A good real estate agent for Center Square?
Center Square Resident emails:
I am looking for suggestions about a realtor for Center Square in Albany. I am looking into possibly selling my house. There are lots of realtors, however I would like to get some suggestions from people who have had a realtor sell their house in Center Square.
CSR's question touches on a topic we've been kind of curious about: Are certain real estate agents better/worse at selling/helping to buy in specific neighborhoods? Or, to put it another way, can a real estate agent's experience with a neighborhood help you sell your house faster, or find the right house, or get a better deal there?
For a neighborhood such as Center Square -- which is is a bit unusual for the Capital Region, given the neighborhood's housing stock and density -- it seems plausible that agent experience could theoretically make a difference.
So, got a suggestion for CSR? Please share! And if you have thoughts about the specific agents/specific neighborhoods topic, we'd be interested to hear them.
Earlier on AOA: A good real estate agent for selling a house?
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Comments
I suggest Eileen Rosen from Keller Williams Realty
518-441-6650 - she lives in the area as well
... said jen on Aug 11, 2014 at 2:14 PM | link
Good afternoon,
I am a seasoned agent who has both lived in and sold properties in Center Square for nearly a decade. I believe an agent who can "sell" the neighborhood is essential for achieving the goal of a sale with the highest price in the shortest amount of time. Additionally, the unique architecture and nature of older homes is a point that must be discussed when dealing with potential buyers. I have many years of experience in this area and I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you further.
Samuel Critton, CBR
TL Metzger and Associates, LLC
(518)421-8462
sam@tlmetzger.com
... said Samuel Critton on Aug 11, 2014 at 2:23 PM | link
We had agood experience working with Alex Monticello selling our house close to center square. I'm sure his expertise would carry over a few blocks. Good luck.
... said jd on Aug 11, 2014 at 2:37 PM | link
We house-hunted in Center Square and used Eileen Faist. She clicked with my wife and I in terms of personalities and what we wanted / needed from a Real Estate Agent.
Elise Van Allen is another agent who lived in the neighborhood and she definitely "won" for having the most listings - her signs were everywhere!
Since both of these two agents live in Center Square, they both have lots of experience with identifying all of the positives and negatives that go along with these historic homes, not to mention an uncanny knowledge of the neighborhood history. And it was such a treat being able to go visit different properties at the drop of a hat b/c of how close they lived.
... said Sean on Aug 11, 2014 at 3:17 PM | link
Ditto Alex Monticello! We bought our house in Hudson Park 2 months ago and he was so knowledgable about the market, quick to respond to inquiries, and honest and trustworthy.
... said Jenna on Aug 11, 2014 at 3:23 PM | link
This goes back a few years, but a family member had very, very good results selling a property through Old Albany Realty. It was a rather difficult property to sell due to damage from tenants, but they did a terrific job - a good price in a reasonable amount of time.
They're based in the neighborhood and know the market.
http://www.oldalbanyrealestate.com/
Old Albany Real Estate
54 Willett Street
Albany, New York 12210
(518) 465-1295
Office: (518) 465-1295
Fax: (518) 449-2294
... said Paula on Aug 11, 2014 at 3:31 PM | link
I've used Patrick McSharry of McSharry and Associates for a building purchase and have recommended him to friends buying and selling homes. Two thumbs up in all transactions. If you're looking for one-on-one dealings and great results, you can't do any better. http://mcsharryandassociates.com 439.3547
... said hojohifive on Aug 11, 2014 at 3:40 PM | link
Old Albany Real Estate (OldAlbanyRealEstate.com) is based in Center square and having used them for our last purchase, we would definitely recommend them. We worked with Eileen Faist and Michael Heinel. They were both extremely knowledgeable about the Center Square properties we looked at. We ended up buying uptown and they helped through the whole buying process.
We would definitely use them again.
... said Greg on Aug 11, 2014 at 3:40 PM | link
Bill Hamel at Hamel Real Estate http://www.hamelrealestate.com/
... said Barold on Aug 11, 2014 at 3:58 PM | link
I suggest Elise Van Allen from CM Fox. Elise has lived in Center Square for over 10 years, and as a resident of Center Square, she has a passion for the housing stock, urban living and the historic district, She is efficient, knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with. You will love her!
Elise Van Allen
New York State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
CM Fox Real Estate
2390 Western Avenue
Guilderland, NY 12084
Office: 518.861.7030
Cell: 518.542.7921
Skype: elisevanallen
Fax: 815.377.2306 (CHICAGO area code!)
... said Vinny on Aug 11, 2014 at 9:02 PM | link
After having our house in Center Square with another agent for a year, with nothing to show for it, Elise Van Allen had the right buyer within a couple of months. She was professional, personable, and persistent. I only wish we had listed with her from the start.
... said MB on Aug 12, 2014 at 7:31 AM | link
Elise Van Allen is are not only the best realtor in Center Square, she is the best in Albany and better than any realtor I've worked with in NYS. I've worked with several and Elise Van Allen is simply the BEST. She has the ability to guide her clients through the home buying/selling process while educating them and looking out for their best interests. She is warm, smart, passionate and honest- truly a one of a kind realtor.
... said Dawn on Aug 12, 2014 at 7:37 AM | link
Elise Van Allen has it all... you will miss out on a wonderful professional experience if you don't call her! :-)
... said Lisa on Aug 12, 2014 at 8:39 AM | link
I have to agree with others, Elise Van Allen is THE real estate for Center Square. She's not only a hard working and knowledgeable agent, she lives in Center Square so she knows the market better than anybody. If you want an agent who is detail oriented, ethical, knowledgeable, follows up, follows through, and really works for you, Elise is it.
... said Tim on Aug 12, 2014 at 10:20 AM | link
I'd put Don Smith from Keller Williams on your list. Not only is he great at his job, but he lives IN Center Square, giving him tremendous credibility for your potential buyers.
Don Smith
495-0606 cell/txt
http://www.donsmithhomes.com
... said abby on Aug 12, 2014 at 12:08 PM | link
As a few of you have agreed with, Elise Van Allen would be my suggestion. She lives in the neighborhood and is passionate about it. Our experience in working with her has been top notch. She is available when it's convient for you, working 7 days a week. We are both morning people and have had many conversations at 7 am before I head into work.
... said JennT on Aug 12, 2014 at 2:28 PM | link
I second Eileen Rosen. I've used her and had a great experience.
... said acw on Aug 12, 2014 at 2:32 PM | link
Alex Monticello is great. We used him to buy our home in a more-residential part of Albany, but we looked at properties all over the city with him. He lives in Center Square and knows the city well. He was knowledgeable, un-pushy, very responsive, and an all-around pleasant & trustworthy guy.
... said Justin on Aug 12, 2014 at 9:49 PM | link
If you think about how much you are paying an agent these days it is outrageous to even consider listing with one. In an era where everything has gotten cheaper and more efficient, the realty business is mired in old school tech and the illusion of professionalism. Save your money, pay for a professional appraisal and leverage technology and social media to find buyers. Any industry chock full of part timers and wanna be big shots is not a "Profession", it's a sham.
... said Kevin on Aug 16, 2014 at 4:04 PM | link
Elise Van Allen is a superb agent. I was a first-time buyer, and she took the time to walk me through all of the important details from our very first conversations all the way through closing. I was able to get the place that matched what I truly wanted because of her hard work and dedication to listening and to following through. As someone else mentioned, she is detail-oriented and is ethical -- and extremely knowledgeable. I've even called her for recommendations for contractors, electricians, etc., since I've moved in - I trust her word that much!
... said CB on Aug 18, 2014 at 6:37 PM | link