[katezbox]

It is DEFINITELY worth using TV relocation. If you call the main number, they will connect you. Our person was Karen Madsen and she was wonderful. They will recommend three firms in your area that you can select from. The best part is that is you use TV relocation , you get a 65% discount on your moving costs (again they will give you three mover recommendations). Basically the realtor up north and the ones you use in TV rebate part of their commission and that funds this discount. That takes care of the good...

Now for the bad and the ugly..

The market is still really terrible. We were extremely fortunate to sell our home in a 2.5 month timeframe last December and to a buyer who did not need financing. The realtor said that in a "normal" market the house would be
sold in a week or two. While 2+ months doesn't sound bad, it is really horrible having showings and no nibbles. You wonder and wonder how long this is going to last.

When you choose your realtor make sure they are internet savvy - many buyers, especially those from out of town, search the web first. I would only select a realtor who does this full time and one who is not afraid to tell you that you need to de-clutter the family room or paint the entryway. Ideally you want your realtor there for every showing - no lock box - so they can ensure that the house looks its best before the buyers and their agent come through. It's amazing what turning on lights will do. Also, be sure they plan to invite other realtors in their office and other local realtors to agents' open houses in your home. There are a lot of houses on the market, and the best way to be sure your gets to the top of a buyer agent's list is for them to know the property.

Sorry for such a long post - but having just been through this I wanted to share what worked for us.

kate