Cooper W. Ford

I can understand where John is coming from. While I find his response uninformed, I can relate. In the real estate world, as in any industry, you've got individuals who are less than ethical and bring out the worst they have to offer. A couple of bad experiences, and it's easy to believe that everyone is like that. You could say the same about lawyers, politicians, teachers, business people, contractors, and the list goes on. However, what I do appreciate here is that you've got several Real Estate Professionals who have very different points of view on this topic. Despite these differences, we've all been very open and honest about dual agency, including the difficulties, struggles, and potential pitfalls we face on a daily basis to best serve our clients with integrity.

So, Helen, thank you for asking a very inciteful and thought provoking question. I hope this has been helpful. - Wed May 14 2008, 15:16

I disagree. Here's the problem you face without dual agency. Say an agent has been working with a buyer for several weeks. That buyer discloses confidential information to that buyer. The agent then lists a house for a seller who has also disclosed confidentially information. Coincidentally, the buyer is extremely interested in this home. So, without dual agency, who does the agent represent? No matter which party you choose, that agent MUST act as an advocate and disclose that confidential information of the other party, which very well could include motivation, price limits, etc. Dual agency may not be ideal, but it protects all parties involved. If there is a better option, I'm open. - Thu May 8 2008, 20:44

Hi Su,

Middlesex County is a great area to be in, because you're right on the North-east Corridor for NJ Transit to Penn Station, along with plenty of express buses that go into the city as well. Additionally, there are plenty of nice areas with great school districts where you can easily get a 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home for 400-500K (depending on exactly what you're looking for). Edison, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, and East Brunswick all have great school districts and are close to mass transit to NYC. These are areas that I work in and know well, so if you have any questions, or would like information on what's available, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Cooper - Mon Apr 21 2008, 13:16

You can also try http://www.city-data.com/. - Sat Apr 19 2008, 20:45

You can also try http://citimortgage.domania.com/homepricecheck/index.jsp. It's difficult, though, because there are many factors that go into the sales price of a home that you may not be aware of. For example, condition, location, seller motivation, possible foreclosure, etc. I don't believe that witholding information from the public is beneficial (which is why I'm glad you posted that website from thnt.com - I learned something as well!). However, one of the reasons out might decide to call a Realtor is to find someone who knows your area, has been inside many of these houses, and can tell you the story behind many of them. This also means finding someone who is both local and knowledgable about your neighborhood. (I wish I could help you, but I really don't know Parlin. The best way I could serve you would be to find someone I could recommend to you.) - Sat Apr 19 2008, 19:50

I don't think this is the appropriate forum to vent your frustration or attack someone, based upon an experience where people are not aware of all the facts of the situation.

Am I admittedly biased? Absolutely. To say otherwise would be dishonest. That's how opinions and recommendations are formed. However, my recommendation wasn't based on mere affiliation, but on well known fact (which is why I don't get your comment about misinformation) and my own experience as a direct competitor. LIke many other agents, I used to work for a large company, but I was so impressed by the way Andrew conducted himself, along with his reputation and that of his agency in the community, that I decided to join. After all, who would work with an agency and with people they couldn't recommend?

Let me throw two additional thoughts out. First of all, I did recommend interviewing at least three agents. Before you hire a listing agent, it might be a good idea to ask for some references as well. After all, talk is cheap, but fact and action speak volumes.

Second, if you want my recommendation for someone else outside my my agency to interview as well, call John Sacktig, who has contributed many answers on Trulia. While I've never had the opportunity to work with him, nor have I ever met him, I've read a lot of his answers. He seems to know East Brunswick well, is knowledgable, and his answers tend to be well thought out and helpful. He seems open, honest, and genuinely interested in helping people by answering their questions. Yes, he works for another agency that is a direct competitor of ours, but to be completely honest, from what I've seen so far, I respect him enough to say that. If I were a seller in East Brunswick, I would think him worth an interview.

As for your third, you're on your own! - Sat Apr 19 2008, 19:20

Hi Sheela - Let me recommend that you interview at least 3 different agents. In that way, you can compare and get a good perspective on who might do the best job for you. When it comes down to it, it's really a question of what will set an agent apart from the rest. Here are some questions you might want to consider: What do they do differently? Do they have a proven track record? Do they know your area and what's currently on the market? How many homes have they sold in your area (not just listed)? How long do their listings stay on the market (on average)? How much individual attention will your home receive (especially in the area of advertising)? Do you feel that you could trust them as a person (especially since you're talking about a major financial decision)?

Let me also suggest that an independent company can be just as effective as a large one (and perhaps, in some situations, sometimes more). For example, speaking of track record, Andrew Zastko has been one of the top listing and selling agents in Middlesex County for the last 8 years. He may not have all the bells and whistles of a large firm, but with that kind of record, he must be doing something right! - Fri Apr 18 2008, 20:52

I have several past clients who have purchased in East Brunswick and take the commute. They do it in about 1 hour 15 minutes, though it depends where in Uptown you are going. You generally have two options. You can either take an express bus from behind Sam's Club, or pick up a train direct into Penn Station from New Brunswick. It is a bit of a hike, but the area is great! - Fri Apr 18 2008, 20:56