recommended real estate agents?

[toonhead-npl.livejournal.com]

I'm doing some very early footwork on a potential move sometime next year, so I'm asking around about recommended real estate agents serving the Davis Square area: I like the area, and have my sister (she lives up Highland Ave) and many friends there, so it's high up on my list of possible places. I'm in the market for a one bedroom condo (my first home buy) not too far from public transport and have no pets or cars to worry about.

And if your experience says I'd be better off looking elsewhere (like, say, Craig's List), don't be shy about offering your opinion. Thanks, folks!

Comments

[rifmeister.livejournal.com]

Commissions are in theory negotiable. I have known people who have said, "I will buy without using a realtor, and negotiate with the seller and his agent to reduce both the price and the total commission by the buyer's agent's commission, with the seller keeping the entire reduced commission."

A seller's agent should in theory have no huge problem with this. On the other hand, I think having a buyer's agent is convenient, especially if you're new to home-buying, and I'm unconvinced you'll really get a lower price this way.