What's the best way to buy a house? (tax lien, short sales)

[Mamilux]

When buying a house, should I use a real estate agent or attempt to buy the house myself?(using a real estate lawyer of course). What are the pros and cons of attemting to buy a house without an agent? Which option would you choose? Why?

[ff18wife]

I would use an agent. They know all the ins and outs of the real estate world.

[I LOVE PA!]

I sold a house on ly own about 15 years ago. An Agent is NOT needed, A lawyer, YES, an agent, NO.

[JerseyShel]

the only pro to using an agent is that they have more listings at their hands and they will deal with the owner for you - which isnt always easy. the thing to remember though is they get a percent of the sale so they arent always ready to help you get a good price. I have a few friends who are agents and I would never buy a house from them!! yet they sell millions of dollars in real estate every year and have few problems - I sold my last house with thier help. Ive found that dealing with the owner yourself they are more willing to disclose little facts about the schools, neighbors, and the house that you normally wouldnt get from the agent. EVEN WITH AN AGENT A GOOD REAL ESTATE LAYWER IS NEEDED!!! you have a lot to think about and protect no matter how you buy a house. the question is how much time are you willing / do you have to devote to finding a house?

[dee2south]

My advice to you would be to interview at least 3 agents who are certified as "Buyers Agents", and are not acting as Dual Agents. They will provide extensive research on the market and direct you as to what to offer on the house. If you have never purchased before, definitely use an agent. If you have purchased before, then you are more educated on the process. If you decide to go it alone, please contact me and I will try to walk you through the process, so you get the best deal possible.

[talk2u]

As a buyer, why not use an agent? You don't have to pay the commission, the seller does. The only plus, as a buyer, for not using an agent would be possibly negotiating the 3% (what the typical commission is for a buyers agent) off the price or in some other concession. However, in this market you can do that even with a buyer's agent so why go it alone?

[Mamilux]

Originally Posted by talk2u

As a buyer, why not use an agent? You don't have to pay the commission, the seller does. The only plus, as a buyer, for not using an agent would be possibly negotiating the 3% (what the typical commission is for a buyers agent) off the price or in some other concession. However, in this market you can do that even with a buyer's agent so why go it alone?

Am I to understand that the seller pays the commission and not the buyer? Is that the case in all real estate transactions?

[geos]

Originally Posted by Mamilux

When buying a house, should I use a real estate agent or attempt to buy the house myself?(using a real estate lawyer of course). What are the pros and cons of attemting to buy a house without an agent? Which option would you choose? Why?

Depends what you're looking for. If you want the lowest price read up on foreclosures, tax liens, short sales. If time is of the essence just go to realtor.com, prudential.com and other real estate listings.

[talk2u]

Originally Posted by Mamilux

Am I to understand that the seller pays the commission and not the buyer? Is that the case in all real estate transactions?

In PA the seller pays both the buyer's agent and seller's agent commissions unless some other deal was worked out, which I'd say is very rare.

[mbchatelain]

I am buying my deceased grandmother's home from my uncle and father. Paperwork seems to be the hold up. Should I involve a real estate attorney or is their a guide I can obtain to ensure that all of the necessary forms are in place?