Real Estate

You want to try to look for people with a reputation in the community.  Membership at the local chamber of commerce, the local Board of Realtors, recognition and service in the community, and leadership are all important for many real estate agents and should be a good indicator of their honesty and integrity.

You can also search the state board's records on the real estate agent.  For example, in Texas, where I live, the board maintains records available for viewing online  and you can find out if there have been any recent complaints filed againt the agent.

Also, when doing your research, find out what real estate broker sponsors the agent and do similar research on that individual.

A good place to start is www.realtor.com/findreal/ .  There you can at least see who all is listed in the area.  Then find their real estate board and see their history.

Good luck! 

With no disrepect intended, it really helps to specify where you live when asking a question like that.

 Without looking at your profile I would have assumed that you live in Israel which is where Yedda originated. That would make it difficult for a Canadian like me to answer your question.

 As an American you should know that the entire real estate market there is collapsing and millions are losing their homes every year because they can't make payments on a property that's worth half the purchase price now.

So, maybe you should wait a few years, unless you think you can predict the bottom.

 But, more specifically, it's a real estate agents job to swindle you. They're not operating as a charity. The bigger their commissions, the "better" they are.

You can bypass agents if you want to, but you'll have to do a lot more research than asking a few questions here. So, you have to trade off your time vs the agents fees/commissions.

Last comment... it makes a difference whether you want to buy as an investment or buy to pay it off quickly so you can sit on a depreciating asset.

To "invest" in real estate you need a favourable market (i.e. not now). Then you should put the absolute minimum down and take the longest mortgage you can find. That's the only way you can make money in real estate. 

Best to ask a LOCAL Realtor. Each area of the country is different!

The top of the San Diego California real estate market was the summer of 2005. Most home values are now off by double digits!

I think we are only half way through this decline. 2010 should be the bottom.

Keep in mind, the average San Diego median home price is over $550,000. So, a 15% decline is a $82,500 loss! If you purchased last year, even with 20% down payment, your San Diego home could now be worth MUCH LESS than the amount of your mortgage!

With my take on the background of the current San Diego real estate market expressed, my opinion on the immediate future is that the San Diego real estate market is likely to accelerate down as the popular adjustable rate mortgages from the last few years come up for their first adjustment.

Yes, San Diego housing values could easily be down 25 to 30% from their summer 2005 values by the end of 2007.

For some great 'insider' articles on the San Diego real estate market, which I believe will apply to any of the hot real estate markets of the past five years.....visit:

http://www.brokerforyou.com/brokerforyou

Additional real estate info sites:

http://www.downtown-san-diego-real-estate.com/san-diego-real-estate-article-index.htm

http://www.brokerforyou.com

http://www.san-diego-for-sale-by-owner.com

http://www.la-jolla-ca-del-mar-san-diego-real-estate-encinitas-california.us

http://www.brokerforyou.com/blogger/index.htm

http://www.sandiegorealestatelibrary.info

http://www.sandiego-agent.com

http://san-diego-coastal-real-estate.blogspot.com

http://sandiegofsbo.blogspot.com

http://downtown-san-diego-real-estate-views.blogspot.com

http://san-diego-coastal-real-estate.blogspot.com

http://sandiegofsbo.blogspot.com

http://downtown-san-diego-real-estate-views.blogspot.com

http://www.brokerforyou.com/san-diego-real-estate-sales.html

http://www.poway-real-estate.info

http://www.del-mar-real-estate.info

http://www.la-jolla-real-estate.info

http://www.los-angeles-real-estate-brokers.com

http://www.san-jose-real-estate-brokers.com

http://www.orange-county-real-estate-brokers.com

http://www.san-francisco-real-estate-brokers.com

http://www.sacramento-real-estate-broker.com

http://www.alpinerealestateagent.info

http://www.bonitarealestateagent.info

http://www.carlsbadrealestateagent.info

http://www.chulavistarealestateagent.info

http://www.clairemontrealestateagent.info

http://www.elcajonrealestateagent.info

http://www.encinitasrealestateagent.info

http://www.escondidorealestateagent.info

http://www.fallbrookrealestateagent.info

http://www.jamulrealestateagent.info

http://www.miramesarealestateagent.info

http://www.nationalcityrealestateagent.info

http://www.pacificbeachrealestateagent.info

http://www.pointlomarealestateagent.info

http://www.santeerealestateagent.info

http://www.sorrentovalleyrealestateagent.info

http://www.tierrasantarealestate.info

http://www.universitycityrealestateagent.info

I think looking at their portfolio will be the best thing to consider if the

There are things to consider when looking for a real estate:

1. Titles and Accreditations Carry Weight

    - If your real estate agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, he or she must commit to a code of ethics and must train to re-qualify every four years to be a part of the professional organization.

2. You Might Want to Consider a Specialized Agent

    - A realtor may be trained in specific areas that could be of use to you based on your particular needs.

3. Full Disclosure Keeps You in the Know

    - When you’re searching for a home, ask your broker exactly whom he or she represents in the transaction.

4. Communication Is Key

    - Make sure your agent communicates appropriately with you about the progress of your transactions.

5. Know your Agent’s Sales History

    - Using the locality as a barometer, you can determine how successful your agent is at buying or selling property.

If you're from Malaysia you can try our Home Loan Calculator.

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