Minnesota Realtors: how do I go about getting property tax records?

[jfog55372]

I don't think that's true anymore. Most agents will do listings or buyers agency. In this market a lot of agents are leaning towards the buyers agent side. They just won't do both on the same transaction (Dual Agent).

The problem is if the buyer is not represented then they are in a vulnerable legal position if something goes wrong. I've done both and the buyer should be able to find someone who would represent them.

[kwill]

You don't NEED to have buyer representation from an agent, but at the same time, the seller's agent should furnish you with all the documents you need to make a decision. If the documents are not available, you can write a purchase agreement CONTINGENT upon whatever you need to know being approved, and that puts pressure on the seller's agent to get it for you. Again... it is the seller's agent job to provide you with all the basic info, it's not the buyer's agent's job.

Kwill

[lallen]

Please listen to jfog55372!

It is in your best interest to use an agent and especially as a buyer since you will still be paying the same price for the home weather you use a Realtor or not. There are way too many ways you can be at risk without representation. If you need a referral I would be more than happy to recommend a few names of good Realtors but PLEASE use an agent to help you buy a home especially in a rural area where you will be dealing with all kinds of tricky things like septic systems, easements and other things

[jfog55372]

Originally Posted by kwill

You don't NEED to have buyer representation from an agent, but at the same time, the seller's agent should furnish you with all the documents you need to make a decision. If the documents are not available, you can write a purchase agreement CONTINGENT upon whatever you need to know being approved, and that puts pressure on the seller's agent to get it for you. Again... it is the seller's agent job to provide you with all the basic info, it's not the buyer's agent's job.

Kwill

YES, you do need representation as a buyer.

This is not about who does what work for whom. It in large part is about the buyers protection and about liability.

Suppose a buyer purchases a home without the representation. Then a month after the sale you find there is a problem with the septic system, or some other problem. Who does the buyer go after? The seller is retired in the Caymans. Do you go after the listing agent? NO, the listing agent represented the sellers only, not you. There is a strict legal definition of who represents whom.

The only recourse the buyer has when they have been screwed then is to go after the seller of the home. This means going to court, in most cases district court and hiring an attorney and hoping you win.

The buyer at least needs to have an attorney look things over but then the the buyer will have to pay for it. If the buyer has an agent then the cost is paid by the seller. Then the buyer has some recourse and that is to go after his buyers agents brokers E & O policy. That's what is's there for.

Another thing is sometimes a buyer lets their lets their emotion get in the way because they fall in love with something. It's always good to have a professional look things over.

[haiki]

Originally Posted by disneyrecords

I'm looking at a house in rural MN and want to pull the tax records

Interested in St. Louis County? Go to....
St. Louis County Sheriff's Office

[Scott Secor]

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metro area Realtors have access to most MLS services across the State (ten at last count) so that might be one method, depending upon where the property is located.

Some outstate counties are online, like their metro counterparts. The preferred convention to county websites is ... http://www.co.<county>.mn.us/ ... although many deviate from this convention. Search for your County Tax Assessor's office on Google to be certain. That's a second method.

But the tried-and-true method is to go down to the courthouse and dig through the record books.

Realtors are not "required by law" to do anything of the sort! Some may charge for their bird-dogging services, much the same as you charge for your services. You might just want a Realtor to protect your interests when presenting an offer.

The value of any property is that which the buyer and seller agree. Realtors, on the other hand, are priceless.

[Scott Secor]

If the agent is willing, they can assume the role of a dual agent. This allows for representation of both Buyer and Seller within specific guidelines. If not, they can also act as a Facilitator for a reduced fee.

[TimtheGuy]

Originally Posted by Scott Secor

Realtors, on the other hand, are priceless.

Aren't we impressed with ourselves...
Sounds like a NAR ad.