The commission usually comes from the proceeds of the sale. Extra help is always a good thing. Contact a few agents and interview them. If you don't find the right match, try again. Good Luck!

Wed Apr 23 2008, 22:10

Actually, a referral from a friend you trust is the best way to locate a reliable Realtor. I really hate to admit it, but real estate is one career that requires only a minimal amount of training and there are many inexperienced Realtors out there. A good Realtor is going to put your interests first. Since you are a buyer, in most cases the commission paid to your Realtor is going to come from the seller's proceeds, so don't worry about costs, just look for someone who will be there to answer all your questions with integrity and without a view to their own bottomline.

Wed Apr 9 2008, 17:33

Lauren,

A good Realtor is must! But beware, not all Realtors are the same. Interview them first before committing to work with them. Ask them about the length of time they have been in the business and their experience, if they are full-time or part-time. You need to find one you can trust and rely on. A good realtor can structure your Purchase and Sale offer so that the Seller pays all closing cost associated with your Loan. A good realtor can advise you on the properties that may have greater potential for appreciation than another. You will not pay any commission to a Realtor as long as you purchase a property that has been listed with another Realtor, because we agree to share listing commissions through our MLS agreement. A good realtor can also help you find just the right Mortgage Lender. I would love to help, so call me at TriCounty GMAC in Savannah, GA.

Wed Apr 9 2008, 17:22

Having a good Realtor is just like having a good accountant, they can put money in your pocket with their work and their advice. Interview and find out exactly what the Realtor is going to do for you and buying a house will be easy as pie! Negotiating skills are the most important, you want someone to treat your money as if they are speding their own money! Do not use a Realtor just because they are a friend or a friend of a friend-you are trusting them to be your advocate with the most important financial decision of your life! Call me or check out my website, I would love to interview with you.
Julie Starling "2007 Prudential Georgia Realty Realtor of the Year-Cherokee Office" 404-543-4904

Sat Apr 5 2008, 21:10

Hi Lauren,
I haven't read everyone else's answer, but my first thought is that first-time home buyers need their own Realtor (representation) the most!
The listing real estate agent/Realtor represents (and negotiates for) the seller....every buyer needs representation to protect THEIR interests (no matter what their budget).
If a house is listed with an agency, the seller pays the other agency a "finder's fee" for bringing the buyer -most "For sale by Owners" will do this as well - so you don't pay anyone for the services of a Realtor. Feel free to pick someone who you are comfortable with to help you find your home - the searching is so much easier with a Realtor - we have access to all of the local listings, without you driving around.
Last, but certainly not least, your Realtor will help guide you and educate you about the entire home buying process.
Good luck, enjoy your search, and most of all - have fun!
Holly

Fri Apr 4 2008, 13:49

Hi Lauren! Buying a home is stressful. There are many things that are done by the agent and that would really take the load off of your shoulders. A good agent will keep you updated on everything that is done on your behalf and make sure you are getting the best deal for your money. It is a buyers market out there and your agent can definitely point you in the right direction when looking for that perfect home. If you don't have an agent you would have to do all the research yourself. Finding all the criterias that meet your needs is easier for an agent because he/she can run a search for you. Also, you can't lose with using an agent because you don't usually have to pay his/her fees and you can fire your agent if you're unhappy with him/her. If you would like, I would be happy to help you find something in the Savannah or surrounding area. I can send you information that might help you. E-Mail me at leaarmstrong@yahoo.com

Hope your house hunting goes well!!

Fri Apr 4 2008, 10:57

Lauren,

I agree with some of the other answers.

If you find a GOOD Realtor they can make all the difference. Most of the time their services are free to you.

Also, if you can BUY something (at any price) then you should be taken seriously. So how do you find a good Realtor.

1. They need to know the market - What are the trends? For example, what is the average % that sellers are giving up for an area?
2. They need to be an excellent negotiator - How much are they saving their clients
3. THEY NEED TO BE FULL TIME - Real Estate is not a part time job

Ideally, you'll find someone who will walk you through the whole process and want to treat you as a client for life.

GOOD LUCK!

Fri Apr 4 2008, 10:50

Lauren -
From reading your question, you already seem to be doing the right thing by gathering information!

There are generally two Realtors in a transaction - one representing the seller and one representing the buyer. The seller offers up a percentage of the sales price to pay agents fees - so to answer your question, you generally would not pay any additional fees for using a Realtor to represent you.

Is it POSSIBLE for you to buy a house without representation, but you will likely not get that percentage taken off of the purchase price - especially if you are just using the seller's/listing agent to make your offer.
The most important thing to know is they - while they are bound by laws - they are truly looking out for the seller and trying to get them the most money.

Having your own Realtor will ensure that you are represented by a professional who does this all day everyday (be sure to ask your Realtor if they are full time as well).

Your price range have have no effect on the level or service, nor anyone's interest in working with you. All good Realtors realize that they are not only earning your business, but your future business as well as referrals to your friends, family, etc.

I would be happy to give you more in depth information (no charge) if you would like to get in touch directly.
I do not work in Savannah, nor do I have anyone on my list who I could refer you to. But I would be happy to talk with you a little more about what you should look for in a Realtor there.

I would additionally advise you to ask friends and neighbors if they have someone they have USED before - not their brother-in-law, but someone they have done business with. You can also often find the most active Realtors by simply searching for "savannah realtors" or something similar to your needs. Don't hesitate to "interview" a Realtor or two as well - they should be earning YOUR business.

I hope this helps you and wish you the best of luck in purchasing your home!

Fri Apr 4 2008, 09:33

As a buyer, having a Realtor as your representative usually costs you nothing. The real estate commission is paid to the seller's agent who traditionally agrees to share it with the buyer's agent in order to entice other Realtors to show their listings. So first and foremost, having a Realtor as your buyer's agent is the equivalent of hiring a professional that you don't have to pay.

Secondly, Realtors generally have a tremendous knowledge of the current market trends, available properties, and financing options that will help making your home-buying experience a positive one. If you are not a savvy buyer (and most first-time homebuyers are not), a Realtor can help you negotiate the best possible price and terms for your first home. A Realtor also has access to the most current market information and can search homes above and beyond the ones they currently represent, offering you a larger selection of homes than you may otherwise have access to.

Your Realtor would also have access to a group of professionals that will help you make the correct decision when buying your home - home inspectors, contractors and lenders all figure into the equation of home-buying.

In a nutshell, having a Realtor means having knowledge. And you know what they say - knowledge truly is power, especially when having your first real estate experience.

Marian Mercer, Realtor
Southern Homes and Land Real Estate
(912) 536-8945
Marian@SouthernHomesandLand.com

Fri Apr 4 2008, 09:24

Lauren: First of all, let me congratulate you on your decision to purchase a home--a decision that I know you will never regret! As a first time homebuyer, or any other purchaser, for that matter, you should absolutely work with a Realtor. There are so many items that you need to understand, such as mortgage products, disclosures, environmental issues that your Realtor can assist you with. Not to mention the contract itself, which can be daunting. If you do not have a Realtor yet, I would suggest you ask friends and family who they have worked with, then do some online research and interview one or two Realtors before you decide on who might be the best fit for you. Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Real Estate!
Peggy Nelsen
Relocation Director
Prudential California Realty

Fri Apr 4 2008, 09:23