Columbus Nesties
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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
how to choose a realtor?
So...dh and I have been saying we would list our condo in the spring (which is technically only about a week away)!!! Well, we have both bought houses but we have never sold a house and aren't real sure what the process is and how to get started.
I think we need to fix a few things around here before listing it (the handrail on the stairs is loose, clean the carpets, etc), but I guess I would like to know where to draw the line in fixing things for sale, is that something that a realtor would help with?
Last night dh said "guess we should start researching realtors and companies"...which means we really should've started researching MONTHS ago b/c he is so SLOOOOWWW to "research". Anyways, I mentioned that there were several on the message board and he sort of made fun of me and then basically said "which one you want to go with"...SO....I'm not passing up the opportunity to avoid months of 'research'....but how do I pick a realtor?
When I bought my last house (not with dh)...a realtor sent us a flyer in the mail and since I was in the market for a house and she was the first to seek me out I went with it. It worked out fine but that was when the market was booming so I don't know if that made a difference.
I'm rambling now...Realtor nesties....come and save me!!!!
I think we need to fix a few things around here before listing it (the handrail on the stairs is loose, clean the carpets, etc), but I guess I would like to know where to draw the line in fixing things for sale, is that something that a realtor would help with?
Last night dh said "guess we should start researching realtors and companies"...which means we really should've started researching MONTHS ago b/c he is so SLOOOOWWW to "research". Anyways, I mentioned that there were several on the message board and he sort of made fun of me and then basically said "which one you want to go with"...SO....I'm not passing up the opportunity to avoid months of 'research'....but how do I pick a realtor?
When I bought my last house (not with dh)...a realtor sent us a flyer in the mail and since I was in the market for a house and she was the first to seek me out I went with it. It worked out fine but that was when the market was booming so I don't know if that made a difference.
I'm rambling now...Realtor nesties....come and save me!!!!
Re: how to choose a realtor?
lol I've only picked a realtor once before and, well, it turned out well and I'm planning on using her again. As I've said before here, we worked with Shanna (shannanicole) and she did a great job with everything.
This is her website: http://www.buysellcolumbushomes.com/
About the realtor, I don't think "months of research" is going to help too much. It's all about the personal relationship you have. Most realtors get business by referrals. So just listen to what people say and who they recommend! If you are planning to buy/ sell with the same realtor, that should give you a discount too. I wouldn't pay more than 5% if you are having them do both. We interviewed a few realtors, and it came down to their knowledge, personality, and their commission on who we went with. Ok, I'm rambling now too.
Good luck!
I agree with meeting with a few. And make sure you are both on the same page.
We had too many options. I know both Shanna and Amber and would have been comfortable with using either. My previous realtor is out of the business, but her team leader had stayed in contact with me for 4 years. DH met someone up here in Delaware that he really liked.
I let DH win and it was a mistake.
Many realtors are have special experience... so if you are looking for a certain area of Columbus, or dealing with selling one home and purchasing another.
You want to make sure the realtor you choose is one that you are comfortable with (they will know everything about your finances, personal tastes, etc.) and one who meets your level of attentiveness.
My mom is a realtor and has clients who need a lot of hand holding and others who pretty much want to do the research themselves and just want her to get the door to the house unlocked. She doesn't see anything wrong with either approach... just make sure the realtor you choose is a match for your personal shopping style.
You also want to make sure your realtor is understanding of the laws related to your purchase (condo associations, bank owned, etc.). Any good realtor will be... but not everyone is a great realtor.
Good Luck! Have fun!
When we were looking for houses, we called a ton of realtors about listings they had. Hands down we were treated like CRAP when we told them our price range. ONE person answered the phone out of about 20 and was nice to us. We ended up buying our first house through her, and becoming great friends. She is a kind, honest person. Sometimes the realtors I've encountered have eben out for the sell, and not for the people they are working with. This is why we loved Wendy, and will use her again.
Her website:
www.soldbygrego.com
Working with a Realtor
Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking local picture books or online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price.
But, a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are unique. No two properties -- even two identical models on the same street -- are precisely and exactly alike. Homes differ and so do contract terms, financing options, inspection requirements and closing costs. Also, no two transactions are alike.
In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals who know the community and much more. Those professionals are the local REALTORS? who serve your area.
What should you expect? (Working with a REALTOR?)
You likely know that some REALTORS? represent sellers while others represent buyers. Each REALTOR? will explain the options available, describe how he or she typically works with individuals and provide you with complete agency disclosures (the ins and outs of your relationship with the agent) as required in your state.
Once hired for the job, the REALTOR? will provide you with information detailing current market conditions, financing options and negotiating issues that might apply to a given situation. Remember: Because market conditions can change and the strategies that apply in one negotiation may be inappropriate in another, this information should not be set in stone. During your time in the marketplace, REALTORS? will keep you updated and alert you to each step in the transaction process.