I would get some recommendations, and then do a few interviews. You will know when you get the right person, just like you will know when you get the right house. If something just doesn't set right for you, then move on to the next one.

Good Luck!

We as Realtors cannot disclose many things by law, such as schools, who lives next door, etc., unless of course you opt for a buyer broker. It really doesn't matter if the Realtor is in your town or the next one over. Interview more than one, than choose the one you like best after all you will be spending quite a bit of time together.

I would start by asking people you know to recommend a realtor they were happy with. Many realtors, myself included, are familiar with many areas, though naturally know their immediate area best.

Then, if you are asked by the realtor to sign an exclusive right to represent, agree to do it for the day, to see how you get along. That way, if you decide to buy a home the realtor showed you, the realtor will be guaranteed their commission (paid by the seller). If you don't get along well with the realtor, and don't want to spend more time with them, you are not under any obligation. If you like the realtor, great, and you can then sign with them for a longer period of time.

Sally Griffiths
Weichert, Realtors
914-419-2655

I think you should find someone who lives or whose office is in that area. Also, if you have a specific style of home in mind, you'll want to find an agent that is not afraid to ask questions. If you want to build a log cabin, for instance, I would call agents who have sold them on both the buyer and seller side and ask questions.

Hi, The way to ensure an agent has your best interest at heart is to hire a Buyers Agent. The majority of the time the Buyers agent is paid by the seller through the co-broke on the MLS. The important thing is to meet with a few agents to see how they work and find one that you are comfortable with. I hold buyer counseling sessions where we discuss the process A-Z and the scope of my duties, and my Fiduciary responsibility if you become a client, etc. If after we both feel we would work well together then we can commit. I am an Accredited Buyers Representative which means that I have taken classes, passed a course and exam, and also proven my experience with Buyers to the National Association of Realtors. Anytime you go directly to a Listing Agent of a property you have to remember that they already represent someone and it's not you. Anything you tell them can be used against you in a negotiation because they have the sellers interest at heart. The same goes for a Buyers Agent, once you become a client everything you tell me will be kept confidential because my job is to get you the best price and terms.

As for living in the area, you need an agent that has some idea of the area but more importantly knows the process, is a good negotiator, and helps you make educated decisions and offers. I know Croton pretty well, have sold there in the past. I don't claim to know everything about a specific area and anything I don't I will gladly find out.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to have a no strings attached consultation. You can read some of my past clients testimonials on my profile page.

Sincerely,

Christopher Pagli
Licensed Associate Broker
Accredited Buyer Representative
Legends Realty Group
914.406.9023

You may look here to find an agent...http://www.topagentquest.com/support/aboutus.asp?sKey=167499… ... Please be advised this is a "for-profit" site.

Or, you may look here ... http://www.realtor.com/ ... Official site of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)

However, "the best way" is to personally interview the agents. If I may suggest, you meet with at least 3 local (not necessary living in the area you are looking in) agents for coffee and ask each agent the following questions:

1. How many buyer/seller transactions have you closed? (at least 3 is a good number to look for)
2. How long have the agent been in business (at least 3 years is what I would look for)
2. Describe to me (the buyer/seller) the homebuying / homeselling process? (you want to look for "non-stublin" answers)
3. Who are your (the agent's) business partners - lenders, inspectors, etc || support system - broker, office staff,etc. The agent should provide you with at least 3 references/options so you have the "options" to choose..
4. Tell me any recent real estate law changes in Croton-On-Hudson, if any, that may affect me ... the buyer / the seller.
5. Or, ask questions which are important to you.

Based on the agents' answers, I am sure you will know which Realtor will represent your interests the best.

I hope the information helps.

The agent does not necessarily need to live in the area you are looking to buy. I work at Keller Williams Realty Group in Scarsdale and have lived in Westchester my whole life. I know various areas of Westchester County very well. A good buyer's agent is someone that you feel that you have a good connection with.

If you would like to talk more, please call me at 914-315-6182.

I look forward to working with you.

Robin Lynch
Keller Williams Realty Group
760 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583

All realtors should by law represent your best interests, unless they also happen to represent the seller as well. One way to find one that works for you is to visit open houses that are going on in the area you are interested in. You can "secret shop" them all you want. Find one that you click with or have a connection with and contact them. You'll probably have to go to their office at some point in time and see if they act differently at an open house than they do at their office. Remember, it's an interview process for you. You need to be comfortable with them and at some point make a judgement call. Also, if you know people in the area, ask them what they think or who they used. I think the realtor does not need to live in the area you are looking to be knowledgeable about that area, but it certainly helps. Hope this helps!