Real Estate Realist

Joseph,

The advice about the bank-induced frustrations of a short sale are correct and if you're not in a position to wait a long time while the bank moves in its usual sloth-like condescending fashion, then look elsewhere.

Meanwhile, I'd say that you are in the driver's seat because it is now a BUYERS MARKET. If your agent isn't doing everything she can to get you the best value for money, then dump her immediately and without regret. For another house, try dealing only with the listing agent (so there is only one middleman in the transaction, not two).

And of course, the simplest deal is with a person selling their house without an agent (i.e. no middlemen, no commissions, no waiting for someone to call you back, ad infinitum, ad nauseam). - Sun Jun 28 2009, 10:51

The truth is that all of the things that realtors say they can do for you can be done without their help. I know from person experience as I've bought two houses and sold them without the help of a realtor. I'm figuring I saved at least $35,000 by cutting out the middleman.

Let's face it, the BUYERS are paying for the realtors fancy houses, cars and country club memberships. - Mon Jun 22 2009, 18:57