When do you start working with a REA?

we are not preapproved yet...should we wait until then? We are not planning on buying until Winter 2007 but there are many houses I would just like to see. WOuld they take us out or no?

Another question....how did you pic your REA? Do you or did you work with more than one?

Sorry for all the questions everyone...geez I feel like I am planning my wedding all over again with asking all of these questions...THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR HELP!

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

What I would suggest you to do is start going to Open Houses of things that interest you. Winter 2007 is a long time away so the inventory will be so different but this way you can get a feel for what you like, and what areas.

When you go to Open houses you will meet agents. You may click with one that you will want to start working with.

Hope that helps alittle.

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

We are not going to be ready to buy until Winter also. Right now we are doing alot of research, going to Open Houses and figuring out commute times. Once we have it narrowed down to a few towns then we will get a REA. I think the best place to find a REA is through word of mouth (LIF) and through open houses. Good Luck!

Message edited 1/22/2007 1:14:14 PM.

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

I'm sending you FM, Kathleen!

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

You don't need to get preapproved now, unless you want to get an idea of how much you can borrow. Winter of next year is far off, and if you make an offer, you will need an approval that is more recent. Plus, the more often banks, etc. peek at your credit, your score becomes lower. So I would hold off on that until you get closer to your time.

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

DH and I worked with a bunch of REA -- talked to some from open houses, some when we saw a house on MLSLI that we liked and wanted to see, etc. Most of the people we met with were pushy and annoying.

In my experience, the agents I spoke to were well-versed in the area in which their office was located and although they can show you any house on MLSLI, I found it more helpful when someone based in say, Lynbrook was showing me a house in Lynbrook.

We worked with Erin Contino at Ed McNulty in East Rockaway. She's really terrific...I'll be going right back to her if/when I want to sell my house.

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

I would do open houses, get yourself familiar with how the process works. See whats out there.

Re: When do you start working with a REA?

You should FM MRSEROD she is an REA and can answer all that stuff,