finding a real estate broker questions... (houses, closing, commission)

[Hudder]

Would you use a transactional broker, or "dual agent", or ONLY use a buyer or seller-only agent, and why?

What are the main questions important to ask a broker? (How long they've been in the business, etc.)

What do you want to hear from a broker when you interview them?

[sundancer]

Most of the time you will never meet the broker, he is just mr big behind the scenes. If your selling you would be represented by a sellers agent, buying a buyers agent. As far as questions it really doesnt matter, 90 plus percent of the time a listing agent doesnt sell there own listing. Its usually another agent who has a buyer looking for what you have to sell. Sometimes they get lucky and pickup up the full commission. Some agents will hold open houses just to keep the seller happy, again not to much action on open houses just nosey neighbors. Selling is just a game of luck and timing, nobody can promise they can sell your house faster than the nexy guy.....

[Hudder]

Thanks. I meant transaction agents or dual agents, not a broker. My concern is a transaction agent (representing both the seller and buyer) cannot serve either party to the fullest. It can impact your sale or purchase adversely, and I was hoping to get some responses from people who had some experience here.

[D_J]

Typically if use a "dual agent" for the transaction they cut their commision a little bit because they don't have to split it with either the buyer or the selling agent. This not only impacts the seller but it can help you as the buyer if you are to ask for seller concessions, or the seller contributing to your closing costs. If the seller doesn't have to give as much to the selling agent because they are acting as both seller and buying agent they may consider helping you cover part of your closing costs with their savings.