The Usual Suspects...
For those of you who are in (or recently were in) the north Seattle (above Lake Union, below 85th) market, have you started to run into the "usual suspects" in the real estate business? I'm curious about other peoples opinions of some of these vultures, I mean, agents.
My husband and I recently bought, using Redfin as our agent. It was a great experience, and I highly recommend them.
Since we relied heavily on open houses to find our home, we became familiar with some of the usual suspect agents who were either hosting open houses, or touring the same homes on behalf of or with their clients. I'd say we met at least 20 agents over the months who offered to "put together a tour list" for us in an effort to take us on as clients. One agent even told us that he "gets the MLS listings before anyone else does."
A few observations about some agents we've encountered:
1. The "traditional" agent featured on the 60 Minutes episode about Redfin - she is notorious for selling POS houses priced way more than they're worth that sit on the market for months. Her clients must be complete morons to hire her.
2. A young guy named Justin - this guy looks like he's 12 years old and he's more sleazy then the guy who sold me my used car.
3. A woman who frequently writes on RCG - this woman's picture is more soft-focused and blurry than any other agent I've seen. But even through the blur you can see that smug look on her face, she's a Miss Know-It-All. Don't people see through that BS? Yet people like her still seem to drum up business...ugh.
NOTE: I've edited this post...my better half says it's best to not include too much info about the agents I'm trashing on....but those who have been out in the above mentioned market will know who I'm talking about :-)
My husband and I recently bought, using Redfin as our agent. It was a great experience, and I highly recommend them.
Since we relied heavily on open houses to find our home, we became familiar with some of the usual suspect agents who were either hosting open houses, or touring the same homes on behalf of or with their clients. I'd say we met at least 20 agents over the months who offered to "put together a tour list" for us in an effort to take us on as clients. One agent even told us that he "gets the MLS listings before anyone else does."A few observations about some agents we've encountered:
1. The "traditional" agent featured on the 60 Minutes episode about Redfin - she is notorious for selling POS houses priced way more than they're worth that sit on the market for months. Her clients must be complete morons to hire her.
2. A young guy named Justin - this guy looks like he's 12 years old and he's more sleazy then the guy who sold me my used car.
3. A woman who frequently writes on RCG - this woman's picture is more soft-focused and blurry than any other agent I've seen. But even through the blur you can see that smug look on her face, she's a Miss Know-It-All. Don't people see through that BS? Yet people like her still seem to drum up business...ugh.
NOTE: I've edited this post...my better half says it's best to not include too much info about the agents I'm trashing on....but those who have been out in the above mentioned market will know who I'm talking about :-)
Comments
It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that she rubs the wrong way.
:-)
I couldn't understand what the 'Spring Selling Season' is all about, particularly when the gardens are magnificent in June and later, and the views stunning. When she said the ratio of buyers to sellers is better Jan-May that was news to me.
The other item of interest is the seller getting a home inspection. We had talked about that as our home is in great condition and we want to strut our stuff. Evidently the seller doesn't gain from doing that so the buyer will need to do their own.
It is interesting to see the Realtor cross discussions. If it does anything to increase the value of Realtor services provided, or teach me a thing or two, I appreciate her blogs.
You should consider going with a discount brokerage... if you have a great house that you know will have no trouble selling for what you're asking, you'll save yourself money by hiring someone like Redfin to sell the place. While many traditional agents may grumble and groan about the discounters, if one of their clients sees your house through the MLS listings, they're going to want it regardless of who the sellers agent is.
Is there any way to see RedFin's LISTINGS by area?