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A beautiful antique home nearby sold about four months ago for ~60k under asking. I know I'm making a lot of assumptions but it occurred to me that the buyer was probably looking at houses that I would have been interested in and that the buyer's agent was probably accompanying him and also that the agent may (or may not) be good at negotiating. I figure as long as I'm interviewing agents I might as well talk to that one. Is there any way to find out who represented the buyer in a sale?
Zillow/Trulia may or may not have this recorded, that varies by area. Agents can go into their Zillow profile and "record" the sale as their own. I do this but often times don't keep up with it as Zillow is not my main focus.
Easiest way is what was recommended above....stop by, say HI, tell them you have really been admiring their home since they bought it, ask who they used to help them. If they were happy with their agent, they'll let you know that. If they were unhappy with their agent, they will probably let you know that too!
A beautiful antique home nearby sold about four months ago for ~60k under asking. I know I'm making a lot of assumptions but it occurred to me that the buyer was probably looking at houses that I would have been interested in and that the buyer's agent was probably accompanying him and also that the agent may (or may not) be good at negotiating. I figure as long as I'm interviewing agents I might as well talk to that one. Is there any way to find out who represented the buyer in a sale?
There are a lot of posts on this forum disputing the value of a Buyers Agent. But your example above points out that there is in fact value. While I do not have the details on the transaction you cited in your post, it occurs to me that the seller was likely fishing for a higher price and the buyer's agent knew the correct value (asking price is meaningless) , knew the comps for the area and was able to negotiate a fair price. Had the buyer acted on their own behalf they would have based their offer on the high asking price, not the value for the area.
A beautiful antique home nearby sold about four months ago for ~60k under asking. I know I'm making a lot of assumptions but it occurred to me that the buyer was probably looking at houses that I would have been interested in and that the buyer's agent was probably accompanying him and also that the agent may (or may not) be good at negotiating. I figure as long as I'm interviewing agents I might as well talk to that one. Is there any way to find out who represented the buyer in a sale?
It would not be secret information. Buyer's agents would be delighted to have you know who they are. That's how they make their money. Go onto any one of many real estate websites in your area. Most will list all the houses in your neighborhood or any neighborhood and provide all the ownership and sales history that is available. The names of buying and selling agents may be included. Or as previously suggested, just go to the house and ask the new owner the question.
There are a lot of posts on this forum disputing the value of a Buyers Agent. But your example above points out that there is in fact value. While I do not have the details on the transaction you cited in your post, it occurs to me that the seller was likely fishing for a higher price and the buyer's agent knew the correct value (asking price is meaningless) , knew the comps for the area and was able to negotiate a fair price. Had the buyer acted on their own behalf they would have based their offer on the high asking price, not the value for the area.
That's quite an assumption. Educated buyers base their offer on what a house is worth to them. Anybody with a pulse can run comps. It's not difficult. The problem is when agents give into the conflict of interest and supply comps that fit their narrative on what a "good" price is.
OP,
Actively look at homes that match your criteria. You will quite quickly start seeing the reasons for differing prices. Then set up a search that only encompasses "antique homes" that have sold on a real estate website. A few hours of research and a few weekends going to showings can save you a lot of money. On the other hand, if that sounds too difficult/time consuming, find that agent and roll your dice. Maybe he/she is able to resist the temptation to close the deal even if it's not what's best for you.
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