What does a realtor really do?

[EANJ]

Originally Posted by JamesBoyer

There was not any implication by me that the buyer would be paying full price.

There are a lot of home buyers who some how think that there is a better deal to be had by going to the listing agent. In New Jersey that is completly untrue. A listing agent cannot even legally suggest to a buyer what to offer, or reveal anything about the situation. A listing agent most assuredly cannot give any part of the commission to the buyer as any sort of inducement.

Having a buyers agent will get you a unbiased opinion of where to start your offer, and provide you with all the information so that you can make an informed decision on your offer. A buyers agent can help you play hardball with your offer, where as the listing agent cannot. Most people who understand the dynamics of negotiating a good deal know that if you cannot play hardball you likely will not get the best deal.

There was nothing greedy or self serving in my comment, just common sence which many seem to lack, while they try to paint all REALTORS as slime.

Yes, while there was no implication about a buyer paying full price, your post came off with a different inference. Regardless, it doesn't matter. I was merely trying to give an unbiased opinion as to how your post -- which was very short and directly commented to a post you quoted -- landed with me, and apparently with at least one other person. That's all.

All of what you've said in the follow up posts weren't said or even inferred in the post I am referring to. Regardless, whether it's one person or many -- I don't think ALL people paint ALL realtors as slime. Perhaps MANY and MANY, but that's the nature of the business. I see the same thing in my industry as well, and I look the lion right in the face, grab him by the jaws, open his mouth and stick my head right in!!! LOL.

I've found that with slime being the perception -- it actually helps those who aren't. It's an opportunity.

Good luck.

[Jillian Mason]

Originally Posted by EANJ

I see the same thing in my industry as well, and I look the lion right in the face, grab him by the jaws, open his mouth and stick my head right in!!! LOL.

I've found that with slime being the perception -- it actually helps those who aren't. It's an opportunity.

Well said EANJ! Your words are very encouraging.

[JamesBoyer]

Originally Posted by EANJ

I've found that with slime being the perception -- it actually helps those who aren't. It's an opportunity.

Good luck.

Well said,

I will in the future add a little more explanation to my comments, though there are a few here who are anti REALTOR to the point of jumping on anything a person says, and try to paint them in a bad light.

[EANJ]

Originally Posted by JamesBoyer

Well said,

I will in the future add a little more explanation to my comments, though there are a few here who are anti REALTOR to the point of jumping on anything a person says, and try to paint them in a bad light.

Absolutely true . . . and it cuts both ways. I also see brokers/agents here who jump on anyone who doesn't "see" the benefits of using a broker/agent. Both ways. As an outsider, no offense, it's somewhat humorous. LOL.

I've had more bad experiences with agents than good ones. Because, I think, like many industries, there are more bad members than good ones (vis a vis competency). Regardless, you do what you do and be proud of it. Some will see it and get it. Others won't. Next.

[monack]

Originally Posted by JamesBoyer

Well said,

I will in the future add a little more explanation to my comments, though there are a few here who are anti REALTOR to the point of jumping on anything a person says, and try to paint them in a bad light.

While I agree with this, statements like the one you made earlier, without any kind of explanation to back it up, is exactly why some realtors are made to look like they are in a bad light - your later explanation (and Jillian's explanation) as to why it's a bad idea was educational. Your original post, to a non-realtor, raises defenses, and makes people think: "Oh yeah?!? I'LL SHOW YOU!". It puts people on the defensive, rather than encouraging them.

[madmilitia]

I am and will remain 100% anti realtor, here are my reasons.

1. I have been told the seller pays my salary.
Ok well how is it then that I pay 150k for a house and you get your pay out of that. I pay 150k not the seller.

Yes in the end of it the seller has to take 3 or 6 % out of what I paid him and give it to you. However that is all figured into the amount I pay for the house.

If the seller buys the house for 150k and then hires a realtor to sell it he is not going to sell it for 150k he sells it for 159k

2. I am in the process of buying my first house. I have a realtor and honestly besides having all the contract software, which I’m sure I could pirate from the internet, he hasn't done anything.

I found the house,
I found the lender,
I setup all the inspection,
I even had to contact the seller to set up the closing date and time. Because I kept getting messed with when he set the closing date.


It took over 60 days to close on this house and it's not like it was that messed up of a house.

Yes it was bank owned and yes it required some repairs, I think 1100 dollars total.

When I think about the process there are only a few different types of sellers. Normal person to person, bank owned, and prolly a few more.

Why in the world is there not a check list of all the things that need to be done. I as a buyer have no idea where I stand as far as things getting done. Also if a home needs a repair why does the seller get to pick who does it of course they are going to pick the cheapest slowest mofo out there.

Basically you get a realtor because they have access to the paperwork and that is the way it has been done for ever.

I wish there was a website out there. Like how e-trade has taken the stock broker out of the stock market, I wish someone would take the realtor out of the home buying process.
The biggest downfall of a realtor is you have to sign a contract before they even do anything so you have no way out once they turn out to be a pile of crap.