Seeking decent real estate agent
Dec. 30th, 2009 11:31 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
zymurgist70.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
davis_squareI think it's about time I bought something, probably a condo, maybe a house, but somewhere in Cambridge/Somerville and close to Davis/Porter.
Looking for some third-party, unaffiliated references for agents that are knowledgeable about the neighborhood. In other words, not someone you are related to or really good friends with (or yourself, if you happen to be an agent). No offense, I just want an untainted reference as this is brand new territory for me.
Much obliged for any input.
Cheers,
Murph
Looking for some third-party, unaffiliated references for agents that are knowledgeable about the neighborhood. In other words, not someone you are related to or really good friends with (or yourself, if you happen to be an agent). No offense, I just want an untainted reference as this is brand new territory for me.
Much obliged for any input.
Cheers,
Murph
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no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 04:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 06:27 pm (UTC)The only downside to using Rona is her assistant is not great. (Not bad, but not who you want to be your primary person.) However, you can usually deal directly with Rona (she'll give you her direct number) unless it's during Jewish holy days.
Rona was referred to us by a friend. Since then, we've also learned of two other friends who used her and like her.
no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 06:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-31 02:00 am (UTC)Usually, it is not a good idea to get
Date: 2009-12-30 06:39 pm (UTC)Re: Usually, it is not a good idea to get
Date: 2009-12-30 07:05 pm (UTC)I would still suggest turning elsewhere for an inspector recommendation and making sure you understand why someone is being recommended. For example, if someone says, "my inspector told me the furnace is 20 years old," that's great but it's also basic stuff. If someone says, "my inspector walked around the block with binoculars to check the roof out from all angles," that might be worth something. I spent a full 3 hours walking through my current house with my inspector. It's an old house that had a few issues I knew about and lots more that I would never have found out without the inspection. Much more thorough than the inspector for my previous purchase -- and it both knocked a significant figure off the purchase price and informed renovations. Unfortunately, he retired.
Re: Usually, it is not a good idea to get
Date: 2009-12-30 07:55 pm (UTC)Re: Usually, it is not a good idea to get
Date: 2009-12-30 08:20 pm (UTC)Re: Usually, it is not a good idea to get
Date: 2009-12-31 02:08 am (UTC)I did misspeak about the appraiser, I meant to say home inspector. The appraisal was done through the mortgage broker system where no one really knows who you'll end up with.
Well, the Nortons certainly know this neighborhood well...
Date: 2009-12-30 05:19 pm (UTC)highest marks for stephanie ford
Date: 2009-12-30 05:35 pm (UTC)Great Experience with Re/Max Destiny
Date: 2009-12-30 06:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 06:46 pm (UTC)Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 06:50 pm (UTC)Re: Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 07:49 pm (UTC)Re: Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 07:51 pm (UTC)Re: Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 07:58 pm (UTC)Re: Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 08:00 pm (UTC)Re: Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 08:09 pm (UTC)Re: Not sure I understand.
Date: 2009-12-30 08:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 07:52 pm (UTC)In my humble opinion
Date: 2009-12-30 08:16 pm (UTC)If we'd gone in unrepresented, we'd have been assigned an agent from the sellers' agency. Instead, we picked Redfin. They give you MLS access, comps, tips on negotiating, etc... and then kick back half the commission to you as a rebate. (If the sellers' agent gives you crap about using Redfin, remind them that every dollar they keep from your agent is fifty cents you can't spend on the house. That shuts them up pretty quick.)
Way better, to my mind, than full service.
Re: In my humble opinion
Date: 2009-12-31 05:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 08:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-31 02:36 am (UTC)Real estate agent
Date: 2009-12-31 05:09 pm (UTC)A little late, but -
Date: 2010-01-02 04:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-01-04 06:27 pm (UTC)#1. Maven Realty is evil. I wouldn't do business with them, although that's mostly because of the way they advertise their apartments for rent. I just find them to be shady.
#2. We used Ed Greable from Bremis Realty, per a recommendation from friends of ours who bought a condo back in August. He was really great, and we closed in record time, although that's more due to the mortgage broker we used (who actually was a "really good friend" of mine), I guess (we put an offer in December 3rd, closed on the 31st, so our 1st time buyer's credit should be in our hands come early March, which is awesome). As for inspectors, he gave us three inspectors to choose from, one which he recommended a little stronger. That guy was great. As someone who isn't exactly a journeyman construction worker, I would say your home inspector becomes the smartest man you have ever met - he explained everything from our 100-year old foundation to our three-year old central air. He also gave us a long list of things to be aware of. I didn't get the impression he was just going to give the house a pass to keep the deal alive.
This time of year, there wasn't much on the market, so having an agent working on your case is a big help. The house we ended up with was on the market for less than a week. In fact, it had an accepted offer by the Tuesday after its open house that backed out on Thursday. By Thursday night, ours was the 3rd offer on the house. I can certainly see the appeal of Redfin, but I'd still recommend Ed. As a first-time buyer, I certainly appreciated the extra help.