I felt compelled to write this review after I read Melinda C's review below. Unlike her, I had a…read moregreat experience with Redfin and my agent, Dillon. This was my second home buying experience, and compared to the first experience I had with Julie Partain with Lyon Real Estate of Davis (in 1999), it was a night and day experience.
I, too, am a busy person, but I found that Redfin definitely helped me save time during my home search in a competitive market. Their website has the most up to date info on current and new listings. I received push alerts on my phone when a new listing in the area I was searching came on market, followed by an email within the hour. A day or two later, I would get the same alerts via email from Trulia and Zillow. Because of this notification advantage, ultimately, I was able to submit a strong offer ahead of most people because I toured the home within 24 of it coming on market. And when you see a home you want to tour, you just click on the "Tour It" button and someone in the office gets to work right away. Versus a traditional agent, who you're lucky if you can get a hold of, I doubt few could respond and arrange for a tour as quickly. Because Redfin works as a team, Redfin coordinators set up the tours and confirm that your agent will be there at the time you requested or will send another agent in their place so again, you're not stuck waiting on your contracted agent.
Melinda nailed it when she alluded that Dillon is personable. He is also responsive and proactive. I didn't set out planning to use Redfin or Dillon as my agent, but after he tirelessly and enthusiastically led us on several home tours, he won us over. Never once did I feel Dillon or Josh Martin, the two agents I've had contact with, were ever disinterested or annoyed when I asked questions. I even appreciated that they let us explore each property on our own instead of hovering over us constantly.
Because of the area Redfin covers, I think it's understandable that an agent would not necessarily have full knowledge of each property shown. Plus most of the info I was curious about IS covered either on the Redfin website/app. I was impressed that Dillon had advised me of relevant market stats and trends for the area where I was searching and Josh had offered advice on how to craft a strong offer based on our unique situation.
When we finally found the right home for us, it was Easter weekend, Dillon and Josh worked together to make sure they took care of us. Because Dillon was out of town, Josh took us on the home tour and offered insight on our offer. Even though Dillon was out of town, he was proactive communicating with us and helped us write the eventual winning offer.
I wish Redfin was around 16 years ago when I purchased my first home. Back then, my agent was hard to get a hold of and never returned calls in a timely manner, especially after my offer was accepted. This time, I found it exponentially easy to stay in touch. Dillon and I readily communicated via phone, text and email throughout the process. I knew he was still giving home tours throughout the Sac area, but he was always available for consultation or replied with minimal delay.
Sure, if you really desire a specific neighborhood and property, could there be a boutique real estate office and agent who knows it better than anyone else? Of course there will be. However, if you're like me and feel it is important to do a little homework of your own when it comes to purchasing a property, and you appreciate convenience, good use technology, and great customer service, then you'll probably enjoy your Redfin experience!