Zillow Advice: Buying Process - Realtors

Your best source of information ...

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:12:00 GMT

Your best source of information is a Realtor who knows the property.

Only work with professionals you trust. So find a realtor who will look at this transaction and work for you.

I can't answer whether the ...

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT

I can't answer whether the counter is good without know ing the recently sold houses like it. Frankly, I am uncomfortable with your agent not providing more facts to you than pressure to close. You are the buyer and you decide what the house is worth to you with the help of information from your agent. Is this agent working for you or is this the builder's agent? You need to be careful and demand representation/information from the agent. If they refuse, tell them you feel lied to and threaten to dump them in the middle of this deal. For most agents in that situation, they will shape up if they have the capacity and do a better job from there. As a first time buyer, you might also consider replying to this thread here about your experience with your agent and agents in general as a first time buyer. It won't help you in this deal, but it will maybe help others.

Sounds like you were talking ...

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:45:00 GMT

Sounds like you were talking to the seller's agent whose fiduciary obligations is to the seller, not you.

Read your state laws on Agency and get yourself an agent signed to represent your interests.

I have no idea about Oregon, frankly, couldn't care less, but I am sure the "Agency" laws are clearly defined for your guidance. In Washington State, clients have to sign a receipt upon receiving a pamphlet on Washington State Agency Law.

I doubt any agent is so worried about the pittance of a commision difference they wind up with as motivation to try and get you to offer more money. This sounds more like you were simply talking to an agent not signed to represent you.

It is kind of like the legal system, each side has representation to ensure fairness and protection on both sides.

Why so bitter spacey? If ...

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Why so bitter spacey? If my buyer can't get the deal they want on a property we move on to the next, end of story. I'm a professional who serves my buyers. You are right that the buyer shouldn't ask the agent what to offer, just what the market value is on the property. The buyer is in control of the offering price. Also taking into consideration seller concessions and property condition.

Your agent is getting commission ...

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:31:00 GMT

Your agent is getting commission from the sale, and trying to close the deal. This is number one rule. The agents posting here are people like your agent, making a life from this business. So I wouldn't even read what they are saying.

Never ask an agent what to offer, or how much is the house worth. Do your own homework. Look at the sales within last 3 months, not 1 year.
Look how many houses are on the market at the same price range, and how long they have been waiting.
If there are 10 houses listed for 230K, and 5 of them have been waiting on the market for 6 months at the same price, that means they are overpriced, or nobody is willing to pay this much.
If your agent is trying to negotiate with you, fire immediately. He will do the same thing again and again. Don't worry, there are zillions of them out there. Let him write down what you want to offer, and send.

Don't forget, what you can easily loose from a wrong deal is much higher than what your agent's commision. If he does not care your loss for his commision, you don't have to worry about his loss of commision.

I made offer of 239k which ...

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:39:00 GMT

I made offer of 239k which is full listing 6k worth of up grades and 6k closing. Builder countered with All upgrades plus 3k for closing should I take offer or at least try and counter.

The market in Aloha from ...

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:55:00 GMT

The market in Aloha from everything I have seen is somewhat soft especially for the typical summer season. Do not pay more than you are comfortable with. The agent needs to start by giving you all the recently sold comps in that area for the last 60 days in that area showing the days on market and the list vs sale price. If they say no, find a better agent. You need an agent that you can trust and if you feel that this agent is not your speed there are others that would be happy to help you. You are the buyer, trust your instincts and do not be pressed to pay more than you feel the house is worth.

tde, did your agent show ...

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:49:00 GMT

tde, did your agent show you the recently-sold comps in the area? That should give you a good idea of where the market is - you can compare $/sq.ft of recent sales to what the agent suggests you offer. And Michael and Stephen are correct - the agent works for you, and should educate you on why your offer should be "$X"; once done, though, it's your decision.

If you feel like it was too ...

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:24:00 GMT

If you feel like it was too much then offer lower. Your agent works at your direction even if you are want to bid "low". Your agent gives you market facts and their opinion then you decide how to process the information. You are in control.

It is common practice to ...

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

It is common practice to ask for 1% - 3% off the total price if the property is priced right given current market conditions. It really depends on whether the Realtor thinks the house is priced to sell or is overpriced for the market.