I depends on your knowledge of real estate transactions, you could get yourself in deep trouble going this alone. you either need a agent or attorney to help you get started.

Good Luck,

Tue Jun 17 2008, 13:14

It is always in YOUR best interest to have a Realtor looking out for Your best interests as a Buyer when negotiating a purchase. They will help guide you through the entire process and always represent you.

Thu Jun 12 2008, 15:07

Every buyer should have their own agent representing the buyer's best interest! It doesn't cost the buyer to "hire" an agent as the seller has already agreed to pay the listing agent a fee to list the home. And, in turn, the listing company pays the buyer's agent's brokerage normally half of that amount.
Let's say, for example, the seller agreed to a 6% listing fee. In most circumstances, the listing agent 's brokerage would receive 3% and the buyer's agent's brokerage would receive 3%.
A buyer's agent should do the following for his/her client:
1) Locate properties that fit the buyer's criteria and financial situation
2) Review property condition reports of those identified properties to ensure there are no issues that the seller has revealed that might impact the value or habitability of the property.
3) Provide the buyer with a history of the property in regard to previous sales
4) Provide the buyer with comparable sales in the area to ensure the offer being made by the buyer is reasonable and that, above all, the buyer doesn't overpay for the property
5) The buyer's agent will also draw up the sales contract, suggesting contingencies that should be part of the offer such as whole house, termite, radon inspections, financing, occupancy, personal property and a myriad of other matters that may determine whether the buyer performs.
6) The buyer's agent should be able to assist with suggesting mortgage companies, banks etc that offer competitive rates and closing costs and assist the buyer in reviewing Good Faith Estimates in determining which financing package is the most advantageous.
7) The buyer's agent will also be able to recommend inspectors and help choose a title company with reasonable fees to handle the closing.
8) Most seasoned agents have in their arsenal an extensive network of painters, plumbers, remodelers, electricians etc that they can call upon to handle redecorating or minor repairs if needed.
Yes! Having a buyer's agent is definitely an advantage!

Sat May 10 2008, 11:05

There is no advantage to using the listing agent with thoughts of getting a better deal. The obligation of that realtor is to get the seller the most money possible and to protect the seller. If you don't have a realtor, the listing agent gets the whole commission rather than split it with a buyer's agent. While it is possible for an agent to represent the buyer and the seller, there is an obligation to put the seller first because the seller has a contractual agreement with the agency and the buyer does not. It is best to get a realtor who will represent you and protect your interests. An agent who works for you can show you comparable homes to support it's value and will not choose comparables that have sold higher to show you that you should pay more. Using a buyer's agent costs you nothing, the seller pays the commission, so why not find an agent you are comfortable with and let them find you your next home?

Sat May 10 2008, 10:56

The commission that the agent is getting should be the least of your concerns. Think of it this way, who is paying the listing agents commission? Who has that agent been meeting with and trying to sell for for the last x amount of time? That's right the seller, not you. True there are responsibilities the agent has to both sides, and ma y agents do a very fair job of representing both sides in a dual gaency deal, but why would you as the buyer want to do that? Especially since most of the time using an agent as a buyer is at no cost to you because their fee is built in to the sales price in the commission already agreed to in the listing contract. Someone is going to get it, might as well be the person working for you. This is not to mention the numerous benefits of having a professional on your side and working for your interests would actually get you. Pricing, negotiating, evaluating the home, contractual, and simply making sure you do everything possible to protect your interests through and after the closing.

Sat May 10 2008, 08:49

Cn,
Your question is a good one...
Many people who decide to go it alone because the think they will be able to get a better deal without an agent find out too late they were wrong. There is no better resource for you then a real estate professional that is an expert on the property of a given location.
Given the fact that most sellers feel their home to be worth more than it actually is, the skilled agent allows you the protection of not being taken advantage of. An agent can defend a realistic price by using recent comps to support your position.
Going without an agent to represent you could cost you more in the long run.

Good luck,
The "Eckler Team"
Century 21 Almar and Associates
Venice, Fl 34285
eckler team@comcast.net

Sat May 10 2008, 08:26