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- Alan May
- Contributions:4377
feel better?
- HoldMyNose2Buy
- Contributions:220
You would think most of those realtors should have capitalized so much from the last boom and now they could retire now. Maybe, maybe not. There are too many of them. I have not found them as lazy as you described. I found them totally uncaring. Their first question is usually: What's your price range? And if you tell them, invariably they slam you with the ugliest, most expensive house within that price range! That's usually the end of the relationship.
- LinusK
- Contributions:476
One of the things that always surprises me, is the quality of pictures on the sites. Or else, the complete lack of any pictures at all.
Sometimes I feel like if I see one more picture of somebody else's sofa, or TV, or the telephone pole on the street, I'll scream.
I mean, you're looking at making a minimum of $6000 for selling this home... and you can't do better than THAT?
Sometimes I feel like if I see one more picture of somebody else's sofa, or TV, or the telephone pole on the street, I'll scream.
I mean, you're looking at making a minimum of $6000 for selling this home... and you can't do better than THAT?
- Mike2020
- Contributions:736
For 6K, every house should be 360 degree open tour with those 360 cameras.
- 2 Big 2 Fail
- Contributions:0
This is my favorite lsiting:
$59 million house with absolutely no pictures! And virtual tour? HA. Don't even ask!! Apparently they are stuck in the dark ages and have never heard of virtual tours...
So, asuming the realtor has a 5% commission, and the house sells for asking or close to asking, that comes out to a commission of nearly $3 million.
http://njmls.com/cf/details.cfm?mls_number=2726107&id=999999
$59 million house with absolutely no pictures! And virtual tour? HA. Don't even ask!! Apparently they are stuck in the dark ages and have never heard of virtual tours...
So, asuming the realtor has a 5% commission, and the house sells for asking or close to asking, that comes out to a commission of nearly $3 million.
http://njmls.com/cf/details.cfm?mls_number=2726107&id=999999
but at least realtors can be counted on to tell you if the house has been "remolded", or is in a "quite" neighborhood...one listing I saw last night is "closed to many good restrunts" and the sellers are going to "except" any "reasonably ofer" plus it had a "rod iron" gate, (similar to wrought iron) and some "fo paint" too!
- cabinfever07
- Contributions:287
I just wanted to remind everyone that good agents do exist, we have evidence of that every day. There are two here that I would hire in a NY minute.
Sadly, I have yet to meet anyone like them....
Sadly, I have yet to meet anyone like them....
- Pamela, "pintopammy"
- Contributions:17
we have a wonderful agent looking for a house for us in LA, i feel very fortunate to have found him! Anyone out there looking for a good buyer's agent in LA area, let me know and i will put you two together.
- prim2007
- Contributions:160
I have to say my experience with real estate agents in SoCal is not nearly as positive as my experience with agents in Texas. I agree it takes days for phone calls to be returned and they tend to show you houses far above your price point - getting you excited and thinking maybe you can get these low ball offers (25% below) when you can't. I ended up buying something (yes, above my original price point) but I found the place on my own though Zillow and did all the research I could on comps (using county records on home sales) to determine if it's a good buy. My agent just tagged along and of course is getting paid his 3%. I'm now motivated to get a license so I can be my own agent the next time aound. Would never have thought of doing this in Texas because my agent did everything possible to keep my stress level down and save me time.
- CORONA NICK
- Contributions:2218
If you have any kind of brains, it would be foolish to use a buyers agent, who says he or she "represents your interests", but inherently has a conflict of interest with that in itself.... remember, a buyers agent is just as anxious to make a deal as the selling agent... or else, they both dont make a buck!
- HAUZRAIDER
- Contributions:5
Hay bubba, stop wasting y'alls thoughts. real estate is a natural cycle. Just ride it out man!!!!
- CORONA NICK
- Contributions:2218
Like I said, if you have any kinds of brains, it would be silly to use a buyers agent...
Lol Azrob.
Funny you mention the "rod iron" thing. Actually, in my new area (FL) I have noticed that most people use "rod iron" on craiglist. Apparently, that is the commonly accepted (more than 50% of people do it) use. I was starting to wonder if I was crazy using the appropriate term.
The other typos crack me up. I guess agents don't get it that their listings are like resumes, and in this type of market the crappy ones might get passed over. I saw a listing yesterday for a 600k house. The first 2 things listed in the description were "Upgraded lighting and 8' doors". Then, they said "Owner very motivated." THEN they mentioned the 42" maple cabinets, tile flooring, screened pool with waterfall, etc.
I guess, like every other profession, there are crappy realtors everywhere.
Funny you mention the "rod iron" thing. Actually, in my new area (FL) I have noticed that most people use "rod iron" on craiglist. Apparently, that is the commonly accepted (more than 50% of people do it) use. I was starting to wonder if I was crazy using the appropriate term.
The other typos crack me up. I guess agents don't get it that their listings are like resumes, and in this type of market the crappy ones might get passed over. I saw a listing yesterday for a 600k house. The first 2 things listed in the description were "Upgraded lighting and 8' doors". Then, they said "Owner very motivated." THEN they mentioned the 42" maple cabinets, tile flooring, screened pool with waterfall, etc.
I guess, like every other profession, there are crappy realtors everywhere.
P.S.
Along the "resume" idea - Out of curiosity, I ran a search yesterday for houses in Orlando in the 500k to 750k range. There were so many listings that I got sleepy around the 550 price point and skipped any listings that did not have an exterior photo (some had virtual tours if you clicked over but I was not willing to waste time to find out). Toward the end, I just started randomly looking at the ones that seemed remotely interesting from the tiny little pics. It took over an hour and a half to "skim" the listings.
Along the "resume" idea - Out of curiosity, I ran a search yesterday for houses in Orlando in the 500k to 750k range. There were so many listings that I got sleepy around the 550 price point and skipped any listings that did not have an exterior photo (some had virtual tours if you clicked over but I was not willing to waste time to find out). Toward the end, I just started randomly looking at the ones that seemed remotely interesting from the tiny little pics. It took over an hour and a half to "skim" the listings.
- Rate A Home
- Contributions:125
Captain Alpine, there are many agents as you say "Apparently they are stuck in the dark ages." Change is not a good word in the Real-Estate Industry. If it worked 100 years ago, it must still work today. Wrong!
The agent of today has to look at what is best for the client and not whats easiest for them. When we figure that concept out together as client and agent the Real-estate world will be a better place.
Until then the frustration I read in discussions will continue.
The agent of today has to look at what is best for the client and not whats easiest for them. When we figure that concept out together as client and agent the Real-estate world will be a better place.
Until then the frustration I read in discussions will continue.
- Terri Linnell, "DebtsNMesses"
- Contributions:6728
Many agents are hungry. So they are going for the quickest buck. They don't want to wait for a month, or two, or three. They want their money now.
As far as looking at a price range, and yes, there are a huge number. Narrow it down by size, acres, etc. Hubby and I did serious shopping this summer. I now know what we agree on and can search for that item much fast. -Except we are thinking of picking up a rental first... so back to square 1!
As far as looking at a price range, and yes, there are a huge number. Narrow it down by size, acres, etc. Hubby and I did serious shopping this summer. I now know what we agree on and can search for that item much fast. -Except we are thinking of picking up a rental first... so back to square 1!
- HoldMyNose2Buy
- Contributions:220
With the ease of Internet search, I pretty much sure we will find our dream home or near dream home on our own. However, some brokerages such as Coldwall banker, require that buyers are represented. And in the case of some listing agents who don't return the calls which we have also experienced, we have to have our own agents to take us to the property and open up the lockbox and have a showing. So I am not expecting our agents would negotiate passionately to save us money/to reduce her/his own income. As long as they can remain neutral and don't screw up the deal, I'd be more than thankful.
This last Spring we were looking at a couple of homes in one tract that was one of the hot beds of realtor flippers. Finally we told our then agent there was one we could see ourselves living there. Those two properties had been on the markets for at least 6 months (assuming the DOM was not manipulated) with no offers, within one or two weeks of our interest, both of them were sold. And within another week, one of them got on Zillow's "make me move" adding 100k in the asking price of the previous owner. Fortunately we now have much better choices than months ago.
Even though I have burning questions on some properties on my watchlist, I dread asking questions since we don't want to buy now till next year. But if you show any interest to certain property, they want to get it done within a month! And they'll do things with MLS status. I've seen some property have been constantly between switching of "hold do not show" and "back on market" half of dozen times for months. Luckily those are not properties we are interested.
This last Spring we were looking at a couple of homes in one tract that was one of the hot beds of realtor flippers. Finally we told our then agent there was one we could see ourselves living there. Those two properties had been on the markets for at least 6 months (assuming the DOM was not manipulated) with no offers, within one or two weeks of our interest, both of them were sold. And within another week, one of them got on Zillow's "make me move" adding 100k in the asking price of the previous owner. Fortunately we now have much better choices than months ago.
Even though I have burning questions on some properties on my watchlist, I dread asking questions since we don't want to buy now till next year. But if you show any interest to certain property, they want to get it done within a month! And they'll do things with MLS status. I've seen some property have been constantly between switching of "hold do not show" and "back on market" half of dozen times for months. Luckily those are not properties we are interested.
- Angelique01
- Contributions:2031
Angelique01 0 minutes ago I just got off the phone with an agent for a condo; too small, too expensive.
He did the usual, "How much do you want to spend?"
I told the agent that I was shopping for places to live but that I was going to wait for a property priced better, to accomodate the downward trend in real estate.
He said I wasn't going to find it; that the sellers and the buyers were too far apart. He then went on to say that I wasn't a *serious* buyer; so he wasn't going to waste his time and said simply, "Good luck with that." I cracked up. (won't be calling him for help anytime soon.)
I also spoke with someone else earlier today who has been trying to sell her house in the area I'm looking for $700k but is all upset because there are no takers. She bought it in 2004 for around 400k. As you all know by now, I have no sympathy for her.
No one around here is budging, and the realtors seem to be encouraging sellers to hold the line on prices. No one is winning at this game, and no compromises can be reached. I'm not likely to use a realtor because I'm beginning to think that they are a serious part of the problem.
He did the usual, "How much do you want to spend?"
I told the agent that I was shopping for places to live but that I was going to wait for a property priced better, to accomodate the downward trend in real estate.
He said I wasn't going to find it; that the sellers and the buyers were too far apart. He then went on to say that I wasn't a *serious* buyer; so he wasn't going to waste his time and said simply, "Good luck with that." I cracked up. (won't be calling him for help anytime soon.)
I also spoke with someone else earlier today who has been trying to sell her house in the area I'm looking for $700k but is all upset because there are no takers. She bought it in 2004 for around 400k. As you all know by now, I have no sympathy for her.
No one around here is budging, and the realtors seem to be encouraging sellers to hold the line on prices. No one is winning at this game, and no compromises can be reached. I'm not likely to use a realtor because I'm beginning to think that they are a serious part of the problem.
That agent is really rude. I doubt he is very successful.
Keep on keeping on Angelique. I believe buyers can hold out longer than sellers.....I don't know about your area, but mine has a tidal wave of foreclosures just about to hit.
Keep on keeping on Angelique. I believe buyers can hold out longer than sellers.....I don't know about your area, but mine has a tidal wave of foreclosures just about to hit.
- Angelique01
- Contributions:2031
Thanks, K101! I'm on the west side of L.A., trying to get back to Woodland Hills or somewhere west of there. It seems like in the areas as far west as I want to go, like Agoura, prices have budged. I actually saw one priced at $307 per sq. ft, down from what seems like an average of $415, but it's happening so slowly. In my case, the rent I'm paying is kind of high; so it would make sense to buy, and I really want to, but I would like to get more for my money than a less than 1,000 sq. ft. condo.
I hear you.
For what it is worth, prices in my area (central FL) were falling slowly throughout the summer but, recently, have really started picking up pace. I suppose the change of seasons, with the school year now started, may be contributing there - but I suspect the real issue is that very few houses sold during the summer and the inventory has really piled up now.
For what it is worth, prices in my area (central FL) were falling slowly throughout the summer but, recently, have really started picking up pace. I suppose the change of seasons, with the school year now started, may be contributing there - but I suspect the real issue is that very few houses sold during the summer and the inventory has really piled up now.
- Angelique01
- Contributions:2031
I've been hoping that the same thing will happen here...and soon :-) It seems like Florida, for some reason, is taking the lead in the drop.
- HoldMyNose2Buy
- Contributions:220
"No one around here is budging, and the realtors seem to be encouraging sellers to hold the line on prices. No one is winning at this game, and no compromises can be reached. I'm not likely to use a realtor because I'm beginning to think that they are a serious part of the problem."
I couldn't agree with you more on this.
" I'm looking for $700k but is all upset because there are no takers. She bought it in 2004 for around 400k. "
That's fat profit.
I couldn't agree with you more on this.
" I'm looking for $700k but is all upset because there are no takers. She bought it in 2004 for around 400k. "
That's fat profit.
- Terri Linnell, "DebtsNMesses"
- Contributions:6728
Yes, many, many realtors are encouraging sellers not to lower.
I"m not sure if FL is taking the drop... san diego's being hit hard.
Did you hear that NM now wants access to the great lakes water... and that it's hitting natl politics? Socal, AZ, NV would be NOTHING w/o water. We are deserts, attached to deserts, with a few mountains. lol
I would like to buy a home with a well. Why not just dig one you ask? Because it's next to impossible to get the permit. The govt wants us to use their water, their sewer, their EVERYTHING.
So sorry. I'm venting. I just went shopping for food. I only filled one cart (at Cosco the carts are huge) and paid $430. 1 1/2 years ago I filled two carts for $570.
I"m not sure if FL is taking the drop... san diego's being hit hard.
Did you hear that NM now wants access to the great lakes water... and that it's hitting natl politics? Socal, AZ, NV would be NOTHING w/o water. We are deserts, attached to deserts, with a few mountains. lol
I would like to buy a home with a well. Why not just dig one you ask? Because it's next to impossible to get the permit. The govt wants us to use their water, their sewer, their EVERYTHING.
So sorry. I'm venting. I just went shopping for food. I only filled one cart (at Cosco the carts are huge) and paid $430. 1 1/2 years ago I filled two carts for $570.
- 2 Big 2 Fail
- Contributions:0
Before you think the seller is making a $300,000 profit, did they make any renovations? If there is so much invnetory, why not just move on to the next house instead of complaining?
- HoldMyNose2Buy
- Contributions:220
Also, we met couple of agents who offered us $1000 as incentive. Meaning: If we hired him or her as our buyer's agent and after the transaction, they would give us 1k back. We didn't take it. We figured if they do a brilliant job negotiating a good deal for us, then they deserve every penny of their commission. And the saving would be reflected in the purchase price anyway.
How much can you really spend renovating a 3 year old house? Smells like a greedy seller to me.......
I guess I just assumed it was bought new.....that is the story in my local area...so I am kind of brainwashed with the new construction.
- HoldMyNose2Buy
- Contributions:220
300K profit is fat comparing with those sellers with no profit or loss only. No need to feel sorry for this bunch.
Quality Real Estate Agents Don't Exist in So Cal.
Real Estate agents need to re-evaluate their work ethic and roll up their sleeves, their fax machine isn’t rolling offers in every 5 minutes like it was 2 years ago. If they’re not committed to offering excellent service and being experts at follow through, then they are going to fail in this market. They need to get with the program, especially when it comes to communication. If they don’t use e-mail and/or carry a blackberry, it’s time to look for another career. We’ll see who the real experts are who are still in this industry by the end of next year.
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