Real Estate Agents FM vs Remax (Raleigh, Dallas: for sale, house, buyer)

[km2225]

Question. I am selling my home and want some advice. Who is better FMRealty or Remax? It seems to me FM has a great website and more web presence.

[MikeJaquish]

It's all about the individual agent, IMO.

Both firms have exceptional agents, and, uh, less exceptional, agents.

But, you can say that about any company.

If you engage a great agent, and work with them as a partner, your home will sell quickly and at a very good price.

[Lizardlips]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

It's all about the individual agent, IMO.

Both firms have exceptional agents, and, uh, less exceptional, agents.

But, you can say that about any company.

If you engage a great agent, and work with them as a partner, your home will sell quickly and at a very good price.

Mike I wish you could sell my house in CA, it has now been four months, going into the fifth month

Liz

[Tracy_Santrock]

I'm an agent with FM so I'm a bit more biased. My mother is an agent with Remax in Dallas, Texas. That said,

I chose Fonville Morisey over Remax in this area because:

Fonville Morisey has the largest local presence of any real estate agency in the area. Since the partnership w/Long and Foster in September 2006, we are now the largest independent real estate firm in America. We're more like a boutique real estate company than let's say a Remax because Johnny Morisey and Tommy Fonville are still at the helm and the leadership is intact today.

With nearly 11,000 closed transactions per year, Fonville Morisey is the only real estate company in the region who can truthfully say they “sell a house an hour in the Triangle – 24/7.”

As Mike mentions, it's all about the agent. I will say that I am impressed with the agents that I work with at FM.

[ADVentive]

If you are selling your house with one of the big companies like that, do you run into conflict-of-interest situations when both buyer and seller are represented by the same company?

[Erin1264]

I agree that it completely depends on the agent!!

You need to choose someone who is a specialist in your area. Don't necessarily go by name of the company alone.

I will go with an agent who has great follow up and great communication with me over a "big name" company agent every day of the week!

(been there, done that)

Interview multiple agents and listen to their marketing plans. Pick the one that makes the most sense to you.

[km2225]

Thanks all great advice. It still seems like a crap shoot.

[linkbr]

Originally Posted by km2225

Thanks all great advice. It still seems like a crap shoot.

it really is. maybe reference by word of mouth might still be your best bet.

[Tracy_Santrock]

Originally Posted by km2225

Thanks all great advice. It still seems like a crap shoot.

Another way to gauge the success/competence of an agent is to ask them about their production. Are they a member of Presidents Club, Top Producers Club, etc. This gives you an idea of their experience.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by Tracy_Santrock

Another way to gauge the success/competence of an agent is to ask them about their production. Are they a member of Presidents Club, Top Producers Club, etc. This gives you an idea of their experience.

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this. I definitely would ask a realtor about their experience, but such things as "presidents Club" or "Top Producers" club sound like made up industry awards that are handed out at cheesy luncheons held at the holiday inn. I'm sure it means something to the agents in their industry as a measure of their accomplishments, but it doesn't really increase your stock in my opinion.

Back when I used to watch the Real Estate channel here in Raleigh, I always found it amusing how many realtors touted themselves as #1 in the nation. How could so many Realtors claim to be #1? I guess each company has their on awards so more than one person can claim the title of #1.

I am kind of old school when it comes to working with people. References from friends and coworkers go a long way. I loved working with my realtor and give out his name to inquiring friends every opportunity I get. I'm sure they will still interview the realtor and get a feel for his experience, but if a Realtor tried to impress me with memberships or awards like something like a "president's club" it would mean very little to me.

On that note, what is the story with these big name realtors who have a "Team"? I get the feeling that they are selling themselves more than they are selling their client's homes. Seems like these "Star" realtors work on high volume and have a cackle of newbie agents working under them to drum up business for them. Something tells me if I had a question about my listing Linda Craft wouldn't be the one to return my call.

Agent's who plaster their fancy glamour shot pictures on the “For Sale” sign that is put in a clients front yard aren't for me. Give me a good old fashioned agent that is going to work one on one with me and not hand me off to his/her assistants. That is the person I will work with to buy, sell and then buy again.
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