davis_square | Realtor in Camberville (Reply)

Finally I'm getting away from the room-share section of Craigslist, Huzzah!!
However, I've noticed that the rest of the renting sections aren't helpful for where/when I'd like to be for the price. Reluctantly, I guess this means my BF and I need a realtor. Right?

I'd prefer some East Cambridge action, but we all know this comm is the place to go for all answers :)
Are there agencies/people who cover the entire Camberville area, or should we go with several people in different locations? My assumption is that you're not Locked In with someone unless you sign on a lease- but does it make sense (or headaches) to talk to a bunch of realtors at once?
We're fine with looking on our own if any of you can suggest any non-CL sites to go through, especially since we've got months to find something.
Our price range is low, 1,000-1,250, which I realize is hard to come by for a nice one or two bedroom, but I've lived here long enough and seen a lot (and lived in several) 2brs for around that price, so I know it's not impossible, just not very easy. Hoping to be under a 15 min walk from the redline (or Lechmere) with ample street parking too, so Teele/Ball/NoCa would be great. All I've seen listed is Winter Hill, which is just too far off the T for us. Since I'm soooo ready to move, I'd even be down for moving in with someone and sharing everything until they move out at the end of the summer, but that's a whole other thing and not ideal, obvi.

We're looking for Aug/Sept, so I'm wondering if we've just started to look too damn early...
Honestly I don't even know where to start with this, I've never dealt with a realtor before. Can anyone suggest either a way to secure a 1.5-2 br on our own or a nice place to go through?
Any and all non-snark pointers would be super yay :)