This is four months late, but nobody here told you about the Houston Business Journal?!?!?!?! Forget a bunch of leg work interviewing folks, something you don't have time for in NEW YORK! Crack open the HBJ and pick one of the most productive agents. The compile a list annually of movers and shakers! Hope this isn't too late!

Wed Apr 2 2008, 06:00

When I am looking for a Realtor in an area where I know no one. I start by 1. Looking for credentials behind their names, these abbreviations mean they are serious about their job, constantly taking courses to improve their craft. Then call the broker and ask for one of their top 5 producers. Interview each and see which is the best fit for you and which is the most savvy in your area. Their track record should speak for itself. Your real estate is probably one of your largest investments. Select someone who can handle the job. This is not the time for friends to be considered unless they meet the criteria. Good luck Doris

Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:40

Jay,

I never heard from you regarding your need for a Realtor in the Harris County Texas area, so I'm taking the liberty of posting the web link for my dear friend and broker. She will be able to assist you in the sale of your Texas property, and she is as honest and as ethical as they come.

http://www.lynhomes.com/

Frank Biganski, Realtor ABR

Sat Feb 9 2008, 04:18

The fastest place would be to search the internet in the area you are looking to relocate. You could ask your current agent to refer a few agents. After a little research pick up the phone and make a few calls until you find an agent that you are comfortable with and you feel will work towards your interest. Good luck, and if you need an agent in the Houston Texas area please contact me.

Thu Jan 31 2008, 10:58

Jay,

You could always do the proverbial "throw a steak in front of hungry lions routine" by going onto forums like here and post something like "I've got tons of cash, and I'm burning to buy a million dollar listing immediately in .....etc. etc." ok.. just kidding... it's not really like that here on Trulia... just every other public Realtor website. ha ha

Seriously, I think everyone here gave you pretty good ideas on how to "find Waldo". The internet is probably the greatest assets to you as you look for a Realtor. I'd suggest looking over each Realtor's website to see how well they seem to be set up to serve you as a client and also what their interests and core values are. It is always easier to work with someone with common interests and personality types..

Thu Jan 31 2008, 08:25

I would recommend looking on the internet and seeing who has a internet pressence in the Area that you are looking to sell in. You could also drive around the neighborhood that the House is in and see what Company has the most signs in the Yards around yours. I would also recommend that you go to Realtor.com and you can search for Realtors in your area.

Good Luck Selling.

Thu Jan 31 2008, 07:42

Jay
I lliked the last answer, I'm a proud Rotarian (largest service organization in the world).
It sounds as though you do not live in the area where you want to sell, it that correct? Or, your profile says "just looking", maybe you are thinking of buying?

In either case, one option is that you probably came from somewhere before you came to be in this situation. Ask your sphere of influence for a Realtor, they should be able to find a Realtor to whom they can refer you.

For example, I received a call from someone in Las Vegas, who needed a Realtor in Glendale. He called my broker, who in turn called me.
Hope this is helpful.

Thu Jan 31 2008, 07:26

Jay....one place you might start is with one of the service clubs like Rotary, Lions, or Kiwanis Club or something similar to those. Typically these types of clubs will have members that are the movers and shakers in the community, live by a code of ethics, and are established business people. Obviously there can be exceptions, but anywhere I go in the world, if I need something done on a local basis I always drop in on a Rotary club. Normally you'll always be welcome for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They're also likely to set you up with all the other services you might need like attorney, lender, title agent, etc.

Thu Jan 31 2008, 06:43

The answer is to get a referral from someone you do know. Everyone knows a least one realtor. If you don't, or that person doesn't have the means to refer you, go to one of the national companies: Coldwell Banker, Remax, etc. You can check out the person online, then contact them. Another route is to pick one of the people who have responsed and allow you to help you find an agent that you are comfortable with. I could get you an agent in Houston, New York, or Chicago within hours--as could one of the other agents who has responded. You could tell us what you want and we could help you. Remember that when you have found an agent, he/she is your employee. If it doesn't work out, find another. Good luck.

Thu Jan 31 2008, 06:29

Jay,

I have a very good friend that I can refer you to; a college friend of my wife's from 1975. She is honest and the broker/owner of her own firm. You can email me at frank@chesapeakehousehunt.com or call me at (757) 303-0517 and I'll be happy to provide you her contact information.

Frank Biganski, Realtor ABR

Thu Jan 31 2008, 06:00

Hi Jay,

The local MLS usually has a website that lists the Agents that are members of the board. Houston's ishttp:// www.HAR.com

Another option would be to visit the websites of Real Estate companies such as Coldwell Banker, Re/max, etc.. They also generally have Bio's on the agents in specific areas on their websites.

Do you work for a fairly large company? Their Human Resources Dept. may be able to give you a referral for who they send Relocating clients to. Trulia is also a site to learn more about agents and what they have to offer.

If you let us know what town, maybe one of us can come up with something...

Good Luck.

Stephanie

Thu Jan 31 2008, 05:43