When to start working with a realtor?

[Anonymous]

As a buyer, when should you start talking to or working with a realtor? Once you know you're planning to buy a new house, even if you won't be buying for a little while? Only once you've got a pre-approval letter in hand from a bank? Before or after you've done some of your own leg work checking out open houses etc.?

[Anonymous]

Put them to work right away! Make them earn that 3% commission. Plus, if you're not ready to buy immediately, it'll be a good opportunity to give them a trial run. Too often people are dissatisfied in their representation and by the time they realize this, it's too late to move on to someone else.

We just bought a house in a very competitive area and were first represented by an agent who was lazy, not responsive enough, and not experienced or knowledgable in the areas we were interested in. We let him go and found an amazing realtor who not only identified a pre-sale property that was perfect for us (which we bought), but she was so helpful in so many other ways. There are too many agents out there hungry for their commission. Find the perfect fit while you have the luxury of time.