Is it a bad idea to use a realtor who is unfamiliar with your area?

We are selling our house. I'm considering using an agent whose home office is based out of my area. However, it is one of the major brokerages.

Considering that most of the marketing seems to be done online, is it a bad idea to utilize somebody unfamiliar with the neighborhood? He just sold my aunt's house (also out of his territory) and did a fantastic job. I would like to give him a chance but something is just not sitting right with me. I think it's because I know he knows only a little bit about the area.

Does that matter? I'm sure he would do research regarding the schools, etc. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Any feedback is appreciated.

Re: Is it a bad idea to use a realtor who is unfamiliar with your area?

Is he close enough to do showings or open houses? Does he generally know the area enough to answer questions regarding the nearest LIRR, schools, etc?

Re: Is it a bad idea to use a realtor who is unfamiliar with your area?

Do you think he will educate himself about the area? I work all over Long Island. But whether I am working for a buyer or seller, if I am not as familiar with a town, I make it a priority to learn everything I can about the area -- I research the schools, I go on the town website, I drive the area, I learn where the trains are.

Part of selling a home is selling the neighborhood, so familiarity with the amenities and benefits of a particular location is key. But I don't think the knowledge has to be first-hand (in the sense that the realtor's office doesn't have to be in the town where the listing is, and the realtor doesn't need to live there). I think it helps to hire a local realtor because they tend to know the other agents working in the area, which helps for marketing and negotiating deals.

A lot of the marketing is done online, and as long as you think he will be accessible to you, and willing to come show the house (I get a lot of calls from buyers interested in my listings), then it shouldn't be a dealbreaker. I think the realtor's experience, professionalism, work ethic, marketing plan, and service should all trump location.