Hi everyone! We are a first time home buyer. We were introduced to 2 different realtors by 2 different friends to help us buy a home.

Realtor A is a male, he is my friend's brother and he runs a small commercial realty company with one other guy. He has 20 + yrs experience in commercial real estate. I am pretty close to this friend.

Realtor B is a female, she is my friend's aunt and she works for a big name realty company. She has 25 yrs experience in residential real estate. I am not that close to this friend.

Is it a big factor that A is in a commercial real estate?

It could be. You need to find out more info about the experience of both agents. Just because Realtor A specializes in commercial, does not mean he does not have good residential experience also.

The amount of years someone has been in real estate is meaningless. You want a buyer's agent that has sucessful closings in the last few years. I have seen buyers get terrible service from their agents, because the agent(that has been in the business for decades) only knows how to do things the old fashioned way, and cannot grasp that things are done differently now.

I'm not sure why you mentioned the gender, is that a qualifying factor for you?

Without knowing any more information on the specifics, I would pick the one who is doing residential sales.

Too bad that you have to choose among your two Friends.

I'd go with the one I want to keep.

Thank you NextStep, maui and Vermont! I'm sorry that I mentioned the gender, I had no intention there.

I actually wrote to realtor A and asked him directly about my concern regarding him specializing in commercial and not residencial. And he replied...

"I did two condo purchase transactions a few months ago, have listed and sold a large residential property and am currently listing a 48,000 sf R-10 lot, am working with a friend in buying a condo , am currently listing a house , am currently in escrow with a buyer on a luxury condo in town. I have a pretty good understanding of the condominium concept for residential developments."

We are trying to purchase a single family home or town home, not condo...

Our heart is kind of going towards realtor A because we think he has our best interest in his mind and he will be very personable. But is it enough to cover other parts he is lacking compare to realtor B?

I wouldn't hire a Chevrolet mechanic to work on my Jaguar. I wouldn't hire a lawn guy to maintain my xeriscaping. I wouldn't hire a divorce attorney to file my business incorporation. I certainly wouldn't want a podiatrist to perform my appendectomy.

Bottom line: Who can you be more confident will have the best knowledge of your particular market niche?

One needn't do hundreds--or even dozens--of residential transactions every year to know the ins and outs of the contracts. I'd expect either agent to be reasonably competent in that part. Market knowledge, however, is going to be vital. Be sure to probe both agents' familiarity with what you're looking for. Does Realtor B's 25+ years of residential experience include recent transactions in your area (and of similar characteristic to the property you intend to purchase), or is Realtor A's recent work more similar to what you're planning to buy, despite his primary interest as a commercial broker? Is either agent likely to be too busy to give you the attention you deserve and need?

If you feel that he will have your best interests at heart and you feel comfortable working with him, than he would be your best bet.

I would definitely choose the one who is most experienced in the market in which you are buying. This is even more vital if the market in which you are buying is very competetive. An agent with recent experience in single family sales will give you a leg up over an agent who is not 'in the trenches' so to speak. It is OK to not use either agent also. You can interview your own prospects. Sometimes a good way is to go to some open houses in the neighborhoods you like and chat with a few agents. They will likely be familiar with the area, and it is a good casual way to feel out if they may be a "fit" for you.

how many residential closings has the female, residential agent had in the last year? this can be verified via the local MLS.

another listing agent factor you might consider is their physical attractiveness, in which case I would be the top choice. :O)

"it is a good casual way to feel out"

"Be sure to probe both agents"



Is anyone else seeing the lewd and lascivious connotations in the other posts, or is it just me??

I generally don't recommend "feeling out" and then "probing" potential listing agents. but if that helps you make a decision, it is an option.

Thank you everyone for your comments again :)

We are actually more confused than we were before......what should we do?????????

We moved a bit towards realtor B than A by listening to your comments though. She does have what we need, skill wise. I saw her website and she sold quite a few single family homes recently. I know she understands exactly what we are looking for.

They are both nice people so it's so hard!!

Pick the one that'll fight the hardest for you. You need a champion in negotiations, one who isn't afraid to go head to head and use all the tricks for your benefit.

"it's so hard!!"


more lewd and lascivious remarks.

I would not select a real estate agent based on friendship. I would broaden you search and leave friendship out of it. If you are a first-time homebuyer I would first take a homebuyer training course from you local HUD approved housing counselor. My website has more free info about all of this if you need more info.

And most definitly not "friends of friends". There's no reason to assume that a friend of a friend will treat you better or be the best choice because of another relationship. This is about competence and your personal comfort. You're already feeling uncomfortable deciding between these two. What will happen if you choose one friend of a friend and things go badly for you? You'll then be dithering about getting another Realtor because you might hurt your friend's feelings. Why have other parties involved? Go out and choose your own Realtor and get started buying now.