Since Agents are not reviewed by their clients, on Zillow, like Lenders are, it is hard to tell how good they are. I would guess that the best Agents in an area have better things to do. Their listings will be here, but not their commentary.
- Rob Graham, "Rob Graham"
- Contributions:171
I agree with Dave. Definitely call and have a conversation with several agents. You'll hit it off with one in particular. Do your research to narrow down the list and then trust your gut.
- paulbalzotti
- Contributions:355
I would try to find a Realtor that holds the designation of being a Certified Residential Specialist in your area. In order to become a CRS, a Realtor needs to take a number of advanced Real Estate educational courses, and have significant experience.
When referring my clients to agents outside of my area in Whatcom County, I always start by searching for a CRS, since I know they will be getting a seasoned professional.
I also agree that you should meet with at least two Realtors and ask a lot of questions.. and find someone you are comfortable with and is knowledgable. Hope that helps, and good luck!
When referring my clients to agents outside of my area in Whatcom County, I always start by searching for a CRS, since I know they will be getting a seasoned professional.
I also agree that you should meet with at least two Realtors and ask a lot of questions.. and find someone you are comfortable with and is knowledgable. Hope that helps, and good luck!
- DaveAndersson
- Contributions:268
Picking a real estate agent from Zillow is like buying shoes from a catalog, you won't know if they really fit until you try them on. You can start with Zillow, but I suggest you interview them and see if they are knowledgable with the area you are looking in. Make sure you are comfortable with them and their approach.
- Michael Casey, "mikeyc06010"
- Contributions:7
I wopuld suggest interviewing several REALTORS. You may find several that are all very professional and knowledgable but your personalities might not mix with each agent. It is important to find someone that you feel comfortable with after asking several questions and spending sometime with them.
how to pick best realestate agent from zillow
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