VArealtor wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go with option 3. I am highly sceptical that any agent is really knowledgeable about both areas.

FWIW we had a similar move, used the same agent and I think it cost us a non-negligible amount of $ in selling (although our agent was fantastic when it came to buying).

A little industry secret: expertise in certain neighborhoods is all just marketing. A good realtor will become an expert of his/her clients needs. This is a very trust and reputation based business so it is in the realtor's best interest to go the extra mile. Just my 2 cents.

You're giving yourself too much credit saying it's worth 2 cents. It's completely worthless.

Went from Foxhall to Bethesda and used Casey Aboulafia. Patient, knowledgeable and worked really hard. Most importantly, I trusted her. Don't let her 703 number fool you - she's lived in DC for over 15 years.

Use and agent knowledgeable on pricing in your area currently. Pricing is one of the more important determinations that you'll need advice on (along with how to appropriately stage and position your property). Someone from outside the area shouldn't be doing that. However, a good buyer's agent can help you wherever you go. Given you won't be buying/selling at the same time anyway, don't think of the discount - think of someone who will work hard for you and give you the best representation - on either side. I would think a more aggressive DC agent would better position you in MD than the other way around.

To sell your row house - use a realtor who sells in your current neighborhood.

DC neighborhoods vary block to block. Find the best sellers agent you can.

There is no reason you need to do all of the transactions through the same person.

Anonymous wrote:I would go with option 3. I am highly sceptical that any agent is really knowledgeable about both areas.

FWIW we had a similar move, used the same agent and I think it cost us a non-negligible amount of $ in selling (although our agent was fantastic when it came to buying).

A little industry secret: expertise in certain neighborhoods is all just marketing. A good realtor will become an expert of his/her clients needs. This is a very trust and reputation based business so it is in the realtor's best interest to go the extra mile. Just my 2 cents.

I would go with option 3. I am highly sceptical that any agent is really knowledgeable about both areas.

FWIW we had a similar move, used the same agent and I think it cost us a non-negligible amount of $ in selling (although our agent was fantastic when it came to buying).

Sean Aalai
http://www.zillow.com/profile/Sean-Aalai/
Calm, pleasant and smart as hell. I did NOT want some overly talkative/hard sell person. I knew what neighborhood I wanted. Sean is the guy. he also got me 30k over asking for a condo I just sold in NW in 4 days. And negotiated a bidding war for the house I am n now.

I would highly recommend Martin Signore. He does a lot of work in both DC and Bethesda and is familiar with both markets. He is honest and very hard-working.