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

Cooper, I can't share your enthusiasm since my experience was frustrating. I found that business came so easy as a result of established name recognition that it destroyed all incentive to work hard for a client. This happened a few years ago when I lived in East Brunswick, but I heard it has only gotten worse. I would not have shared this, except it was necessary to rebut the misinformation provided by a biased affiliate.

Sat Apr 19 2008, 15:50

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

Hi Sheela,

I agree with Ken on the fact that all agents are not the same. I also agree that you should ask a lot of questions.

I recently left a "Large national company" that was fine in the past... but these large companies are cutting advertising costs dramatically and banding 4-6 offices in their advertising, making it hard for their agents to even get your home in advertised. A very large company that owns the brands (one of which I was associated with) of a few large names, recently was telling their staff to tell prospective clients when listing their homes that "we are an internet based company" that is the way to go. What does that mean?
No / very little advertising. again, 2-3-4 offices vying for ad space in the corporate ad.

We are all internet companies with technology departments, access to environmental reports, yahoo leads, realtor.com leads, trulia leads... and so on. Get through the fluff and ask questions.. see what the company and agent will do to get your home sold. The relocation thing part of the package, we all are involved with these companies.

Fri Apr 18 2008, 19:33

Am happy to suggest names of top agents in your area and suggest you speak with more than 1. Large national companies such as Prudential (with also large franchises such as New Jersey Properties ) have many advantages over smaller independants (relocation business for one which is one of the best sources in this market,as well as technology department, advertising and marketing specialists, access to environmental reports, yahoo leads and so much more...) We all pretty much cooperate though through the middlesex mls so ask to see samples of marketing pieces they will do, ask for their list of current listings and recent sales. Look at the price they sold versus the original list as well as time on market. Ask neighbors who just bought about the agents on both sides. All agents are not the same. Most important make sure you feel you can trust this person.

Fri Apr 18 2008, 09:25

Take a look at my current listings and sales, go tohttp:// www.Incredibleagents.com and see my profile. I can give you a list of people whose homes I have listed and sold. This iswhat I do and I do it well.

I work and live in East Brunswick and I am sure if you live here you see the Orange Key signs about the town and My ads in the Sentinel, town trends, homesource, homes and land.

You can read my responses to all out here. I am not going to tell you we'll get 400k for you home if it is worth 200k just to get your listing and then have you reduce it 10 times. . We all know some local agents famous for that stuff. I will tell you the truth about your home and what I think it needs, what the positive points are and what we need need to do to get it sold..

Call me in for an interview.

John Sacktig
Broker / Sales Associate
Orange Key Realty
732-213-1409 - Cell

Thu Apr 17 2008, 14:09

I can refer one to you if you want? or I can help you list your property if you need to talk to someone about it feel free to contact me.

Thu Apr 17 2008, 11:40