Ask people who live in that area for referrals.

I also like redfin, as you get some commission back.

City data is probably your best bet for good referrals though.

The commission is written in the listing.

The commission is listed and Redfin gives you have of their commission back.

Check out the website/app www.Redfin.com

They don't represent buyers.

instead of making comments off the top of your head.

I've actually used them and I use their app almost every day.

They have actual realtors that do all of the work for Buyers and Sellers, the difference is that Redfin pays the realtors per sale, not based off the commission.

What you're doing is just rude by posting false information and making me refute it, when it would take no time for you to just visit their damned website.

They are not paid by commission - so they have less incentive to close sales and work in your best interest. You do the work yourself. They fill out paperwork. You are the rude one.

I simply would reach out to 4 or 5 realtors with like an RFP for each. Questions like: How long have they been a realtor? Do they do it full time (I NEVER EVER use a part-time realtor. You want someone who's bread and butter is buying and selling houses.) Send me a list of homes sold/bought in the past year (You can see patterns of the types of houses they focus on.) Their basic philosophy working with a home buyer, etc.

and imo, it's a process of who will work hard for you and listen to your needs. I called one 5 star person and she's great at her job, but she wasn't all that interested in me or my needs. She knew the market, called back quickly - but she wasn't interested in someone like me (who doesn't have as much money as some others in the market).

The person I settled for has been in real estate for many years, is my age and interested in protecting me. That seems like a good fit .

I'd call and interview them by skype. That way you'll get a sense of who they are and how they would work for you.

they have big bucks. Best realtor I've had was a guy that had been a 5 star realtor at one time, but had hit hard times during the recession. He was great and a nice person too. He was like a friend, not a pushy realtor.

about a specific place and realtors. I've used them a lot.

http://www.city-data.com/

http://www.city-data.com/forum

so I wasn't familiar w/ the area. You have some advantages there. I sought some referrals from a friend I knew who lived in the area, but the first agent didn't seem to have the time for me. I went to the 2nd on the list. I had her take me to several listings before I agreed to sign an agreement.

It didn't used to be the norm that you signed w/ a buyer's agent, but times have changed. Be sure you have an agent who is listening to your wishes. I would actually recommend you go to Remax, Century21, etc., if you don't know what else to do. Large broker houses do have ethical standards they follow. I went w/ Allen Tate here in NC as they are a large brokerage and follow very strict standards. Plus they also have mortgage brokers and they have the best rates, especially since you are their customer.

I've been in my new house for 7 months now and believe I made the right choice.

We ended up with fantastic home which wasn't on the market. We purchased late 2013, he even helped us with our marriage just prior to closing. This is now a super hot east coast town. But because this agent (he is working broker) who listened and worked closely with us and had great rappor with people in town we got a fantastic deal and did not need to sweat minor details. Our home is now worth about 50% over what we paid. Being cheap is not always in your best interest.

to the area in which you are looking and has worked with/knows a realtor to recommend.

Do the same thing with your friends if you are on fb.

If you don't get a response, get hold of the local newspaper for the area and see which companies
are advertising there. Then go on the websites for the companies and see if they have a section
that details how they work with people relocating to the area.

When we moved here to Chapel Hill from Lincoln, NE, I did all of those things (but I also held a real estate sales
license in California for a while in the late 70's). I chose the owner of a boutique real estate office
here in Chapel Hill to work with based on being impressed with their relocation packet. Turns out, that office
works a lot with professors who are recruited to the area to work at UNC Chapel Hill. We've now been here almost 17 years and we went
back to work with the same agent after our house fire when we decided to buy another house, AND when we decided
to sell that house after we ended up rebuilding on the lot where the house burned down.

We were so satisfied with the services of the broker we went back to him and would probably list this house with him
if we decide to sell...and it all came from being impressed with the quality of his relocation packet. This is what the packet looks like now--
accessible on his website-- to give you an idea of the service a realtor who works with people relocating should provide in addition to
showing you homes. http://www.tonyhallassociates.com/20160823155102940.pdf