Brad Nix

A referral from a trusted friend or resource is always the first place to start. Otherwise, I would search local review sites like Kudzu.com or Yelp.com or trust some the responses here at Trulia. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and confident with your decision. The best Realtors are honest and up front about what they bring to the table and how they plan to work with you to accomplish your goals.

Quality Realtors also bring a network of referral sources to help with the process, such as stagers, lenders, attorneys, etc... It proves they have a tract record of success and the ability to build relationships to accomplish goals.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to find someone who is honest. You can interview Realtors until one of them tells you what you want to hear, but is that always best? or just what you want to hear? Someone with a history of success in your market is usually best as it shows they do not need your business (and therefore would say whatever you want to hear), but instead they want your business. They have a passion for the industry and for helping others with the biggest financial and emotional decision in most people's life.

But if I had only tip to give... go with your gut instinct. This process is about you and you goals, not the Realtor. - Mon Dec 1 2008, 07:31

Yes, assuming you are moving within the same general area you are selling. Many agents offer discounts as you mentioned. - Mon Dec 1 2008, 04:17

Hank:

Everyone has opinions on the market and only time will tell who is correct. While I don't disagree with everything you said, I would like to call out a few points for contention:

- Cherokee County has no “business/commercial”: Granted it's a bedroom community, but there are a number of quality commercial business parks, see http://maxsell.net/cherokee-office-industrial-parks-cherokee…

- The inventory problem is very price-point dependent and we don't know enough to advise this Buyer yet ont he true accuracy of inventory problems.

- Cherokee County schools ranked 2nd in the State and Metro area for 2008 SAT results and is 67 points above the combined total average of the Nation and 112 points above the State in critical reading, mathematics and writing. Not exactly a marginal system, again it depends on ages of kids and specific schools.

- You ask how the county continues to develop... the answer is population growth. Of the 100 fastest growing counties in the country, 70 were in the south and 18 of them are in Georgia (more than any other state in the country) and Cherokee ranks 6th in GA with over 10,000+ pop. growth per year: http://maxsell.net/atlantas-fastest-growing-counties/

However, I do agree that stagnant may be the status quo for the overall county as we work thru the over-supply and foreclosure issues. It may take two years as you stated to do this, but in my opinion this will be a prolonged bottom with only a little more price depreciation. In fact, many price-points will see values appreciate over the next couple of years. It is a very unique and hyper-local situation. We just need more details before able to advise a buyer properly.

That's why at Maxsell Real Estate we believe in in having more conversations and less presentations. - Wed Sep 17 2008, 13:32

Canton has an absorption rate of 18 months to sell all existing inventory. This points to a nice a buyers market, but keep in mind that houses have been selling at 96% to 97% of List Price. You can see the latest market stats for Canton, GA at http://maxsell.net/canton-market-stats/

You can also search ALL available properties at http://www.ihomefinder.com/idx/search.cfm?cid=3237&st=10&bvl…

Let us know if our Maxsell agent can help you find the right land/house for you. - Wed Sep 17 2008, 10:57

The correct answer to this problem can only be given after reading your existing lease. The details of your right to stay are probably in the fine print. I assume you have a written lease that extends past the 8-5-08 foreclosure date. In general, (again need to see your agreement or call an attorney) Lease-Hold interest in the property is transferred from seller to buyer. So, it is possible that your lease will remain in effect regardless of who owns the property. However, the details of the agreement may state otherwise. - Sun Aug 3 2008, 07:01

Ditto Kathy Drewien.

It is great to see fellow Atlanta Real Estate Bloggers who "get it". - Sun Mar 30 2008, 12:50