How do you research realtors from afar?

[SASM]

What do you research a realtor online?? As far as I am aware, I haven't found any statistics online. Even though we are only going to be touring the various areas with the realtors (not in the market to buy/rent until next Spring with relocation that July/August), I would like to speak with someone who is actually good at what they do. We've had wayyyy too many bad realtor referrals throughout the years. :( So...any suggestions on how to research realtors from afar if we cannot get a reliable reference? Thank you!!

[SnuggleBuggles]

If you are going to be relocated or know who you will work for, that company probably has some referrals. That's how we found our agent prior to a move.

[MelissaTC]

I have someone for you if you need a Cary/Apex person.

[mackmama]

We are looking out of state at homes, and I am in the same boat. I have found it's helpful to look for someone who is a consistent "top performer." Literally google "top performer" plus your city and "realtor" or "real estate." That has helped me identify the top producing (the most sales) realtors in an area.

[twowhat?]

We are looking out of state at homes, and I am in the same boat. I have found it's helpful to look for someone who is a consistent "top performer." Literally google "top performer" plus your city and "realtor" or "real estate." That has helped me identify the top producing (the most sales) realtors in an area.

:yeahthat: We were lucky and were referred to a fabulous realtor but I agree with the above. Our agent manages 30-60 sales per year while the average agent in our area does 4-6.

[SASM]

If you are going to be relocated or know who you will work for, that company probably has some referrals. That's how we found our agent prior to a move.
We've been referred to 4 bad realtors this way. :(

[SASM]

I have someone for you if you need a Cary/Apex person.
Thank you!!! PM me!! We might not swing through Cary next month bc we are more familiar with that area than the others, but I'll take it just inc ase...if not for the future! THANK YOU!!

[SASM]

We are looking out of state at homes, and I am in the same boat. I have found it's helpful to look for someone who is a consistent "top performer." Literally google "top performer" plus your city and "realtor" or "real estate." That has helped me identify the top producing (the most sales) realtors in an area.
THANK YOU!! Great advice!! Will do!

[trentsmom]

My realtor moved to Wilmington, NC several years ago. I thought she was fantastic! She was always a top agent when she was here in NoVA, so I would think she is still a top agent. LMK if you want her info.

[DietCokeLover]

Also, if you look on Dave Ramsey's website, he has a list of ELP's (Endorsed Local Providers) and has some realtors. He screens these people pretty thoroughly before he will endorse them.

Might be a place to start.

[SASM]

:yeahthat: We were lucky and were referred to a fabulous realtor but I agree with the above. Our agent manages 30-60 sales per year while the average agent in our area does 4-6.

These are the numbers that I would LOVE to find online. I just did a quick search and most of these "top performers" have a team of people under them and we would most likely be bumped to one of the lesser experienced specialists. :( Grrr...

[SASM]

Also, if you look on Dave Ramsey's website, he has a list of ELP's (Endorsed Local Providers) and has some realtors. He screens these people pretty thoroughly before he will endorse them.

Might be a place to start.

Thanks! Just checked out his site. Looks like the ELPs use his programs and show the "baby step" level...it's a start. Thank you!

[twowhat?]

These are the numbers that I would LOVE to find online. I just did a quick search and most of these "top performers" have a team of people under them and we would most likely be bumped to one of the lesser experienced specialists. :( Grrr...

Yeah, no idea where you could find those numbers online. I only know this because our agent explained it to us (we were dealing with another agent who had only made one sale that year). I wonder if you can call the local RE companies and specifically ask who makes the top 3 number of sales each year. Another caveat - agents that make that many sales are busy and may not be able to work you in - but they will refer you to others that they feel are good. I've recommended our agent to others and sometimes she can take them on as a client and sometimes she can't.

[mskitty]

These are the numbers that I would LOVE to find online. I just did a quick search and most of these "top performers" have a team of people under them and we would most likely be bumped to one of the lesser experienced specialists. :( Grrr...

We had a top agent when we bought our house. She managed and coordinated our search. However, she was very upfront that she would be unable to do everything with us because we were first time home buyers buying a small house (aka higher dollar clients took priority). I do think our initial consultation with her was fabulous where we made a very detailed priority list and came up with targeted areas/neighborhoods. That is what we wanted her expertise for. Many of the showings were handled by "new" agents but she always followed up with us later that day or first thing the following morning. I feel we had way more service from her and her underlings than many of our friends who worked with a "low volume" agent. There is a reason she was one of the top performers in the city!

The house we bought was a result of her knowledge and contacts. She heard that it would "probably" be listed soon from her network and made sure we were the first people to walk through (and make an offer) based upon our known preferences.

Just wanted to share our experience...

mskitty