Help with buying/ selling house- realtor questions

[my4girls]

We're going to start looking for a new house in the next few months and will need to sell our current place as well. I am not sure how to even go about finding a realtor(s), I just kind of stumbled on this place when I bought it and went through the listing agent.

We're looking to buy about a half hour from here- do I use different agents familiar with the different areas or the same to buy and sell? How do I go about finding a good one(s)?

Thanks!

[rubytue]

Do you know people in the area where you want to move? I'd ask for recommendations, and then interview a couple of agents.

I also think some of your answer depends on what you want. Do you want someone who knows the area like the back of his/her hand and can make suggestions on good houses? Or are you the type who browses listings constantly and finds the houses you want yourself? If you are the second type, you could probably use the same agent to buy and sell - if they are willing to go to that area. If you are the first, then find someone that specializes in the area.

I'm a real estate junkie. I can find the listings I want and do my own CMA (thanks to Redfin and FranklyMLS, the second gives sale price with seller subsity! But that is rare to be able to find). So I have an REA that I really like as a person, and she does exactly what I ask and is totally flexible with me. I actually don't think she is that aggressive of an agent, but I like her. I've had some really, really bad luck with agents in the past.

You can usually get a break on commission if you use the same agent to buy and sell.