Hi, jsd
I didn't use a realty Co. I did contact a few & viewed a few properties but couldn't find what i wanted. I advertised in & checked out property sales in Phuket Gazette online. I finally decided to buy in Grand Condo. I rented from & then bought through a guy who owns & manages units there.
His name is Wolfgang Weinzetti (Wiwi).
Check out
http://members.tripod.com/PhuketWiwi/
I paid him a finders/arrangement fee, but cannot remember how much.
I remember i did a few visits to find what i wanted. Still this was always an excuse to visit regularly. Also i insisted that the seller paid the transfer fees.