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I have been having trouble finding a decent agent who will spend the time to determine what my needs are. I recently saw a property that was for sale by owner, and I wondered..hmmm, do I need a realtor? Can a buy without one if this guy is selling without one? Initial research seems to indicate yes, I can. Has anyone ever tried this and been successful? I am mainly looking at condos in an urban area.
That sounds more like a personal problem than anything to do with real estate.
Are you currently aware of any need (or even desire) that is really "out there?
Anything that 90% of other home buyers wouldn't also want?
Experienced buyers with clear expectations and a good lawyer can do fine.
But I don't think that describes you.
Moderator cut: personal - off topic I absolutely know what I want and have been researching for months. None of my needs are "out there". I have identified several units I like but every realtor I have met with continually tries to upsell me or direct me to inconvenient areas. Therefore, I am starting to feel as though I may be better off solo.
Pinpoint the actual reason(s) you can't find a agent to work with you. I can't imagine a agent turning down a GOOD prospect without a GOOD reason. Maybe your standards/expectations/needs/wants are too high for anybody to meet thus you find yourself without an agent.
FSBOs have their good and bad points.
1. I have met with four agents, toured with two, canceled another tour with the third when it became clear they had no idea what I wanted.
2. I have seen at least 6 listings in the past two weeks that I would seriously consider putting an offer in on. Two of those belong to the two agents that I toured with. Both agents are trying to upsell me into something else though I have mentioned I am interested in their specific listing.
My impression of the relationship between the real estate agent and the buyer is that the buyer comes with an idea of what will work for them and the realtor tries to either manage expectations or meet those criteria. The realtor will also bring knowledge of the market and propose new ideas/identify additional needs based on their work with the buyer.
This has NOT been happening in my case. I have done a lot of research, know what I want, where I want to live and how much I want to spend. Every last agent has ignored key pieces of this equation or tried to get me to spend more than I was comfortable. One said "you can afford it. You will make it work."
I don't think an experienced buyer/seller needs an agent. DH and I bought our current home without an agent (although the seller had an agent), and DH sold his last home without any agent involvement. We have both bought and sold in the past multiple times so we are familiar with the process.
Nothing against agents; if you are unfamiliar with the buying/selling process, if you are unfamiliar with the area you are purchasing in, or if you aren't quite sure about what sort of home you are looking for, an agent can be very helpful. It's also important to have an agent that is a good fit for your personality.
I am not sure what you are expressing, other than condescension. I absolutely know what I want and have been researching for months. None of my needs are "out there". I have identified several units I like but every realtor I have met with continually tries to upsell me or direct me to inconvenient areas. Therefore, I am starting to feel as though I may be better off solo.
How dare you imply that I am not a "buyer with solid cash/credit?" You have no clue what my financial status is.
did you not view the several units that you liked? the agents that you met with (I saw your other thread) refused to show them to you?
1. I have met with four agents, toured with two, canceled another tour with the third when it became clear they had no idea what I wanted.
2. I have seen at least 6 listings in the past two weeks that I would seriously consider putting an offer in on. Two of those belong to the two agents that I toured with. Both agents are trying to upsell me into something else though I have mentioned I am interested in their specific listing.
My impression of the relationship between the real estate agent and the buyer is that the buyer comes with an idea of what will work for them and the realtor tries to either manage expectations or meet those criteria. The realtor will also bring knowledge of the market and propose new ideas/identify additional needs based on their work with the buyer.
This has NOT been happening in my case. I have done a lot of research, know what I want, where I want to live and how much I want to spend. Every last agent has ignored key pieces of this equation or tried to get me to spend more than I was comfortable. One said "you can afford it. You will make it work."
Pinpoint the actual reason(s) you can't find a agent to work with you. I can't imagine a agent turning down a GOOD prospect without a GOOD reason. Maybe your standards/expectations/needs/wants are too high for anybody to meet thus you find yourself without an agent.
FSBOs have their good and bad points.
My standards are not high at all, honestly. I am willing to do a little work on a unit if needed. There are cosmetic things I really hate and don't want, but those are easy enough to avoid. I am open to several neighborhoods on a certain train line due to my commute. I could deal with any size unit above a studio; would like to have more space but don't need a huge space. I don't need a parking space which are a premium where I live. Outdoor space is great but not a must have. My budget is do-able. I don't need something brand new-- in fact, I prefer older, more charming buildings. Really, its not hard.
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