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Last week, our Trulia Voices community engaged in some really great real estate conversations. Home buyers led the way by asking 5 of the top 10 questions followed by real estate agents with 3 and home sellers with 2. A pretty good mix. I’ve highlighted some of the more interesting answers to these questions below. Enjoy.

1. My agent has a key lock box at my property but is never present to show the home. We have numerous people stop by to look while we were at work…

Should your agent be present for every showing? Richard Rawdin from the Hamptons said, “I am a real estate professional in New York, and all of my exclusive listings are shown with me being at the home.” Meanwhile, Vicki Moore from San Mateo said, “It is also common practice in San Mateo County for showings to be unaccompanied by the seller’s agent.”

2. Why all the Thumbs downs? I am asking my question as suggested - I shouldn’t hijack another’s Q…

James Hsu from Bothell said, “Bizzarre indeed, but it ultimately doesn’t matter. It’s the content that matters.” In addition, Rhonda Porter from Seattle said, “As a long time Trulia member, I’ve always treated the community in the same spirit as the blogging community which is sharing and promoting each other. It’s all about win win–not ripping each other apart.”

3. Where to find an experienced short sale specialist?

Jason Salsbury from Las Vegas says, “If you are looking for “direct personal contacts with bank officers”… You could always look to the Listing Agents of the Short Sales you are interested in, who are communicating directly with the bank…” According to John Goad Jr, ” All of the dealings with the bank (or banks if there is more than one loan) is done by the Listing Agent and/or the Sellers.”

4. I seen a bank owned property and approached the agent handling it for the bank…

…they accepted my verbal offer but now they want my highest and best offer. Can they do that? Chris Freeman from Grand Rapids said, ” They frequently do this because if the highest offer turns out to be acceptable to them, they might not even negotiate it beyond that point.” Missy Caulk from Ann Arbor added, ” I understand your frustration, unfortunately banks do what they want. At least they asked you to write your highest and best offer.”

5. How many BLOGS do you currently have and do you find it effective to have multiple Blogs?

What’s a blog? Patrick Mahony from Arizona submitted the first ever video reply on Trulia Voices. Very Cool!

6. The realtor I had would not tell me what the present owners paid for the house I was interested in buying.

Anthony Stavile from Colorado says, “This is information is available to Realtors and is also available on to the public via the county assessor.” Jeffrey David from Morristown added, “Although the fact is that it really does not matter what the seller paid for the house. Your offer should be based on what you value the house and what value the house brings you.”

7. My real estate agent told me that he does not want to put flyer box on the sign in front of my house because…

Why would an agent do this? Trang Nguyen from San Francisco thinks, “This is actually a good strategy. Many people will drive up, grab a flyer, see something they do not like and never call the agent or go inside.” Chris Freeman from Grand Rapids provides a different take - “As a Realtor, my job is to get potential buyers into the home and show them why they should buy it. I can’t do that if they grab a flyer and never call.”

8. % of listing price for offer?

Venece from Chicago states, “It really depends on how badly you want the place.” Sierra Bloom from Chicago suggests, “It completely depends on the property, the seller’s level of motivation, market time, etc.”

9. Is this a good time to buy?

Lori Turoff from Hoboken says, “If you are buying because you plan to live in the property and not looking to flip it for a fast profit, then yes, it is a good time to buy.” Gerry Vaquez New York says, “What Andy and other prospective condo buyers in the NYC area need to factor in is that the condo/coop market–in terms of prices and short term appreciation prospects–are operating somewhat differently than is the market for new construction or resell single homes.”

10. How loyal are you to the Real Estate Company you are associated with?

Michele M. Mayer from Rancho Mirage profoundly states, “I have to tell you that Windermere Real Estate in Rancho Mirage, CA is the most FANTASTIC place to work for!!! I would NEVER think of leaving them.” Monique Carrabba from Los Angeles tells us, “I am loyal to my company as what I like about it is the team attitude.”

Thanks to everyone for participating. If you have a real estate question, don’t be shy, fire away. Maybe you’ll make our weekly top 10 list. Let’s keep our Voices conversations growing. See you next week with our new Top 10.

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