You will need to do some research to find a REALTOR® who matches your needs. Keep in mind what is happening here -- you are making a major move from one part of the country to another unfamiliar area. So having someone you can trust and rely on is essential.
What to Look For
In your research I recommend looking at individual agents' web sites to get a feel for their experience and how they conduct their business. What credentials do they have. What do their sites tell you about them? What services do they offer? What neighborhoods/cities do they work in?
Look to see if they author a blog. This may be the best way to get to "know" an agent more personally. In fact, since you're here on RealTown, why not check out agents in your new location at RealTown Blogs.
After you find one or more agents that really interest you, give them a call. Conduct an interview (hint -- make up a list of standard questions beforehand and ask each one the same questions). And guess what? If you leave a message about why you are calling and it takes forever to get a return call (say, a few hours), I'd write THAT person off the list right away ... NEXT!! You need someone you can rely on, who is punctual, and who returns phone calls. You are making a big move here, and you need to count on someone for assistance.
You need an individual who knows the housing market you are moving to well. I think this is even more important than when working with someone in your local area. If they don't, how can they really advise you, or help you get the information you need about an area you don't know? Do they know their market conditions (buyer vs. seller's market) and how things are selling? Do they know about the homes for sale? And have they worked with folks who have relocated before, either within the state, or further away? This will help them to understand YOUR situation and the issues you are facing. And if they themselves have relocated, so much the better.
Relocating To Pittsburgh? Contact The Agents Who Specialize In Relos To The Burgh!
You will want to feel a certain level of comfort, and a personal chemistry. But you will also want to feel that the person you are talking with really wants to help you and is committed to doing so. They need to have your interests are heart. After all, you are the client. And if you are a first time buyer, this is even more important.
One of the things our team offers to inbound relocation clients is access to an invaluable online home shopping search tool. For buyers who wish to have a hands on approach, this tool provides an awesome resource that includes hybrid satelite mapping technology. The mapping is really great for folks who don't know where Peters Township or Mt. Lebanon is for example.
You need agents who are very responsive to your needs and are available at most times of the day. It's quite possible that you may need us to zoom over to preview a hot new listing that may be that perfect home and report findings back to you quickly.
We have the experience that you need and the necessary information about the Pittsburgh area to quickly bring you up to speed on everything that you need to know to make a very informed home buying decision.
When you are ready to come to Pittsburgh for a home shopping trip, we will clear the schedule so that time can be truly all about you! We know the importance of making it happen for relocation buyers who come here on a very short trip and need to find a home!
You can visit us at www.SearchPittsburghHomes.com to check out a huge array of Pittsburgh home buyer and seller information. Click on contact agent to get in touch with us when you are ready to relocate to Pittsburgh!
