Selecting the right Realtor begins with communication! The length of time a Realtor has been in the industry means very little. It is the experience they bring with them and what they do with their skills from researching and finding the right house to negotiating the contract to get you the right price and terms. Knowing your needs - the agent must be able to repeat them back to you so you know that you are both looking for the same property. Working with Listing Book allows my Buyers to preview homes on the internet where they can provide instant comments on the homes they view. Sending information on different communities, schools, shopping and employment opportunities prepares the Buyers for the relocation process and often helps them narrow their choice of location. Once we know the price range we focus on the features a Buyer considers MUST HAVE, WOULD LIKE TO HAVE, and DREAM ABOUT. Recently I worked with a couple that walked in to my office and told me the features they MUST HAVE in their new home in downtown St Petersburg. They expected the same house that they had left in Alabama. They were very disappointed when they saw how much less house their dollars could buy in their chosen location. Had we prepared they could have been excited about seeing homes in the area where their money could buy those MUST HAVE features. A Buyer agent’s work doesn’t end until you go to settlement. Your agent must be willing to be your assistant until the day of settlement. If you are not living in the area there are many things that have to be done. Negotiating with the Sellers and making sure you get the price and terms you want and then making sure all of the required inspections and deadlines. All of this is the responsibility of the agent so you have to make sure you hire someone with the right experience – not just one that has been in the business for 30 years. Visit me athttp:// www.cyork.prudentialtropical.com .

Wed Jun 25 2008, 16:01

Hello George,

I have responded before and just wanted to add that I am a meber of NAEBA, the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. I have been representing home buyers only in the St Petersburg,/Clearwater area since 2003. I totally devote the time the client requires in order to preview homes when they come to the area. Whatever time you need I will be available. Since I work Exclusively with Home Buyers, my time is never divided between Buyers and Sellers. I concentrate on the Buyer Needs and keep up to date on the current market. There are some very good buys right now and I will do my best to help you find them.

Wed Jun 25 2008, 03:06

How familiar are you with the Greater St. Petersburg area? If you know the area you wish to limit your search, contact a firm located within that area, either directly or through a referral with a Cincinnatti Realtor. A quick check of the current MLS listings for 3/2/1500SF/age??? in the So. Pinellas area priced to $225,000 reflects 14 units currently available at 6/25/08, which may include associations within a 55+ complex. After discussing more completely your needs, an agent can email you available listings, which will include a mini map of the area or a full area map could be mailed to you. With this preliminary review, you can narrow the time needed to view and select a unit that meets your needs. We'll be glad to help.

Wed Jun 25 2008, 00:24

Hello George Cordes, most people who are shopping for a condo are shopping for a lifestyle without the troubles of owning a home. Owning a condominium is sharing the cost and expense of upkeep with a professionally managed management company. The ability to lock the door and leave for extended times is one of the nice things about living in Florida. Most agents belong to the Multiple Listing System and can access listings by location, amenities, and physical statistics. I would be glad to help you find what you are looking for. Contact me when you are ready.
Dan Trembulak, real estate broker
E-Mail: RealtorDan@Juno.com
Buy-Sell Realty Inc. 727-393-6500

Fri Jun 6 2008, 01:33

Hello George,

I am an Exclusive Buyer Agent in the area and never represent a seller. You can co to the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents for information on choosing an agent. http://NAEBA.org
or check out my web page at http://BuyersLighthouse.com

I have specialized working with Home Buyers for over 6 years in the area.

Tue May 27 2008, 10:36

I don't know how many days you will be in Fla. You want to have an agent that will devote the time ,especially if only a few days. I have a client from Penn.They are here for 4 days want to be in a house by July. I devoted the time for them. Check experienceof agent,broker,& agents on the team. Please email me and I can discuss this with you. RICH MEINKE, GRI, SRES richmeinke@tampabay.rr.com

Sun May 25 2008, 15:10

First of all, George, be careful about homeowner's associations--there are many complexes in this area in trouble becasue the association is TOO demanding, and others that have suddenly and inexplicably raised their fees, causing many issues for the homeowners.
As for choosing an agent, if you do not know anyone in the area who can introduce you to a good one, I suggest interviewing several and go with your gut--an agent who has your best interests at heart will take the risk of asking you some fairly probing questions in order to discover your true, underlying objectives, and this is the kind of agent to work with--one who can build a relationship based on trust.
Good luck in your home search, and feel free to visit my website for more info!

Fri May 16 2008, 06:02

Select an agent that will act as your real estate consultant and provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your needs and wants. I provide a free personal Listingbook home search account that gives you the information you need in the comfort of your home. Start your home search now by seeing what's available, what's selling and what you get for the money. Click here to set up your personal account ......... http://www.tania.listingbook.com/ ............and give me a call when you're ready!
Tania Rutland, Realtor®
ERA Buxton Properties, Inc
147 N. Belcher Road
Largo, Florida 33771
Direct: 727.804.4520
Office: 727.538.0034
Website: www.ShopPinellasHomes.com

Fri May 16 2008, 04:29

take the luxury of interviewing agents--doesn't have to be a formal interview, but talk with a couple agents and see who you feel good about. In our area, good agents do both buyer side and listing side--knowledge of both sides I believe makes you better at both sides.

Thu May 15 2008, 20:08

Hello George,

I suggest that you look for an experienced agent and one who has a good reputation in the industry. Ask for references. Since you will be working with them for quite a while, you will want to "feel" comfortable with them and be able to develop trust and a good relationship quickly.

Go with your gut feeling also. A good Realtor can become a friend for life and not just a one time transaction facilitator.

Hope this helps.

Phil

Thu May 15 2008, 19:35

George,

As a P.S., if no one you know has any references because of the where you live relative to the beach, consider going to the NAEBA website for an Exclusive Buyer's Agent. Short of a reference, this organization maintains a list of members who only represent buyer's in real estate transactions.

Best of luck,

Jeffrey

Thu May 15 2008, 19:18

George,

First, people you know, friends and family, will be your best source of references. You're looking for someone that they believe always represented their best interests. I use to live in Dayton for about 20 years, but I don't have any current references. Remember, most people make one phone call to an agent and use that agent for their representation. That's a poor way to find a resource.

References are your best source!

Good luck,

Jeffrey

Thu May 15 2008, 19:15