Gerry Vazquez

Clara, As per MLS, there are a dozen+ condos for sale in Astoria meeting your basic specifications. Call (631.338.7392) or email me (gerardo.vazquez@prudentialelliman.com) if you're interested in retaining the services of a buyer's agent. GerryV - Wed May 28 2008, 13:51

Meredith,

Yes, do find yourself a Realtor, but make sure he/she is a professional buyer's agent. Seller's agents and listing agents work for the seller and NOT the buyer --no matter how nice or professional they may be. Look for agents with either an ABR (accredited buyer rep) or CBR (certified buyer rep) designation affiliated with a reputable real estate firm. Intervew 3 or so of the most promising agents and pick the one who best matches your requirements.

A great buyer's agent will help you find the home that best meets YOUR needs, while representing YOUR interests throughout the searching, evaluating, negotiating and purchasing process.

How to reduce the stress of buying a home? Hire yourself a true buyer's agent.

GerryV
(vazquezgerry@yahoo.com) - Wed May 28 2008, 08:50

Friend or not, seller's agents works for the sellers--as do listing agents. The seller is their client and the person to whom they each owe loyalty and serve in the best interest of. Part of acting in the best interests of means finding qualified buyers and negotiating the best possible deals (including, the highest possible selling price) for the sellers. Accordingly, agents will be paid commissions as per the listing contract.

Definitely use an agent. It doesn't cost you any more and it should save you $ and time. The question is whether you get your own client representation by hiring a professional buyer's agent, or go "unrepresented" and buy through a seller or listing agent?

In terms of the commission, it's set in the listing contract between the seller and the listing agent. Please know that the commission will be paid in full. If there's a listing and a seller's agent, they will split the commission. If there's a listing and a buyer's agent, then they 'll split the commission.

GerryV (vazquezgerry@yahoo.com) - Tue May 27 2008, 19:43

SNOR, Measuring, classifying and reporting performance in Real Estate is not only doable but essential. I agree that the public has a right to know. GerryV (vazquezgerry@yahoo.com) - Mon May 26 2008, 19:38

The cost of gas and travel distance between home and work is factoring more than ever into the thinking of today's homebuyers. Good news for properties closer to downtown and suburban business centers--and not such good news for properties in communities w/extended commute times and those off commuter rail lines. We'll likely also see a spike in tele-commuting--although I'm not sure it'll have much of an impact of home values. - Mon May 19 2008, 10:44