Jamar, did you just say you are the BEST REALTOR? That's a bold statement. You are the self-proclaimed best, but you admit you aren't very patient. Seems to me the best person would also be patient.

What I see, is you are the most arrogant and one of the more unethical users of Trulia Voices. I especially like how you jumped right into this thread immediately with timely information...only 2+ weeks after the poster asked her question. Oh, and as a category killer, your self-named website doesn't even rank #1 for your own name. I'm sorry, but if I were the best my personal website would at least rank #1 for my own name. And ranking #1 with regard to something related to real estate would also be a pretty good metric, at least for most of my clients.

Fri Apr 4 2008, 16:58

Google your realtor, if the realtor doesn't take marketing serious, you may not be getting the best realtor out there. Your realtor should dominate the market for there speciality. If you are looking for discounted properties, then be sure to have a list of properties from your realtor before you meet the realtor. Thats the best way to ensure your realtor is not going to waste your time. I am the best realtor for discounted properties in Arizona. However there are a thousand realtors with more patience I must admit. Jamar James - No Disrespect to other realtors, however if a buyer is looking for cheap properties I have them.
Google Jamar James

Fri Apr 4 2008, 00:16

Hello Kathy,

Just a short footnote:

I am also thrilled that you found an agent you trusted. It is important that we as Realtors strive to do the best job for our clients. That is why we are in business to do the best. As I mentioned before, we have a major responsibility to our seller's and buyer's.
Good Luck
Ava 85310

Wed Mar 26 2008, 21:51

Hi Kathy,

First, you want an agent that has experience in the area you are searching. Secondly, and probably most importantly is an agent you feel comfortable with. As Cathy from Wisconsin noted, the agent she founded did not pressure her in to buying, showed her lots of homes, went out of his way to take additional pictures of homes, and generally made the whole process enjoyable. Buying a home is tremendous undertaking and ranks right up there with job change on the stress level chart. Finding someone who can put your worries at ease during the process is priceless.

To learn more about us please visit our website at:

www.ArizonaPremiereLiving.com

Thu Mar 20 2008, 08:15

Kathy,
About a month ago, I posted a question on Trulia asking for infomation on Gilbert, AZ. (I was not looking for an agent when I posted my question) My husband and I are relocating from Wisconsin. Although most who responded gave me some information I was looking for, but Patrick Mahony responded with exactly what I was looking for. We sent a few emails back and forth regarding properties, talked once on the phone and I knew I found an agent I could trust and feel comfortable with. We worked through email for a few weeks reviewing listings, he help us narrow down our search by visiting each property we thought we were interested in, took pictures for us and gave his comments on each home. Some properties he did not even take pictures for us because he knew right away this was not a home we would be interested in, then gave us his reasons. I tusted Patrick even being 2000 miles away. Last week we made a trip to AZ, met Patrick for the first time, toured homes with him and we could not be happier with choosing him as our agent. We were never once pressured. Referrals are important, I did not have one, I took a chance with Patrick and I am glad I did. I am sure there are many good realtors out there, but give him a call, I promise you will not have any regrets. www.ITSRealEstateAZ.com
Cathy

Mon Mar 17 2008, 20:38

Kathy,

Just as an agent will give a presentation to a potential seller so should an agent have some sort of presentation for a Potential Buyer. Look for someone who is willing to educate you about the process of buying and ask them to explain it to you. Remember no question is a dumb question. Make sure they are a good listener and are commited to helping you achieve your goals. Likewise when you find the agent right for you, be loyal to them and you will have a great partnership. Real Estate is a relationship business and you should feel comfortable and confident working with your agent. Best of luck as you start this exciting process. Let me know if I can help.

Mon Mar 17 2008, 17:20

Kathy -

It can be hard to find an agent you like and that your are comfortable talking with. Buying your first home can be both exciting and scary, I would want an agent that remembers what this experience is like. Ask a lot of questions; can they be reached? will they answer all of your question, even if they seem simple to them? will they be there for your walk through and closing?
As for mortgages your REALTOR should have a few suggestions for you. Interview them as well with the same type of questions.
I have a section on my site for buyers, please feel free to have a look. Good Luck with your search, let me know how it is going and if I can help!

Mon Mar 17 2008, 12:08

Great question! Most definitely find an agent that is familiar with the area of your interest. If new to the area or considering relocating, don't go with the first agent you talk with, interview them to see how familiar they are with the area(s) of interest. Like Patrick said, visit with some open houses and ask the agents holding them open questions about their familiarity with neighborhood.

A good buyer's agent will ask detailed questions about your wants and needs as well as being a great listener. If an agent is showing you properties that are not what you told them, I would get a new agent. They are obviously not concerned with your best interests. You should feel comfortable working with the agent. Your REALTOR should take the time to explain and go over all the details of each step of your purchase and be able to answer any questions you have along the way.

The agent should be easy to get in contact with and should return your calls/ emails promptly. They should provide you will lists of properties for you to preliminarily go through before viewing any homes. As the agent if they will show you all the homes that match your criteria even though they may offer a reduced buyer's agent commission. (another clue to if they are concerned about your interests or theirs)

I would recommend that you ask the REALTOR for loan officer recommendations because they should know competent loan officers who can get the financing completed in a timely manner. The loan officer should also be experienced in working with first time home buyers and be able to provide you with 1st time home buyer programs.

There is the 'HOME IN 5' first time home buyer bond program available to qualified applicants, which provides up to 5% towards your down payment and closing costs. It's a great program, I just closed a purchase last week with this program where the buyer received 3% for closing costs from the seller and all of the 5% bond money went towards their down payment.

Sun Mar 16 2008, 11:17

Hey Kathy,

Referrals are always nice, Like a good mechanic, or dentist.

In my opinion, you should go to open houses in the neighborhood you want to live. Meet the Realtors. You get a chance to see if there is any personality conflicts between you and the agent. Are they pushy?
What do they really know?
If they are working an open house in the neighborhood, they should know the neighborhood, here is your chance to ask questions.
Like what can a first time home buyer expect? See who calls you back and sends you listings of homes you are looking for?
Ask what is the best deal in this neighborhood for a first time home buyer.
If you like their answer, great if not walk out the door and never see them again.

As far as Mortgages go in AZ right now. Bank of America has the best deal on rates and closing cost, with M&I a close second.
unless you are looking for seller contributions. www.ameridream.com


Keep me posted
Good Luck
Patrick
www.AZRE.TV

Sun Mar 16 2008, 09:45

Referrals are most important, friends and co-workers that have actually had a working relationship with an agent in your area,I have never steered anyone wrong ,after leaving a state and giving a name to a future client looking for an agent they could depend on. Thats really the best marketing we can do for ourselves or our clients,referral,refferal,refferal . A good agent has all the parts to complete a sale,escrow company,mortgage people,inspectors etc.,although you will be offered choices,that agent can make it happen.

Sat Mar 15 2008, 20:52

Hi Kathy,
Check out bios online of agents, testimonials and ask others if they know a good agent. I would recommend looking for someone who is full time, not part time.

Best of Luck on your home hunting
Jamie Geiger

Sat Mar 15 2008, 20:38

Kathy-

Wow, what a great question. I mean seriously...how do you find an agent? I think many people do 1 of 2 things: 1) Ask their friends who they like. 2) Look online for an example of what they think is good.

So, you are doing #2. It's possible you don't know many home owners in the Phoenix area, so #1 may not work out well for you.

Then there's what to ask. I'd start by asking how they like to work with their clients. Do they just email back and forth, or do they like to call and talk on the phone? What do you prefer? Email or phone calls? When it's urgent, do you like email or phone calls?

The next question would be the familiarity of the area you are looking to buy in. It's nice if the agent has a general idea of prices, schools, restaraunts, etc., in the area you are considering. It's not critical, but that's a sort of fringe benefit.

Another better question, would be how they handle negotiations. Ask them to tell you about a time that they negotiated a particularly difficult transaction. What made it so difficult? And then what makes things easy?

With regard to lenders, every agent that's been in the business for any decent length of time is going to have a lender or 3 they know and have a raport in working with. I know I do. That doesn't mean I don't work with other lenders. I do that too. When a client asks me for a lending referal, I offer them one. I know my reputation is on the line as much over this referal as any other part of the transaction, so you can best believe that the recommendation is one I'm making very sincerely.

As far as the process goes, every agent you consider should know the process inside and out, and be ready, willing, and able to run it through for you front and back, over and over if you want. I love working with first time buyers. Honestly, it's like a breath of fresh air.

You can learn more about me, below. Although, I imagine by the end of tomorrow...you'll have this offer from a healthy bunch of Phoenix Area agents. Good luck in making what will be a difficult decision.

Sat Mar 15 2008, 20:30