Is it better to use a trusted realtor friend OUT OF THE AREA or a recommended one IN THE AREA?

[goldenlove]

We used an agent that we really like and trust to help us find our current home. When we were first looking, we were looking in her specific area/county. Then we had to expand our search to find what we were looking for. We ended up purchasing a house three counties over and an hour and 15 minutes from our agent's "home turf". She had worked hard for us to that point and I asked if she wanted me to find another agent to work with since we had moved so far from our original area. She said she had no problem continuing to work with us. She also admitted that she didn't know the area that well. That wasn't an issue, I am someone who likes to research, so I was able to find out any information I needed. I am glad we stuck with her and she stuck with us.

[NorthofHere]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

I think the only people who shouldn't do business with friends are those with a tendency to cheat, lie and steal. Honest people most definitely can do business with friends.

As far as buying goes a friend in the business should be ok, as far as selling I personally would stay away from friends. Feelings get hurt and you lose friendships. A friend may not want to tell you your house needs some fixing up. You might not want to tell that friend that you don't think they are doing enough to sell your house. Keep your friendship, hire someone else. Nothing to do with honesty but selling a house can be somewhat taxing on emotions and things can be said that can't be taken back.

[Diana Holbrook]

NorthofHere, I agree the issues can be much more personal and sometimes stressful on a listing. With a listing we don't have the option of finding a different house! We have to make this one work... and sometimes that means adjustments or repairs that need to be made to make the sale go through.