Zillow Advice: Home Buying - Realtors, Prepare to Lose Your 6 Percent

"Video killed the radio star"Internet ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 12:49:00 GMT

"Video killed the radio star"

Internet killed the travel agent and the next target is the Real estate agent.......

The only problem with people using the discount brokerages is that if they are not savy sellers they may be their own worst enemey by pricing incorrectly and not taking action to rectify some "flaws" in the home that could make the home more appealing. It seems to me that most sellers are naive about the process which leads them to hire a full serice agent, but just like any profession there are good ones and bad ones. I hired a full service agent cause I knew I would be selling the home long distance and wanted someone else to attend to the details....sadly she gave us bad advice about pricing and we stagnated.

With regards to REA pictures on marketing and biz cards......we had one agent whose card was left after a showing...it looked like she was in an evening gown with all the glamour makeup and hair, WTF.....I thought it was an escort biz card.

marci is probally my favorite ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 05:31:00 GMT

marci is probally my favorite agent on this site if i have one...she keeps it real.

The smart ones ...(few and far between if I had to guess).. sat on theyre earnings during the fat years and stuck in some mutuals, made theyre cost of living as lean as possible and can ride it out.

Bottom Rider, The mug ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 03:28:00 GMT

Bottom Rider,

The mug shot; it's an ego thing, that's all!

Frankly, I wanted a series of numbers underneath my mugshot, but my broker wouldn't go along with it! However, I did refrain from the mugshots on the sign and my wife said she'd divorce me if she saw my name on any bust, be it a bench or otherwise!

Some people have no sense of humor!!!

''bust stop bench'Bust? ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 03:15:00 GMT

''bust stop bench'

Bust? hmmmm?

''I will never understand ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 03:14:00 GMT

''I will never understand why agents feel comfortable comparing what they do with physicians. It seems so outrageous to me. '

Yes you are right. Many many many love to include themselves in the same sentence as Dr or Lawyer. That attitude goes hand in hand with their flamboyant marketing of their mugs on every biz card, for sale sign and bust stop bench.

Going through my first experience ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 02:44:00 GMT

Going through my first experience with brokers and agents...I have to say that the service is certainly worth something. 6 percent may be excessive but there is something to be said for a full service agent and broker. There's piles of paperwork from here to China when it comes to this stuff. Having someone walk you through it is nice..although maybe overpriced.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 02:23:00 GMT

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I was responding to posts I've read on Active Rain and not your particular post. It seems a bit of a fad there and I just don't get it.

Oh no, you misunderstand. ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:51:00 GMT

Oh no, you misunderstand. I don't compare myself to a physician. I was merely making a comparison to the "uncompensated work", and risk vs. benefit of working the hours. Oh believe me, I don't compare, they are better people then I can ever be...dealing with people's health like that...yeesh, I couldn't do it.

Jim, I will never understand ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:49:00 GMT

Jim, I will never understand why agents feel comfortable comparing what they do with physicians. It seems so outrageous to me. A physician may feel compelled to suggest an MRI and have to pay for that if it isn't in the client's budget. How can agents possibly compare their marketing to that?

LOL...20-30 hours a week ...

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:40:00 GMT

LOL...20-30 hours a week without being compensated. Yes they do...and so do I.