Real estate opinions, please?

[Jaykeff]

Long time DISer, shy poster here, but I had to come out of the woodwork for my little sister . . . she has a project to complete and needs a variety of brilliant points of view. Well, what better place than the DIS?! I know if anyone could help her ace her project, you all can. I so appreciate your help, thank you!!


*How many homes have you bought or sold?

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?

*How did you find your last real estate agent?

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?

 

[AKL_Megs]

*How many homes have you bought or sold? Bought one.

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not? Yes. Because we knew nothing about doing it on our own, nor did we want to.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? We actually had TWO, but fired the first because he just couldn't find time to show us a house. We fired him and looked at the house with a new realtor. We didn't like it, but LOVED a house she showed us that we had looked at, but didn't think we would like on the inside. She thought we might. We bought the house the next day.

*How did you find your last real estate agent? Went to Century21.com, called number, was hooked up with our realtor.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent? Someone who listens, can find time when you have time (or find someone who CAN), and someone who doesn't waste your time.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? To make money.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?They are neither better or worse than car salesman.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

*How many homes have you bought or sold?

Four

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?

Buying first house we used an agent.
Selling, first house we did for sale by owner and we did use an agent to do the paperwork for a fee.

Second house we built in a neighborhood, so no agent there.

Third house, we were moving out of state and had to sell fast, so we used an agent to buy and sell.

Fourth house, we also used an agent to buy.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?

We used the same one with the first house. After that we varied agents by the interview process and how well they clicked with us.

*How did you find your last real estate agent?

Online

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?

Someone who is willingly to put out the effort for you and is realistic about your home. Doesn't try to lowball and more realistic about price, from a seller/buyer. Have to know the market well. DOES NOT slam other agents and agencies. I find that to be a HUGE turnoff.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?

Enjoy it as a career. You can be your own boss. Some do it to become a mortgage broker. Then you have the flippers. Not sure if some of them are agents but I guess I am sure some of them are. Also it can be a second job for some people.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?

People that work for a living. Not sure how to answer that.

 

[dawson5]

*How many homes have you bought or sold?

4

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?

Yes for all four. We were moving out of state each time. We wouldn't be home to do a FSBO, busy in the other state looking for homes.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?

No. We've now moved to Indiana twice. We did try to find our original agent but she has since retired.

*How did you find your last real estate agent?

Always on recommendation of friends.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?

Someone who is willing to listen to you, your wants and needs but also be honest with you. Make sure your expectations are realistic. Honesty is a key thing also.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?

Hopefully it's something they enjoy, that they click with doing. Probably an overall want, to help people.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?

I don't mind real estate agents. We've ran into a few doozies--think worse than a used car salesman. For the most part, we've dealt with a few good ones.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

*How many homes have you bought or sold?
two

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?
yes - we know nothing about legally selling or buying a home

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?
No. The first house we didn't know who to contact and ended up going with a friend of a friend. The second time we went with a very good friend of our own.

*How did you find your last real estate agent?
She was a friend of ours that went to our church

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?
Patience. If I want to look at 30 houses that is alright. I'm investing a lot of money and the 7% that the realtor gets should be worth time and plenty of patience.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?
Money

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?
There are good and bad ones - like in any profession. We've dealt with two very good realtors.

 

[Luvchefmic]

*How many homes have you bought or sold? one

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?
Yes...I was a Property Virgin as they say...totally clueless!
*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? N/A

*How did you find your last real estate agent? Over the internet, I am a horse owner and being in NY I would sometimes daydream about moving to FL and searched and found the Central FL Horse Club, she had an ad on their web site I sent her an email and the rest is history

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent? Compassion and the ability to really put your client first..she did so much for us I felt I was drving her crazy since the purchase/closing was all being done long distance but she never made me feel that way

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? Not counting the commission I would think to really help someone achieve their dreams and the satisfaction that brings

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents? I think there is great & horrible in every field so I would say do your homework

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Responses in red

Long time DISer, shy poster here, but I had to come out of the woodwork for my little sister . . . she has a project to complete and needs a variety of brilliant points of view. Well, what better place than the DIS?! I know if anyone could help her ace her project, you all can. I so appreciate your help, thank you!!


*How many homes have you bought or sold? 2 purchases, 0 sales

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?Yes, first time b/c we were a novice, 2nd time b/c it has been so long since we purchased a home. We use referrals from USAA and we do get an incentive if we close on a sale through the suggested agent. Also, if we have an agent problem, we tell USAA and they will remedy it or find us a new agent.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? No--two different states. But it ended up being with the same company. ETA: ACtually it is three. Our first realtor was fired by USAA and we were given a new one. He lacked patience and didn't like our timeline and then neglected us. In the end, form start to finish, we were contracted in less than 2 months.

*How did you find your last real estate agent? USAA referral service

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?Willing to work with the buyer to navigate the market. Patience (within reason), good attitude. Knowledgeable.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? In our area (Florida), tons became realtors b/c of the boom. So my vision is a bit skewed. I think all the newer agents are in it b/c they see dollar signs, while the mega-experience probably moreso enjoy the sales aspect of real estate.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents? Truly depends on the agent and their work ethic and their desire to get rich quick or to make an honest living. I don't have a general opinion of the field as a whole.

 

[Jaykeff]

Wow, thank you, thank you, thank you!! My sister is so excited to see these responses from all over the country, you all are awesome!!

 

[Jaykeff]

Bump

Anyone else have any opinions they'd like to share?
Pretty please? With sugar on top? I'll even throw in a cherry!!

 

[mom2travel]

*How many homes have you bought or sold? 2 bought, 1 sold

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not? First purchase was new construction in a development so did not need one. First sale of that house did not use an agent, only a lawyer - word of mouth spread and the friend of a neighbor bought our house. Second purchase used an agent - were new to the area and needed someone to show us around

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? N/A

*How did you find your last real estate agent? DH had signed up for online/email notifications for listed homes with ReMax so we just called the local office

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent? Someone who: will listen to what you want and do not want in a house and neighborhood; will not waste your time showing you already sold homes or homes not in the area you would like to live in; knows what they don't know (i.e, admits when they don't know something and either finds the answer for you or refers you to someone who does know - doesn't just make something up/wing it)

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? Enjoy working with people. Flexibility.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents? Not sure I have a general opinion on real estate agents. Some I consider good/helpful and others not so much. It is all relative to your own situation.

 

[Planogirl]

Of course I'll help!

*How many homes have you bought or sold? Two

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not? Yes and we did so because we didn't know the market that well in both cases

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? No, due to geographic reasons

*How did you find your last real estate agent? A particular company (Ebby Haliday) came highly recommended by coworkers. We visited and were assigned to Sharon who turned out to be more than worth her weight in gold.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent? Patience and listening to what people want.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? Enjoying the housing market and interacting well with people.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents? I like them. I think that they have interesting jobs and tend to be nice and interesting themselves.

 

[padams]

*How many homes have you bought or sold? sold 3, bought 2 plus bought beach condo

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? No Why or why not? Didn't need one to sell the houses. 1 house had an agent for listing, other 2 were by owner. bought beach condo from developer. I have an agent to sell beach condo because we don't live there and I want to unload the condo.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?

*How did you find your last real estate agent? Found agent for condo by mailings to us.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent? Anyone who sells the property.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? Most are part-timers and their efforts match their commitment to the job. Those who take it seriously as a career are usually very good at it.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents? Usually unnecessary (particularly at 7% commission) but they are good for hard to sell properties.

 

[simba20]

*How many homes have you bought or sold?
We are in the process of buying our first.

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?
Yes. We are first time homebuyers.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?
No. We have been out looking and found an agent through an open house. Once we got pre-apprvoal for our mortgage we called her and started looking two days later. This is just us ont he buying side. We currently rent, so we have nothign to sell.

*How did you find your last real estate agent?
Through looking at homes at open houses. Well, this wasn't an open house so to speak. I found a neighborhood in which homes normally sell for $160k+. I saw a house online in the neighborhood that was selling for $109K. I knew it was vacant, so my husband and I wanted to do a "drive-by" and peek in the windows. Well, when we drove by, we saw that the house was being shown. I met the agent outside and explained what we were doing and if we would intrude on the showing. She said that she didn't mind, and we quickly found out why a $160K house was listed for $109k (the inside was trashed and had been stopped in the process of being redone). She passed on her card and we chatted a bit and I grew to like her. I later did some online research and found her to be a reccommended agent and has won several awards in the area. We have only looked a week, but found OUR HOUSE and made an offer last week.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?
Takes time to listen to your wants and needs, your likes and dislikes. Puts no pressure on you, lets you form your own opinion, but also gives you advice on points you may not have thought about. Our agent also has taken around in her vehicle (even accommodating our daughter's carseat). Helped keep our daughter entertained, when she was getting fussy at house #5 of the day. Asked our daughter what she wanted in a house.

We made an offer last week and found out on Monday it was accepted by the seller. The purchase still has to be approved by the bank (short sale), so we have a 10 day period in which we can change our minds. Our agent is confident that the bank will take our offer, as we have no condiitons, so I've already set up a home inspection to be done on Friday and have had utilities turned on for it. My agent has taken me to the water and power dept in our new area herself, as well as agreed to be available tomorrow to meet the gas man (I am 45 mins away but will be up there tomorrow) if I can't get there in time, as well as meeting the home inspector for us on Friday (I will be there as well).

She is also easy to communicate with and contact. All phone calls, emails, and texts (LOVE THIS as I hate talking on the phone) have been answered promoptly or within an hour. She also anticipates my worries and senses when concerns will arise. She knows I have done some research on buying homes/mortgages, but doesn't make me feel dumb when we ask questions.

She is open, frank, and honest. The home we have made an offer on, she was very impressed with our choice. She agress that it needs A LOT of cosmetic work, but knows that it has great potential and will be a gem in just a matter of weeks after we close.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?
They like the field, they love houses. They can set their own hours. It fits their personality.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?
Pretty good. My family has a construction/realestate background so I've grown up with bits and pieces of real estate knowlegde. My late FIL was also an agent and loved what he did. I have yet to meet a sharky agent (and for the past year we've attended lots of open houses and met lots of agents -- some slightly more pushy than others).

 

[Sanchez]

*How many homes have you bought or sold? 3

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not? No. As a real estate attorney I can accomplish most matters without the assistance of an agent. Listing on MLS is easier with an agent.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? No. Needed local expertise.

*How did you find your last real estate agent? Friend/Business Relationship

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?The ability to put client before commission.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? Easy job with the promise of making significant money (at least until 2007.) Does not require any special knowledge, talent or motivation.

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?I deal with real estate agents every day. For the most part, they are the most vile, dishonest, unethical, lazy, and untrustworthy group one can imagine. Most work for solely for commission at the expense of their client. They are paid far more than the value of the services they provide. Fortunately, the average consumer does not have to witness much of what I see and hear.

 

[PixieTopaz]

Long time DISer, shy poster here, but I had to come out of the woodwork for my little sister . . . she has a project to complete and needs a variety of brilliant points of view. Well, what better place than the DIS?! I know if anyone could help her ace her project, you all can. I so appreciate your help, thank you!!


*How many homes have you bought or sold? Bought 3 sold 2

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?
Yes-tried to "Sell by owner" didnt work out

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? Yes-easier

*How did you find your last real estate agent? Friend of my parents

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?Knowledge of everything-esp what are the "right side" of town and the best school districts

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?

DH know someone who owns an agency and he says its mostly married women looking for a side job. In a slow market-like now- hard to support a family

 

[LuvOrlando]

*How many homes have you bought or sold? 1

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not? Yes, because she seemed to come with the house.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not? Yes, but I also hired a lawyer to protect my interests.

*How did you find your last real estate agent? She seemed to come with the house.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent? Not getting in the way. Acting as a go between with the contractor who was trying to sell.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents? Money

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?
Ehh, not too high. I took the classes 5 years ago and although I passed with flying colors I couldn't go through with it. I had an ethical dilemma about where the mortgage industry was taking people which I saw because of my degree in Finance. Scared the crud out of me and I saw the whole mess coming a mile away. In fact, taking the class convinced me to convince DH to NOT get a bigger home. I don't think most of the agents realized they were ruining people lives but this is exactly what they were doing. In order to make money they had to tell people that the numbers being pushed made sense and to most they probably did make sense, the agents know as little about finance as the people buying. Seriously, a $300,000 house, 5% down, interest only loans and a minimum wage job... ughh, even now thinking about it still makes me ill. All I know is my hands are clean and I warned as many people as I could about the impending disaster and to pull their money out of the markets before they would crash, which was inevitable. Those classes cost me a loss of $350 but my conscience is clear and I got quite an education. Personally, I think Real Estate Agents need more controls in place to prevent the blind from leading the blind.

 

[lovin diz]

*How many homes have you bought or sold?

bought 2, about to sell 1

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?
THe first time we bought we used a friend. That friend had to split the commission with their agent .For the second we learned our lesson and used the agent that was assigned to that house, and we got a better deal...The agent took off $1000 of her commission because the seller would not come off anymore



*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents? When i sell my current house i will not use one...THey are there to make money but i want to get as much for my house that i can....I have 2 years to sell it..so i can take my time!

 

[ead79]

*How many homes have you bought or sold?
We have bought 1 home.

*Did you use a real estate agent for all the transactions? Why or why not?
Yes, we used a real estate agent. It was our first home purchase, and we wanted someone to advise us.

*Did you use the same real estate agent for all transactions? Why or why not?
We've only used 1 agent.

*How did you find your last real estate agent?
She is in our Bible study class at church, and several people had used her in the past.

*What do you think makes a great real estate agent?
Willingness to listen to the homebuyer. I have seen so many real estate shows on TV where the agent tries to convince the home buyer how great a house is that is nothing like what the buyer wants. Or worse, the agent tries to convince the buyer to pay more than they can afford by showing them homes way outside their price range.

*Why do you think people become real estate agents?
Flexible hours, enjoy working with people, enjoy hands-on work rather than being in an office all day

*Overall, what is your opinion of real estate agents?
I think there are some good and some bad real estate agents. A good agent can help a homebuyer navigate the home buying process smoothly. A bad agent can talk a buyer into something they don't want or can't afford.