Need your opinion about realtors

I am not a realtor, I do work for a real estate team.

This is one of those things people are very opinionated about. I can say until I'm blue in the face that it's more important for us to have both sides *happy* with the transaction and willing to give us a recommendation that for us to squeeze $5000 out of the seller** but people won't hear that. You may have gotten a slightly higher sale price. Or you may have had your property on the market for six months and had to lower it.

Should you look for another realtor? YES. She hasn't returned your calls and isn't even professional enough to have her mailbox empty. Quickly move on to somebody who is looking for a buyer.

**For perspective...If you accepted an offer that was $5000 less than what you hoped to get, your dual agent (realtor representing both sides) most likely made about $200 "extra." Would you put your reputation/career on the line for $200?

I think it depends on the agent. Some agents prefer a quick closing even if that means slightly less commission because it involves less work on the part of the listing agent (less marketing, open houses, etc.)

In the case of not returning calls or having an empty voicemail, I'd move on. During regular business hours, I'd expect a return call within 2-4 hours.

I can't comprehend the person who thinks ten minutes is too long. People have absolutely no patience.

This isn't waiting for a return call from your existing realtor, with whom you have a relationship. This is looking for one.

If I was looking for a realtor, I would call a bunch of different ones to set up "meet" appointments with multiple realtors. And then, after finding one I liked, I'd go with them. That doesn't seem impatient or rude... just common sense. I interview a realtor just like I interview a doctor, contractor, or nanny.

I would never accept double representation as a buyer.

As a seller it’s not my choice who the buyers use BUT I don’t like the idea that my realtor may have split loyalties. I would at least want an associate in the realty firm to handle one half of the deal.

Like the OP, my house was listed with an agent who found a seller. I stood my ground on a lot of things the seller wanted and that is where I thought my agent was working for the seller and not for me. For example, we had a house cleaner clean our house. She was not a big company, but a single person. I had cleaned the house before I left, all the windows and carpets had been done, but this person swept the floors and cleaned out the utility room. Under the washer or dryer was a giant spot on the linoleum. You couldn't see it when the appliance was on top of it. My real estate agent did not call me about it, but sent someone else out to clean it (it couldn't be cleaned) who charged $150 and then said real estate agent sent me the bill. There were MANY things like that. I didn't appreciate it. I wanted someone 100% working for me and what was in my best interest.

Also, $5K doesn't net the agent much, but it does affect their buyer and seller a lot, so your argument doesn't hold water. If I lose $5K that's a lot of money to me!!! And if I have to pay $5K less, that's great for me! My agent wanted me to come down on a price when our house hadn't even in the market.

julieb move on!