Barbara,

As stated earlier and well, who has the listing is irrelevant to you. Banks do not sell directly to Buyers, they simply do not have the infrastructure to do so.

In addition to interviewing a number of LOCAL REALTORS (local agents really do possess special "local knowledge") also be aware of the following.

The reason that you are told there is no cost to you using a Buyers agents is because the SELLER is paying the commission. The short version is that the Buyers agent commission does come out of the Sellers proceeds at closing BUT the price of the home is adjusted to compensate both agents. Therefore in REAL terms the BUYER is actually paying the commission. The Seller negotiates with the Listing agent up front on commission costs but the Buyer generally does not have the same opportunity even though they are actually paying the commission. Bottom Line; You are absolutely free to negotiate with your Buyers agent for a portion of the commission offered to the Buyers side on the MLS to help pay for closing costs or buy down the loan rate.

As a Broker/Owner in Discovery Bay for over ten years, I am in an excellent position to help you. I would be pleased if you included me in your list of agents to interview.

This property is actually a "short sale". In other words, the seller has listed it with our company (Marples & Associates) for less than what is actually owed to their lender. In this case, there are actually two lenders. The purchasing process would be to submitt an offer to the seller, who would then be requesting the lender(s) to waive or compromise on the deficency between the sales price and the existing loan. It can be a long, but sometimes worth while process.

Just FYI: There is another brand new, and comparable, deep water home on the market with our office that does not require this process. Listed at $849,000...on Drakes Bay, minutes to fast water. Gorgeous!

If you'd like futher information on either property, please feel free to email or call me:
Donna Mattingly (925) 597-2555 donnamattingly@comcast.net

Thanks for the question!

Call some local Agents and inquire about the property, gauge there responses (Were they helpful, rude, ect)
and keep a list of those you felt comfortable with. You might also ask what services they provide at what commission. An Agent is not doing you a favor by answering your questions, they are selling Services and You are hiring.

Choosing an Agent is an important decision so be sure to talk with and interview, make the time to do so.

There are Good Agents and Bad Agents, belonging to an Organization does not make you a Good Agent nor does not belonging make you a Bad Agent....Just interview and find a Good Agent to Hire..

Good luck, Dunes

Hi Barbara,

The Bank is irrelevant since the bank has listed it with an agent. So the first thing you need is your own agent, and I'd be happy to apply for the job.
Remember the seller pays both the buyer's and seller's agents, so there's no cost to the buyer. You definitely need a professional on your side. Whether it's me or someone else, please start with a Realtor.

Did you know only about half of the agents are Realtors, meaning they subscribe to the code of ethics of the National Association of Realtors? Why would anyone risk it without a Realtor?