Great Realtors (Are Tough to Find)

Got a great realtor? It's a challenge, I tell you. Like finding a good doctor, a compassionate dentist, or even a trustworthy lawyer. (Wait. Is there such a thing?)

I'm in the middle of buying a house now in northern Illinois, and the realtor I have currently ... well ... let's just say we refer to him as "The Slug". He's non-communicative, uninformed, uncaring, and does nothing useful that I can see. He didn't even find us the house we're trying to buy: WE found it. He was just the warm body the local real estate office sent out. I can't imagine how the man's stayed in business this long. No, I won't name him. Maybe later -- if and when this house purchase ever goes thru.

However, if you're looking to buy in either Colorado or Wisconsin, I envy you. The Slug makes me really miss these competent gals I had before.

First up is Marianne Smith of Homesmith Real Estate/Metro Brokers. Looking for a place to buy in the Denver metro area? Or all over Colorado, for that matter. She's been my realtor since 1998, helping me buy 2 houses, one of which was a hair-tearing this-is-taking-forever short sale. Just last month she helped me sell that same house to my kids. She got me through all of it and I'm still sane. I love Marianne.

The second is Jane Dulisse of Shorewest Realtors. if you're looking to buy in southern Wisconsin (Rock, Walworth, Kenosha or Racine counties) this is definitely who I would choose. Jane's been helping me and hubby house hunt since last May, from 1,000 miles away no less. Unfortunately, after viewing 89,000 houses, we still didn't find one we liked. :-/

The reasons I love these women: First and foremost, they listen. Isn't that amazing? They will point out the good, the bad and the ugly about the properties you look at, but they won't try to weasel you into something you don't want. Both women are also patient, driving you all over kingdom come to look at homes. They're smart, they're savvy, and they have a lively sense of humor. And we all know a little humor is a essential when you're house-hunting.

Happy Home Search! Tell 'em I said hi!