Marcia Kramarz

Actually Realty Trac notes that it's sold - But public record shows that it's still owned by a bank... I'll make some calls in the morning if you'd like to see it... - Mon Sep 22 2008, 17:39

If your listing contract reads 4%, I will assume (and it should be on your contract) that the listing broker is offering half of that (2%) to any brokerage/agent who brings a buyer to the property. It's very normal for a buyer’s agent whose company has a service fee of 2.5% or 3% (whatever it may be) to tell the listing agent of that fee to see if the seller is willing to cooperate in paying that fee. You're not going to pay your agent anymore but this agent and his office is looking for a higher fee paid to them for their services. It's a normal occurrence.
Buyer Agents may have calculated the costs/ time etc of driving this buyer around for a period of a month or two or three. If they then find a home that's paying a 2% commission over many others at 2.5% or 3%, they just may decide not to show the buyer your home because the commission will not cover his expenses/time.
I know it sounds like paying a 4% commission to sell your home is certainly enough but remember how it’s split up. Immediately your agent and his office is offering 2% back to the buyer agency. The buyer’s agent will then split that 2% with his agency. The buyer agent is compensated a portion of that 2% - Sometimes it’s just barely 1% (before expenses / taxes) .
In this market, if I were you, I'd let that agent show the house. I would make sure that I saw the request for the additional service fee – It should be in writing - If he's looking for 3% and you're offering 2% now - I'd negotiate a 2.5% commission. Remember you're not increasing the commission to your lsting agent or his office. You've already negotiated what that will be. Don't lose this buyer, he could be a good one - and potentially you may be able to make up the difference on what you settle on for a price. GOOD LUCK with it! - Thu May 29 2008, 05:08

Not enough information to really help you- Sounds beautiful - If you're moving up, it's a great time to sell - because that 15% drop other realtors have talked about will hit the house you're moving up to - so you'll net a proft...
If you're moving elsewhere, it could be in your favor but you have to ask if there are other reasons for this move, lifestyle changes, need to be in a certain school district, quality of life concerns, in which case, you should make the move. I'm a Metrowest agent but grew up in East Boston and know it well. In fact I have family and friends who still live there. I know it's still a close knit community and many of the friends I grew up with still live there. I was in California (Taluka Lake) earlier this month and the family who I visited talked about wanting to buy (a second home) in East Boston so their kids could benefit from the colleges in this area and they could be closer to their family. So there are buyers out there for sure - I may know of one (although they were looking for a multi so they could rent out one of the levels). I do have many good realtor contacts in the area if you need one, just let me know.
Good luck with your decision. - Thu May 29 2008, 04:04

There are so many factors to think about - School systems are critical but it's all relative. You may find that the town with the "ok school system" actually has a more robust market making it easier for you to sell if and when you decide. I would let the school system draw me into a town definitely, if I were planning on actually sending my children to the schools. If not, you may be paying in taxes for something that you may never use. In terms of resale, if a family is drawn to the town because of the schools, a townhouse may not appeal to them - I'd be careful with your choice. Make sure you do your duediligence but make sure it works for you now - and don't be totally wrapped up in future value. Quality of life is important - Maybe a town house would provide YOU more quality of life - If so, that's another reason to consider the town house. Good luck with your choice. If you need any specific data on the schools/ or home selling trends in either towns, or a current market analysis on both homes you're considering, give me a call. - Tue May 27 2008, 03:41

Just move the decimal position ... 1 place --- 4,490.00 - Not sure what the question means though - Mon May 26 2008, 08:34