ZillowVERIFIEDMy wife and I were relocating from New York City to the Atlanta area. We both have demanding careers, and don't have a lot of time for poorly executed ventures. We had a short turn around time to locate a home. Prior to viewing any properties, they talked to my wife and I regarding our specific property needs. I then flew down from NYC on two (2) occasions to view houses. I was picked up at the airport by Ms. and Mr. Milstead, and was immediately in route to view the first property. They were very sensitive and responsive to our concerns about making the most of our time and being efficient with it.While in route, to the first property, Ms. Milstead provided detailed information about the property, and handed me a packet of information on the other houses we would be seeing. Ms. Milstead had also set up the viewing schedule so that the houses would be seen in geographical order, so that we did not waste time driving from one side of town to the other side of town and then back.I found a house that we wanted to bid on, and Ms. Milstead generated a bid up on her computer, which I then signed, and then she sent it to the sellers agent, all while Mr. Milstead drove me to the airport. Again, that level of service represented a time saving for us, which was extremely valuable and helpful to us.That bid was accepted. Unfortunately, the sale did not close due to an unrealistic seller (not the Milstead's fault!). I then flew back to Atlanta a second time and was able to find a house, which we subsequently then closed on.All in all, I viewed about 30 houses, in person, during my two (2) visits prior to purchasing. Throughout the process, the Milsteads were prepared, on time, and did what they said they would do. In other words they are reliable, and for my wife and I, that was very important.Moreover, they provided important information on schools, local market conditions, local attractions, roads, and even development trends. They helped me find a good hotel to stay in while I was looking for a house and also made sure I got food.I actually had another real estate provider, who we did not use, when I asked about schools, tell me that I could look that information up myself. That answer made me think "Well, then why do I need you? "Needless to say, I went with a provider (The Milsteads) who understand that service is the value of a real estate agent. They helped make the most of the time we had to see houses and answered all of our questions. They also helped with the negotiations and provided guidance regarding current unique local market conditions, which helped us secure a bid that was accepted in a pretty tight housing market. After the bid was accepted, they helped us through the process to closing, they helped with the inspection and appraisals and final negotiations prior to closing.After the closing, they have continued to follow up with us and have helped us with additional post sale issues. They did not have to do that, their job was over, so to speak, but they did. Now who does that these days? From start to finish, rather than being backwards and being manged by the process, the Milsteads managed the process, and were ahead of things instead of being behind. They were professional at all times, were flexible, attentive, responsive, and worked very hard to find a house that would meet OUR needs, rather than simply trying to rack up another sales commission without doing any actual work.Look, there are a lot of people who got into real estate because they think they can make a fast buck and that its easy money. That is not the Milsteads approach. They have proven to me they are a full service, for the long haul operation, and that is exactly the kind of people my wife and I wanted to work with.They made the process of buying a house, which many people describe as very stressful, relatively pain free. If you can not say that about your current real estate agent, then I would recommend you switch to the Milsteads.If you are currently looking for a real estate agent who who will work to meet your needs, knows what they are talking about, and won't waste your time, then I would recommend you talk to the Milsteads. You can find out for yourself what I mean. If that is not enough, they are also super nice people, and I did not mind driving around with them all day while looking at houses!I wish good luck to all you house hunters!
