Biju

Buyers believe that if they do not work with a realtor they can get a better price and using the MLS themselves they can more effectively search and screen properties.

The realty is that it is difficult to get a better price without using an agent because the standard listing agents have a 6% commission built-in. As a buyer, you can write an offer that rebates 3% back to you if you do not use an agent. Or more practically, as a buyer you use a realtor that will upfront agree to rebate a portion of their commission to you (ziprealty realty 20%, others up to 80%) in advance.

I am seriously thinking about getting a realtor license myself after reading the requirements. This is not like getting a college degree. In fact in FL all you need is:
a) a high school degree
b) a set of classes--can be completed online. total time investment 63 hrs ($245.00)
c) pass a state exam ($35.00) then pay $145.00 to get a license

This exam isn't rocket science; a sample question with a common sense answer:
A person want to act as his own general contractor to build a home
would consult which document to determine the amount of
insulation required by law?
A. zoning ordinance
B. home warranty
C. plans & specs
D. building code - Sat Apr 12 2008, 01:37