Sarah Solomon

Wait...

If you love the home. Why would you wait?

The listing broker may not be the most glamorous person. However, as mentioned below the listing agent and seller have a contract with one another. That also has a holdover period which would include you as you have seen the property under the contract between broker/seller. You and I don't know what that the holdover period is. Could be 90 days could be 1 year-

My question would be what is your intention? Do you want to offer less for the property and the only way you can do this is if you cut someone out?

The listing broker knows as much as the seller and vs. versa- IF we are talking disclosure. The seller hired the agent to negotiate for them and consult them through closing. The listing agent doesn't make decession's for the seller.

So what is it that you don't like about the listing agent?

I don't truly know what you are asking (???) What is your truest intention. The house? Negotiation? The relationship with the listing agent?

Focus...

The House-

If the house is perfect. Who cares about the listing agent or price for that matter?

Hire your own buyers agent to represent you- then you don't have to worry about talking to the other agent. They can help you negotiate the price and terms of the contract. Giving you full representation and negotiating only on your behalf and holding your interest above their own. This would include advising you if the property is overpriced by providing you recent sales data in oprder to prepare an offer. That is a buyer's agent- the public has the right to choose how they want to be represented. If you would like me to send you a definition of the ways we work with the public I would be more than happy to do so-

Sarah Solomon
Douglas County Real Esate - Tue Jul 22 2008, 09:03

Casey,

You need to call your REALTORS managing broker and have a conversation with him/her regarding the contract. Also, you might want to call an attorney and have them review the contract and make any suggestions or changes if needed-

Make very detailed notes-

Wishing you the best! - Tue Jul 22 2008, 08:40

Jennife and Familyr-

Relocating from Minnesota. That is great! Curious to know how the market is in MN. I have a sister that has a bed in breakfast in Siren. She is considering re-locating to Co. Let's talk about you! Under 200k is kind of broad- you could really only want to spend 175k or your comfort level may tell you to spend less. "Is it possible to spend under 200k for a really nice home in Denver?"...the answer is yes! The question however, is what are your goals and how do we get those accomplished long term. Why is it important about moving here? What are you looking for and why is that important to you? Many factors go into purchasing a home- as consultants we REALTORS help you understand the entire picture and assit in matching those orginal goals. Colorado is a great state with lots of opportunity. Two websites I think would be great for you to visit.

1). http://www.walkscore.com/ this is a fun little website that shows you what would be within walking distance from a neighborhood or property. Just type in an address and it will give you a ton of information.

2). http://www.greatschools.net/ this is also a great website that allows you to research the schools in Colorado.

I am certain you will spend some time with these websites and gain a better understanding of actual neighborhoods & school districts.

As every REALTOR below has offered below- the ability to search their website for properties. You can search mine for free without signing up for an account. However, if you choose to sign up the software can memorize your history and automatically send you all the newest homes on the market that you are going to like best! It is like an energy efficent hot water heater that memorizes your water patterns :)

To be honest the market in Co. is great. We have stabilized and we aren't falling anymore. In fact, my company recently reported on statistics that proved we are actually in a 0.9% increase. Not that it is a lot :) But it is better than a decline. To be honest- I rarely have time to write on trulia. There are many great homes and great deals out there. Many of my buyers are competing for homes- because they are priced right and in great condition! If you need any consultation- please always feel free to contract me direct.

Warmest Wishes from Colorado! We Welcome You!

Sarah Solomon
Douglas County Real Estate - Tue Jul 22 2008, 08:26

No- you will have to sell the new house before the bank will let you sell the other home at a short sale status. They view the other home as an asset. Any asset you have either through 401k, Real Estate, Savings, Trust Accounts- anything that is considered valueable to the bank- they will make you sell prior to allowing you to have the short. Thus- as mentioned below a financial hardship. The other thing you must think about is that the bank will 1099 you for their loss on the short. You will have to claim this as income and pay taxes on it. There are still great tax benefits to having a rental. The thing that you have to remember is that you are in a great market to move up- but the question is in a decling market how do you protect your current investment. Best of luck to you! - Thu Jun 26 2008, 11:04

LOL- if you have an extra pillow cases laying around send them to the post office in Parker, CO. COD is fine ;)

Seriously, John I don't know what you do for a living but I would imagine that you have worked hard all your life to get where you are today. Real Estate isn't blue skies, golden sunsets and roses. It is an extremely demanding job that calls on a moment's notice. It is like an on-call job 12+ hours 7 days a week. When we aren't actually in the ring we are busy trying to get new business. To answer your question- statistically I haven't heard of reports that are available because all commissions are negotiable. You can pay a discount brokerage to help you sell your property. There is always someone that will charge lower- most of the time they themselves don't think they can sell your home- but you can hope to sell I suppose. A large mistake when you see those statistics- but you are free to do this. No one is holding a gun to your head and telling you to pay someone the highest commissions available to mankind. But you like anyone have a business decision to make. I will put it this way- if you have a doctor you see regularly and you like him and trust him and care what he has to say. Does it matter that there is someone cheaper down the street? You could go out of the country is you so desired- if you need surgery. Not to sound rude but- it is your choice of who and how you want to handle your financial business.

Many lawyers have tried and failed to control commissions that brokers can or should make. It never works.

At the end of the day- if you made the most money you could of on the sale of the house and the same agent helped you purchase a home below market value- do you not win?

Hire a pit-bull agent who won't take any crap from anyone then you will save money. Sales people make more money than anyone in the world statistically. There is a reason for that-

Best of Luck to You!

Respectfully,
Sarah Solomon

P.S. My husband is in construction. We make about the same daily. Around $400 per day on a good day :) Hope this helps you with your average question. - Wed Jun 4 2008, 22:17