HawthorneVillager.com

I would also add the Worgans to the list of great agents. Todd specifically was amazing with the sale and purchase of our new home. I would give them a call if you are thinking of buying or selling your home! You won't be disappointed.

QueenB, well written!

I would wager some people take more time and do more homework on picking a $5,000 set of appliances then they do when selling their 250-400K house!

Matt

Hi QweenB,

I don't know if I agree with everything you said...

If I read your post correctly, can I assume that "Listers" accept lower fees because they're working on volume, which increases how busy they are, which allows them less time to find a buyer and keep you informed, and then from their smaller fees they spend more on advertising than anyone else?

Essentially, they put a sign up and then hope another Realtor sells it for them?

Is that really the kind of person you want helping you?

I think one of the best people to help you with a listing is someone who has a lot of buyer traffic, and they satisfy all your other criteria like a well-written and full marketing plan, accountability, guaranteed service, lots of satisfied customers, and all the rest.

A balanced portfolio works in investments, and it also works in real estate with buyers and sellers.

Regarding your question about house values, there is lots of market data at http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/c ... htm#market

... including back issues where you can track what's happened in W22 (Milton).

_________________
Watch our daily video review of Milton MLS Listings:
http://www.MiltonDailyHomes.com

So, I have a tonne of info, but still have questions (Feel free to shoot me now)

I have determined
1. Don't base solely on comission
2. Get a minimum of 3 estimates
3. Word of mouth
4. Make sure price is right (should come from 3 estimates)

So, with that said, is it better to go with a local agent or one in another town, say like milton or oakville (I am in burlington by the way).

I mean, sure the local guy knows the area, but the oakville agent has access to the toronto board.

Man, this is tougher then I thought.....

Here is my take on what you have learned so far... and for context I am in the real estate industry, but not a residential realtor.

1. Don't base solely on commission

Absolutely true... if someone asks what is a good price for a car how can you answer? What kind / make / features are you looking for? It is the same with choosing your realtor. Make sure you understand everything that they are doing to earn their fee... I am sure that in many cases the higher cost realtor can be a far better value when you take all the services into account.

2. Get a minimum of 3 estimates

Interview a few different Realtors. Understand what they offer, and make a decision based on an apples to apples comparison of all the factors. It may take 2, it may take 4, but considering the money involved don't rush into anything (keeping in mind it isn't fair to waste agents time if you have no intent of ever giving them a chance)

3. Word of mouth

Very true. But look at the source of the referral as well... are they a good source of information?


4. Make sure price is right (should come from 3 estimates)

The right price isn't set in stone... do you need to sell quickly and are willing to take a little less for the speedy deal? Do you need absolute top dollar, no matter how long it takes. Ultimately you have to set the price, its the Realtors job to make sure you make a fully informed decision.

It can really help to use a local realtor (or one whom is very active in the area) in listing a home... they will have more insight as to helping you set the price since they will have been in all of the comparable homes that have sold recently and can tell you of the differences between the homes that aren't apparent on paper.

Just my 2 cents... hope it helps

Marc

You've got some great questions...
Regarding the local realtor. When buying, I suggest you use a local realtor. Why? they're more in tune with the local market conditions. recently sold properties, different models, model upgrades, local infrastructure etc. When a home in HV sells for more than it really should have, there's a good chance the agent was from out of town and they really didn't do their homework. From experience I've found a lot of out of town agents don't really want to drive "all the way out to Milton" more than once or twice to show homes so they try to limit the number of homes to go through. By out of town in this case I mean Etobicoke, Toronto, Scarborough, North York etc.
When you're selling and using an out of town agent, you run into the distance obstacle again. Say the agent gets a call off the lawn sign to show the home. What are the chances of the agent being willing and able to hop in his/her car and show the property on short notice? Low. I've actually declined listings in places like Scarborough and Markham for this very reason.

Hope this helps,

Cliff

_________________
Cliff Barron
Selling in Milton for over 14 years!
Sutton Group - Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
#1, 07-18 company wide!

cbarron@sutton.com
http://www.callcliff.ca
905-286-5888