When you PCS, do you use a Real Estate agent to find a place to buy or rent? Why or why not?

SrA Karla Kiser — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 19:46:01 -0500

PCS moved can be stressful and often your first concern is where to live! As an agent is like feedback on whether you use agents to help with your search or not. What do you base your decision on and what qualifications do you look for in that agent?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 11 at 2016 7:57 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 19:57:51 -0500

No, after the first time we tried that route and the agent really missed the target with what she had picked out for us, we always did some pre research, then got on the ground and looked for our selves.
And for us as a family, that was more stress relieving ...an adventure if you will... and activity for the family, pick the new home..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 8:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 20:44:50 -0500

The wife and I used USAA home buying program and they referred a agent. Almost dropped her after our first tours with her because we didn't feel she was listening to us. But we gave her another chance and found a nice home. And USAA gives the referral money from the real estate company back to the buyer.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 8:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 20:46:26 -0500

LOL It was after the military, but, we moved to a town and contacted an agent. Worked with her for 2 days. She kept taking us back to a house which we did not want. and all of our offers (three or four of them) were all just beat out by another"

After the last one I told her to just leave. My wife then said alright smartass how do we get back to our car? I said we are going to the agent across the street.

Four hours later we left town with a signed contract.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Feb 12 at 2016 7:48 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 07:48:38 -0500

We've bought and sold by ourselves sometimes, and with an agent others, depending on how well we knew the area. The Economist magazine had an article which showed Real Estate agent commissions in different countries, and the US, at 3% for both buying and selling, was near the top of all modern nations. After reading that, I started to expect more from them than an MLS listing and a couple rides in the car. It's a very competitive market and not all agents get rich, but the homeowner or buyer need to expect real work out of their agent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 8:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 08:54:48 -0500

with a short suspense it is highly recommended to use an agent , they provide an additional set of eyes on the objective.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 9:01 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 09:01:09 -0500

It's not my first option. I look at Military By Owner first. Then I check Zillow. I prefer to deal with military owners first. Usually we can come to terms without going through a middle man. Now days with online programs for housing rentals and sales, you can get things done without the commission requirements of a real estate agent. Finally, if those things don't work out, I will go with a real estate agent.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 12 at 2016 10:11 AM

SPC James Dollins — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 10:11:16 -0500

I have never used an agent for finding a rental. I've always done the research myself. I don't really think it would have made a difference. Now when I went to buy my house, I did. That made things A LOT easier!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 8:42 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 20:42:26 -0400

If you are completely unfamiliar with the are an agent can help with that but there are many things they can not say due to their license that a good friend could tell you. There also really aren't any online rental listings that they would have access to that you wouldn't. If you are buying or selling an agent can be a great resource. As an agent in San Diego County, I am willing to help anyone who asks but a renter is not going to be my top priority.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 12:54 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:54:46 -0500

SrA Karla Kiser I am in the process of PCSing to GA. I didn't even think about asking my realtor to help me out with finding a rental property while I house hunt,