Am I allowed to ask for realtor recommendations? (San Diego: for sale, real estate)

[clarabella]

If so....can someone recommend a realtor?! I'm in early stages of looking for investment property to rent or flip. I'm new to SD, need someone who knows area well (I would think most SD realtors would) I'm not a high maintenance looker, I know what I want and I know it when I see it.
I don't want a primarily "high end/luxury" realtor....just dealt with that in Fl, she claimed that lower priced properties were her "bread and butter" but palmed me off to whoever she could in her practice so she could do open houses for her beach front listings.
TIA
Claire

[LuvSouthOC]

The investment period has largely ended and that ship has sailed. Price increases have been enormous just since I bought my last house in 2012. When I say enormous, I mean 40% enormous. Buying now for house flipping purposes at these prices is dangerously close to insanity, unless of course, you can take the hit or could rent it out. I doubt; however, that renting is a viable option for many communities when the premium paid is 50% over rent.

It is this speculation that caused the last cycle. We need less of it and more real buyers.

[clarabella]

Sorry....I didn't see your realtor recommendation there.....anyone else?

[AADAD]

Barbara Mosher, ABR GREEN
Willis Allen Real Estate
(619) 315-5130

Smart.

[clarabella]

Thank you

[GuyInSD]

Bear in mind, you really should get an agent that specializes in the area you're considering buying in.

With that, Susan Yurkus (858-450-2100) was great for me, when I bought a rental property near UTC.

I like UTC as an investment area.
Yes, prices have risen, but not as much around UTC, and the rents there are fairly high - almost as much as Carmel Valley.

[clarabella]

Thanks very much....also, anyone have a favorite website/local paper even for research/comparisons?

[AADAD]

Here is the deal - at least in this area. Most realtors don't specialize - they simply cannot afford to since 2008. That said, there are realtors who are go to professionals and put you first and those that don't just like in any field. You know the difference early when you get a call back, sample properties and an open exchange about what YOU want. Within one week here if that is not happening you should move on to another real estate agent.

Pocket homes, up and coming areas, deals and steals. While you can see these a realtor has access and knowledge of some that you won't. That is the value. It costs you little really.

Here is San Diego while you know what you want, getting you in, and getting your bid first (even with cash buyers) is the trick as now, here, it's competitive with multiple offers. I know because I am looking; and you already know who I am using.

[GuyInSD]

Originally Posted by clarabella

Thanks very much....also, anyone have a favorite website/local paper even for research/comparisons?

I'm partial to sdlookup.com

Once you select a specific area of the county, you can look at recent sales as well as properties for sale. Clicking on a column heading sorts by that column. Once you select a property, you can see additional detail, such as when it last sold, and for how much, and photos - lots of photos (usually).

[clarabella]

Thanks v much