Wow, I sure hope you found a good agent to work with. It is like my great Aunt said be careful what you wish for. She would say go to the expert.

Great Questions. It seems like what you are looking for is a discount company that still provides Full Service. You might want to check out 4DallasHomes.com. They do everything (MLS, showings, scheduling, marketing, signs etc) including representing buyers. They just charge a lower flat fee at closing which is much lower than the typical 6% for this market. No additional fees for anything period. They are great. If you have not signed an agreement with any one realtor, you are not obligated to work with any one realtor. It is very important that you find a full time professional agent to represent you when either selling or buying. There is immense value in the consultation and counsel of a local expert who pays attention to your specific needs. If you are not happy with an agent, find one that will make you happy. This is a huge deal and can save you thousands of dollars and much stress. Good Luck.

You can terminate your contract. If you feel if this person is not working in your best interest. As you have experienced I would recommend not looking at the commission fee, but look at the services that the agents are going to provide you. And sometimes this discount brokerages may charges you less commission but they will charge you additional fees to get pictures taken, get it listed on the Multiple
Service, I have even heard about a Discount Brokerage that charge a Homeowner $150.00 to measure the Rooms in Her house. With my company we don't charge anything to do any of these things. Ask your friends and family, they will not refer you to a bad Agent, unless they already have?

Thanks for the clarification, B J. and I hope there was no offense taken in me asking the question. I am SHOCKED that in this market, a buyers agent would neglect a ready and willing qualified buyer. I'm throwing my name in the hat to help you if you are still looking for a Realtor to assist you in buying. I live and work in the Mid-Cities. I'm on stand by and can be reached at amanda@hallteamhomes.com

B.J. - Stop! Don't do anything until you've checked out our website at http://www.creekviewrealty.com.

What you've experienced with the Buyer Specialist is not uncommon. We hear comments like that about "realtors doing nothing except waiting for me to call" from our clients - both buyers and sellers - all the time.

Once a seller gets up to speed on how the real estate business works, he or she knows it is not necessary to pay 6% to sell a home. And for the purchase of your new home, if you are willing to do the legwork, you can get a rebate of 2% of the 3% commission that the buyer's agent would get.

We work with clients in a variety of ways, but most pay a flat fee of $495 to list on the MLS and get a 2% rebate when they buy a house.

Let us know if we can help answer questions specific to your situation. You can reach us at 214-OWN-HOME (214-696-4663).

The buyers agent may have some claim to the commission to a property if he/she has shown you the property. This is not a slam dunk sure fire claim. The concept of procuring cause applies and that concept is based on a chain of events that lead to a sale.

You have the right to cancel your agreement w/ a buyer agent even if signed one providing there is a termination clause included in the agreement. Most agreements do contain this.

You have the right to shop for an alternate (BA) Buyer Agent if you are dissatisifed. I might suggest that first discuss your expectations w/ the BA. You indicated that the BA waits for you to speak up about which properties you wish to see. The BA may be willing to take a more proactive role, if that expectation was known. In another situation, a buyer was complainig because the BA was calling him. This buyer was angered by that fact, retorting that he had the lisitngs and he would call when something interested him.

So, I might suggest that you have a candid discussion about your expectations before you throw in the towel if you think the BA has a handle on the market, and has the possibility of negotiating well for you.

If you think there is no salvage for the exisitng relationship, let the current BA know that you have decided to move on.

As it pertains to your inquiry about discounts for both buying and selling. Some do, some don't. Some do for clients that are lower maintenance, while declining to discount for clients that will be high maintenance.
I recommend that you focus on who will do the best job for you in getting you the best net deal. Getting a discount, but forfeting the savings on the bottom line leaves you in the negative. You goal is to obtain the best net.

Good Luck

Response back to Amanda Hall.....No I am not looking to make an offer with another Realtor. I found an Agent who I want to list my home for sale. I feel the Buyer Specialist she has assigned to me is not working out. I have stumbled upon 2 properties that fit my ideal criteria in a desirable location, and yet I have not heard from her. (We would like to see these homes - but have not done anything because we don't want to deal with our current realtor). This is not the first time this has happened. Long story short, we want a new realtor, but don't know how to end the relationship with the one we have and don't know how to go about finding someone we feel will help us in this competitive area. I have heard from many realtors on this forum "we should be paid full commission, we are doing all the work"....etc. I feel like at this point my realtor is doing nothing except waiting for me to call and tell them what homes I want to see. Is that there way of wanting to end the relationship with me? I know what I want, where I want to live and what I can spend. We have been prequalified for more and this agent continues to push us to spend more. We may have excellent credit, but we know what we can handle financially. Appreciate your response.

Commissions are always negotiable but they are negotiable both ways and the Realtor or agent can decline. Yes, you can ask a listing agent to discount the commission when purchasing their listing, but you are always better off to have your own representation. Listing agents represent the best interests of their clients--the seller.

Absolutely Yes, plenty of experienced and knowledgable agents will negotiate the commission when representing you as both a buyer and seller.

I have a question..Are you about to fire your agent and then turn around and make an offer directly to the listing agent of a property that your soon to be fired agent showed you in hopes of getting a better deal?

I guess there is an average commission, but unfortunately I don't think there is an easy way to find this out. Commissions are negotiable depending on many factors. In my experience it is not always normal that Realtors offer discounts for purchasing their listings. In fact, one thing you should think about is who is representing your interests if you are purchasing a property where they also represent the seller. Some of this information is outlined on the Information About Brokerage Services sheet that is normally required by law that each Texas Realtor give you when they meet to show you homes. If you need more information my office is in Colleyville and I'd be happy to discuss this with you.

You are quoted different rates because commission is negotiable. Personally, I do not discount my rate if you buy and sell with me. I've done 2 jobs, why shouldn't I be paid for both. You are not committed to an agent who shows you homes unless you've signed an EBA, but don't expect agents who know you are working with other agents to keep showing you listings.

Federal prohibits average or fixed commission rates, thus the consumer gets to negotiate. Some brokers negotiate and some don't. If you are doubling ending the deal I would think this would be a fair request. I would advise you not to choose someone just because they are the 'cheapest' since getting what you pay for could have catastrophic financial consequences. Saving $1000 won't be worth it if your agent isn't experienced where you need them to be and knowing real estate mistakes are costly I'd say interview 2-3 possible agents before deciding. Make your choice of Realtor not only on commission, but referrals and results.
I'm originally from Dallas and was in real estate there. If I can be of help finding you a referral just let me know.
Good luck,
Susan Walker

if you have not signed a buyer agency agreement, then you are not bound to that realtor.
There is no standard commission. Commissions are negotiable,but certainly not what you want to base your decision on in hiring a realtor to represent you. I would suggest explaining that you are not comfortable with the realtor you are presently with so that no more time is spent in looking at lisitngs. Then I would think about what you really are looking for in a realtor, (honesty,trust,good negoitiating skills,) and meeting with 2 or 3 and interviewing them. Ask them what you can expect from them and what you are looking for.