I agree with the other posts here. Right now is a great time to work with a buyer due to the tax credit that is made available to them. Also, bond money has recently been released. That is a program that helps with assistance as far as down payment & closing costs.

I would meet with some realtors and find out who you think you would best work with. Find out their marketing plans and what they propose to do for you. They should be able to show you their advertising ads. Communication is the key.

There are lots of great agents who are not holding listings right now. Many agents are working with first-time home buyers and focusing on getting their deals in before the tax credit deadline. As for a listing showing up on a website one year later, well, you should not hold that against the agent and read too much into it. I have visited many individual websites and they are not updated or may not have transfer data correctly.

Once, I had a client that would go to random websites looking at properties and wanted to see the homes. I cautioned to not do this because the information was not correct. There have been many ocassion where my listings where not flowing into linked websites. In any event, having lots of listings does not a successful realtor make.

Keeping listings to a minimum will allow me to successfully work with both sellers and buyers. Balancing both sides have resulted in selling my listings within 90 days and finding homes for my buyers in under 2 weeks, and with all deals closing in under 35 days.

In all fairness, please give your realtor the benefit of the doubt...you may be very happy with the outcome.

well I guess you answered your own question

As rockinblu stated, it is wise to interview several agents. You need someone that you can feel comfortable with. It may be your friend's recommendation and maybe not. It's your decision and up to you to find who will serve your needs.

I wouldn't be too concerned with only having one listing that sold a year ago. Many agents prefer to work mainly as Buyer's Agents. If you are buying, that could be great for you! If you are selling, you'll want to ask numerous questions about Listing experience.

When working with clients, I keep a limited number of Listings so I can still work with buyers. You can't do everything and I like to give proper time and attention to my clients. That may be the case with the agent your friend recommended. It's wise to ask and voice your concerns.

As for it showing up on her website a year later...I cannot speak for that. Possibly it was supposed to "automatically" drop off when it sells. I have had website hosting companies that promised me much in the area of automation that just weren't true.

I wish you the best!

..maybe the Realtor was building a subdivision..or having a baby...both equally demanding.
Alot depends on whether you are buying or selling. If selling you definitely want a full time agent. You need to interview the agent and find out what her/his approach is to representing a client to buy or sell...and show you what they have done in the past year.