Northern Virginia is a sellers market. Should I get an agent or go FSBO?

[snowdenscold]

Originally Posted by car54

I've bought and sold dozens of houses, and I'm not trying to say there are no bad real estate agents, there are, especially during booms. But in my experience, the good ones are worth their commission (my main guy charges 4%). There are so many things that can go wrong in a real estate transaction that I prefer to leave it to the pros.

I know some FSBOs that paid dearly for disclosure errors, discrimination claims, etc.

Originally Posted by schmoe76

4%? Is this 4% strictly his/her listing commission or does the 4% include the buyer agent's commission also?

If its the former, you can do better. Standard agent fees are 3%, and that isn't a discount agent.

If its the latter, than your agent is likely only giving back 2% to the buyer's agent, which is 1% less than what other sellers might be giving. Some unscrupulous buyers agents might be less inclined to show a property without full commission.

Usually if someone gets 4% they are both buying and selling (so the agent gets less from you on the sell side, but the full 3% on the buying side). 5% is more typical for that, but if you've worked with that agent multiple times and/or do a lot of volume (or perhaps are just a great negotiator or find someone who's desperate) you might swing 4%.

I've never heard of an agent making more than 3% on a single transaction if they're only representing one of the parties.

[midlifeman]

there is nothing to sell in the market, so the agents are happy get a listing for 4.5%-5%. Take advantage of the market place!