a must-watch before you buy (2009, prices, claim, broker)

[rjrcm]

I'm an agent/Realtor too, and have never said "It's a great time to buy". I always give clients the facts about market conditions and let them decide. Many still choose to buy because they have other concerns/needs. My job is to facilitate that choice as effectively and safely as possible (that's were fiduciary comes in).

That's at least 2 agents now that disprove "any agent".

[rjrcm]

Originally Posted by WilliamHarman

...You guys should know, more then anyone, that not all realtors are created equally. And if you are savvy, you should take advantage of this fact and not attack that idea. It's good business to be better, more informed, more ethical, more fair and more experienced then the next guy. Something, in my opinion you have.

You are correct (wow, we agree ). The problem I have with your posts is the blanket statements you make without the facts to back them up, like "any agent" above. Yes, some agents do say "now is the best time to buy", but not all or any agent, perhaps not even the majority.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

For those who do not understand the real estate business: The nature of brokerage as a fiduciary is truly to help people meet their goals, not to set their goals for them.

Well said, sir.

[hammester]

Originally Posted by bflowers56

To all of you out there about to overpay for a house, I suggest watching this 2007 episode of “House Hunters” (Jimmy and Lisa from Tampa). These morons bought a 4,000 sq foot house in early 2006 for 1.1 million in Tampa (one of the worst economies in the USA), even though it was only three of them! From the whining about how small the laundry room was, to the insistence that anything under 3,000 sq feet was “unacceptable,” these two are the poster children of everything that was (is?) wrong with American society. After all, everyone knows that you need at least 3000+ square feet for a couple and an infant! My sis in law lives in Tampa, near these two. She says the lights are always off and the lawn and house looks like crap. Drowning in debt, ya think? I looked them up on Lexis and they have a 900k mortgage on that house. Needless to say it is not worth anywhere near what they paid for it. A cautionary tale, indeed.

Watch Baby Makes Three: House Hunters Full Length Episodes Online | Free on Fancast

I don't see what is wrong with them buying more space than they need now. What if they planned on having 3 more kids? If they couldn't afford it that is another thing, but buying more house then you need to plan for your future is actually a lot smarter than buying a "starter" house and continuing to upgrade. Not only do you pay commission each time you sell but you also start your mortgage over which means your paying TONS more in interest.

[LONGISLAND2NC]

Originally Posted by rjrcm

You are correct (wow, we agree ). The problem I have with your posts is the blanket statements you make without the facts to back them up, like "any agent" above. Yes, some agents do say "now is the best time to buy", but not all or any agent, perhaps not even the majority.

He said, "most any agent". You guys continually misquoting him really doesn't help your cause. In fact I think it hurts it.

[Foreverking]

Originally Posted by WilliamHarman

LOL, come on, you know that is the modo in the BIZ. Now is the time to buy.

Lets put it to the test, using your suggestion.

Over the next 4 hours, I shall call no less then 30 agents, from the yellow pages and ask them this simple question........."Is now a good time to buy?" and shall report back here with their responses.

I'm guessing all will suggest it is! How do I know this? Because I've never heard anyone say differently, ever. I challenge any buyer to provide proof otherwise, that they have been told anything differently during their personal buying experience.

maybe even 31 outa 30 would say its the time to buy. You are so right dude, why would a realtor or agent say anything else. Im in sales, and its ALWAYS the right time to buy. Its the sales step called "create sense of urgency" I don't know why that other agent is denying it.

[rjrcm]

Originally Posted by LONGISLAND2NC

He said, "most any agent". You guys continually misquoting him really doesn't help your cause. In fact I think it hurts it.

Actually, here's his original quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamHarman
Had you asked any agent back then about this, you would have been assured to get the same auto respone........"NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY."

He went back and edited his post to put in "most".

[Mill Creek Mom]

I don't see how the original post has anything to do with realtors saying it's the time to buy or not. I took from it, simply, another "entitled" couple, seeking to keep up with the Joneses, (or even pass them), and bit off more than they could chew.

A real estate agent is not a financial advisor. If they insisted on 4000 sq ft. house, the problem does not lie with the agent.

Good grief...

[Foreverking]

Originally Posted by rjrcm

I'm an agent/Realtor too, and have never said "It's a great time to buy". I always give clients the facts about market conditions and let them decide. Many still choose to buy because they have other concerns/needs. My job is to facilitate that choice as effectively and safely as possible (that's were fiduciary comes in).

That's at least 2 agents now that disprove "any agent".

this is nothing personal, but I have never meet a single agent that didnt give me the facts about the market conditions, but didnt slant the facts in "buying now" direcion. Nothings wrong with this of course, I just cant beleive you all are saying different. If you want to eat, you better be selling the client on "buying now"

[fairmarketvalue]

Originally Posted by hammester

I don't see what is wrong with them buying more space than they need now. What if they planned on having 3 more kids? If they couldn't afford it that is another thing, but buying more house then you need to plan for your future is actually a lot smarter than buying a "starter" house and continuing to upgrade. Not only do you pay commission each time you sell but you also start your mortgage over which means your paying TONS more in interest.

That was my thought. If they could afford it, who are you (OP) to judge? I find it hard to believe the house looks "that crappy" on the outside. Although, he did say he didn't want to take care of a lawn. He was more concerned about having a place and time to play pinball. Regardless, after spending 1.1mil, she still talked of remodeling the kitchen, so money must have been available. She said, quote, unquote..I learned to live with the cabinets and decided we could use the money somewhere else. Just because someone paid X amount for a house, and now it's value is down, doesn't mean they bought something they couldn't afford or not able to pay for. Getting approved for a 900k mortgage is no easy feat, even in 2007.