Steve LaCerte's Discussions

It's too bad that Realtors are all getting a bad wrap!  If we could all take a step back and look at reality.  An agent representing a sellers best interest would be the listing agent.  Should you call the listing agent to see the house and decide you want to put in an offer, the listing agent would write it up and submit it.  They cannot tell you how to negotiate.  Their soul purpose as a listing agent IS to represent the SELLER"S best interest.  If you had your home for sale you would want that as well.(It's not as if they are out there misleading people-there are laws you know) Second, if you are a buyer the best way to go is to sign a Buyers Agency contract with the Realtor of your choice.  I would suggest talking to a few to find one that you work well with and feel comfortable.  Also shop around as some charge for this service, and others are happy to help because they will make their commision off the selling side.  The Buyers Agency agreement ensures that the legality of the Realtor to work for the sellers best interest is removed.  That leaves the Realtor free to tell you market conditons, value, and even what to offer, if you wish.  The other perk to having a Buyers Agent is that they will get  a feel for what you want in a home.  They know that you will buy with them so their will be no hard sell.  They also have the inside fast track to new listings, and price reductons before anyone else.  They also have an established relationship with the"other" agent so they will get further in negotions, then lets say an attorney or a listing agent. You would save yourself a lot of legwork and troubles by going this route.  Chances are it would not cost you anything extra. Side note:  If you "Go at it yourself" your not necessarily saving yourself money, if it is a listed home anyway.  the commision is built into the list price. The way that I have been reading, getting a commision(payment for work) is an evil thing.  Do you guys all feel guilty when you receive YOUR paycheck?? 

Again, the listing agent has put  a sign in the yard, posted on MLS and internet sites, newspaper, t.v, takes care of scheduling appointments, open houses, shows up to show home(even to curious non buyers) drives around a lot to do all of this, writes up legal contracts, and I won't even mention a TON of other costs that go into the advertisement and materials of caring that listing!   So you Mr. I WILL FIND MY OWN HOUSE  sees the sign, the ad, the internet listing.  How do you think you new it was for sale?!?   Oh did O mention that Realtors do all that for the sellers home and hasn't made any money, nothing.  It is only if we get a accepted offer to we get any compensation. I would love to know what you do so I can justify why you don't deserve a check for your work.