Cindy Kidd

I would suggest you discuss this with your agent. They should be able to interpret the contract (including the small print for you) and give you all of the pros and cons. I think you are wise to ask these questions before jumping into any transaction.

Make sure you always understand the small print on any contract! Good luck! - Wed Jul 23 2008, 21:54

Hi Julia,

This is a great question. The advantage that I see to being a buyer's agent, you will not have all of the start up costs that you have as an individual agent. Would the established agent give you leads and just get you to run with them, or would you have to generate your own leads? If they are going to hand you leads and cover a great deal of your expense for getting started, you will benefit from the security of the situation.

If you can handle a couple of months or more of no income, start up costs, advertising, etc joining a good company may benefit you more in the long run! Check out several companies and find out exactly what their training and mentoring involves. Not all companies who say they provide this service actually follow up on that promise. Check and see what the turnover rate is at the company before you make a committment.

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions about my answer. - Wed Jul 23 2008, 20:34

Hi Amy,

I totally agree with everything David said! I also believe this is something you need to discuss with your listing agent.

Just a few thoughts run through my mind - How long has the house been on the market? Are you making the home available for showings? Have you had any interest in the property? If not, you are probably overpriced. The seller is in control of whether or not they sell their home, but the buyers are actually telling you whether your home is in the correct price point by the number of showings and offers you have on the home. The buyers are mandating the selling price in this market. Though it's a hard thing to accept, if you have had at least 10 showings and no offers, the market is rejecting you.....you are still the highest bidder for your home.

My best advice to you is to discuss your concerns with your listing agent. That's the best place to start. - Fri Jul 11 2008, 20:14

Why would you want to attempt this without a Realtor? You do not pay to have a buyers agent in SC and I would recommend highly that you get all of the help you can. The sellers agent is going to get the most they can for the builder; you would be doing yourself a big diservice to go in without an agent. Good luck! - Tue May 20 2008, 09:45

Most lenders are aware of the programs. If the lender you contact isn't, keep looking for a lender. The first time buyer program is up to $5000 forgivable depending on income and the teacher program is for up to $17,000 forgivable downpayment assistance depending on income and has a guaranteed rate of 5.875% for 30 years. Let me know if you need a recommendation for a lender. Good luck with your house hunting. - Mon May 19 2008, 12:06