After Bankruptcy: Finding a realtor

After your Chester County bankruptcy, you should read my posts on the best ways to get a mortgage (Part 1, Part 2).  

You will also have to get a Realtor.  My first and biggest rule is this -- get a full-time Realtor.  You picked a Chester County bankruptcy lawyer because they focused on bankruptcy.  You did not go to a Bucks County criminal defense lawyer for your bankruptcy.  Thus, you should pick someone who sells real estate full-time.  This is not a hobby and it is not something you should do just to help out a neighbor or friend.  The Realtor needs to see deals, transactions, and issues in volume.  Part-timers do not cut it when it comes to protecting you and getting the best deal.  

You will also want a Realtor who knows a lot about people buying homes after a bankruptcy.  Find out if they know a lot about FHA mortgages.  Make they set you up with the Multiple Listing Service (known commonly as MLS) and offer you robust options, including flexibility in home visits.  

You will want to get their opinions on pricing of various homes.  Most importantly, make them substantiate the opinion.  This is typically done via comparisons ("comps") of other homes in terms of condition of homes, past sales, etc.  Stay on top of the person -- you need to make sure you get the best deal possible to get your life moving in a positive direction.