Do I really need a real estate agent? (lawyer, buyer)

[DMenscha]

If I have a client who is in the market for a $300K home and he gets one at $290K, that's $300.00 less in my pocket from a total of $9000.00. Hardly a reason not to work diligently for my client. I also think that agents that focus on the service without paying any attention to the commission, collect a lot more paychecks. Maybe I'm just old fashioned about it

I usually end up figuring out how much the commission is after it closes and the title company sends me a check, just to make sure they did the calculation right.

[JohnG72]

If you follow these boards for a while you will see that there are REA's that are all over the map. Some(majority?) the standard cheerleader type that no one can stand except the most emotionally led buys, some fairly pragmatic types...the ones that want to make a sale but won't sugar coat things and use canned language, and then some of the agents that really know what they are doing.

I notice the best advice on this forum that comes from an agent is Chad Everett. He seems to be really bright about reading what the person posting a question is asking, processing that, and writting out a well thought out response including possible contingencies and alternate scenarios. All this without injecting much emotion into things...but rather "here's the situation....here is what I think about the situation and what you might want to consider....here is what I would do".

Thats bright and someone who knows what they are doing(I'm pretty sure the cheerleader types don't).

Anyway, as a buyer, it doesn't benefit you to go it without an agent unless you really know what you are doing and are able to negotiate the listing agents commission down from 6% and include that in a lower sales price.

Dementia is is right in that as a buyer, an agent in certain markets can tune you into things that you might not find out about.

Of course, if I had an agent tell me I should offer full list if I want a home, I'd be liable to tell the agent where they could shove it and probably terminate on the spot. Thats got to be the one line I've heard over and over again that is absolutely only self serving. The only point of that line in a declining market is to make sure the offer is accepted so the agent is guaranteed their commission.

[drshang]

Actually, I think realtors are a lot more useful in a bad market than a good one. In a good market you can sell a house very quickly and buying is a lot simpler. Now, with all the short sales, REOs, exotic types of sales, etc., I think it makes more sense to get one. Redfin, for instance, won't help you with short sales, which are a large percentage of the listings out there.

[DMenscha]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

I notice the best advice on this forum that comes from an agent is Chad Everett.

In case anybody wants to search for the guy, his name is Chet Everett, I think Chad Everett was part of the Chad and Jeremy singing group An otherwise wonderful post!

[BennyPhoenix]

A good real estate agent is worth the money when you are selling.
When you are buying it is also a good idea. Never negotiate yourself, always have an agent. This gives you the ability to not communicate your emotions to the seller or the sellers agent. It also helps take off any pressure that may be there if you are negotiating. The person negotiating should never be the decision maker. Use an agent.

[jaynetarzana]

Does anyone have any advice on how to find the best agent? A Chet Everett type? Because I have yet to meet a REA who really seems to know what they are doing. The ones we have worked with seem in it for themselves, not for their clients.

[BennyPhoenix]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

Does anyone have any advice on how to find the best agent? A Chet Everett type? Because I have yet to meet a REA who really seems to know what they are doing. The ones we have worked with seem in it for themselves, not for their clients.

Referals.
If you cant get any, then call a few offices and ask to speak to a full time agent that is one of the top producers. Do not get an agent who is not full time, there are a ton. Avoid them. It is a full time job and then some.
Interview those agents and choose one whose answers you are happy with and it should be someone you can get along with.
Do not sign a buyers contract!!! If the agent is good you will be happy with them and not need a contract. A good agent will not ask you to sign a contract.

[DMenscha]

I only know one person in the business in your area. She owns a big ranch in my area and I'm representing her in attempting to sell it. She seems sharp to me, but I haven't had much to do with her on a personal level and I couldn't vouch for her style or methods. If you want to give me a PM, I'll be happy to give you her name and number, and you can check her out to see if there's a fit for you.

[Apples&Oranges]

I used to be a real estate agent back in the 80's. Here is what I recommend when looking for a good one:

Interview at least three agents from different offices. Ask them to supply you with comparable properties, what they think your house should sell for, and ask them what they will do to market your home. Make them be specific. How many open houses? Where and how often will it be advertised? And so on. Then compare the three agents and choose.

NEVER NEVER SIGN A CONTRACT THAT IS LONGER THAN 90 DAYS! If they give you a song & dance that they are not allowed to have a contract shorter than a half a year, simply say, "Thank you, but that is not what I want." Agents try to sell their homes before the contract runs out. So, if they sign you up for 6 months, they will put your home on the back burner while they concentrate on the listings that are closer to expiring. So, sign a shorter contract and you can always renew if you like the agent.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Do you really need a Doctor? Do you really need a Lawyer? Do you really need an Insurance Broker? Do you need someone to cut or style your hair? Chances are you can do all of these things for yourself. Will you do them as good as the professional? That I am not sure. If you feel sure of yourself then I guess the answer is go for it. If an agent will help get the most professional deal done then why not use one? Does the other party have an agent? You never want to take a knife to a gun fight. The meaning is that if the other party is using a tool that you don't have then you are at a disadvantage.