Homebuyers: Do you recommend your realtor?

[SunnLuvn]

Wow! What a bunch of GREAT feedback - thanks everyone! And I have a few immediate replies:

Thanks for the IMO, Zippyman. What you're saying makes good sense and if I had thought of becoming my own realtor sooner I likely would have seriously considered choosing that route! Actually, I just might do that still, even if I use a realtor for my first house; it'd probably come in use in the future. :-) You've offered a lot of valuable info in this post and it is much appreciated.

Captain Bill, thanks for your insight. And just for clarification I completely agree that driving all around 3-4 different towns with a "mentor" aka realtor is absurd; I have completed all the due dilligence, have my set zip codes, narrow down the MLS listings to fit my criteria, and visit the home's neighborhoods before even considering asking a realtor to show me the inside. More specifically I just meant that once I AM seriously considering a few different homes, that the realtor can share with me their knowledge about that particular area other than the obvious that anyone who walks around can deduce (i.e. seems safe at night, looks like it's kid friendly, etc). But again, your insider's knowledge is helpful so thanks again! :-)

rjrcm - yes, exactly. I didn't specify that (important) part. lol (about listings)

hart4july - good to know! Thanks a bunch for the recommendation... and w/ Captain Bill's posts, I can see some of what you found in him. And yes, I agree w/ the big broker comment; I've tried contacting a few "big wigs" and was not impressed.

azriverfan - "wait until you get to the negotiation phase and you will see how Jekyl/Hyde-like realtors can be" LOL! I have heard this story time and again... hopefully with the help of all of these excellent posts and info, I really WILL find a great realtor (like Captain Bill & rjrcm suggest) who won't transform. ;-) And like I said to Zippy above, I just may certainly go after my license.

Dusty Rhodes - it's great that you were able to accomplish that - grats! Unfortunately I'm not in a positition to build my own house (yet) though.

gtbguy - great points and well considered, thank you!

[need_some_sun]

Captain Bill, you sound like a great agent! Can you recommend any for the west valley? Do agents handle rentals?

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by need_some_sun

Captain Bill, you sound like a great agent! Can you recommend any for the west valley? Do agents handle rentals?

Thank you. Some agents do handle rentals. I do know some agents on the west side. Send me a pm and let me know what you need and what city, and I'll get someone for you.