Michelle, Lori

First,
Sorry you are getting "obnoxious" responses on this. It is a legitimate concern and easily rectified.Understandable that you take pride in where you live! I'm sure most people wish all their neighbors did. You never know the neighbors may be in a financial crunch and welcome the help cleaning up a bit of their property. Happy to help if you need it. If you e mail me the address I can find out for you who has title and contact them on your behalf to find out their plans...if you have a agent you work with they should be able to help. - Wed Aug 13 2008, 18:10

Don't give up yet. Take a look at why you have decided to make this move and make sure moving at this time is the right decision, was it for a exciting life change, financial problems or is it strictly based on selling your home at a certain price?? Take a close look of what other "comparable" recent sales have been in the last few months and see if you are in sync with them. Maybe the price you are at now is where you needed to be all along. If there are other homes like yours in the same price range for buyers to choose from make sure that when buyers come to preview your home that it shines above the rest!!
The first thing the buyers look at is the "curb appeal" is there peeling paint? Is the landscaping up to par? When they walk in does the home look clean, uncluttered and smell fresh?? If you answer No to any of these - then your not going to get top dollar and you are hurting your chances all together of getting your home sold. Make sure it is inviting, blinds open, music on , whatever you can do to stand out - do it!!
Give this a chance and see how it goes.

Good luck - Thu Jul 31 2008, 21:54

Maverick,

What is your ultimate goal here?? Is it to get some money back on the deal or have an agent who can negotiate on the best home at the best price for you? People get wrapped up into thinking they are getting money back and that is what the deal is about. A better option is to find a full service broker in which 99,9% of the time the "seller" pays the commision (no cost to you) and if you need money back have someone strong and creative who can negotiate for some money back for closing cost.
Really do the numbers, what kind of rebate are they giving back...a few thousand?? It may sem like allot but in the scope of 100,000s of thousands and all the liability possibilitys it's nothing! Remember, if an agent can not find their own worth and negotiate a commision for themselves how are they going to do going up to the negotiation table on your behalf?? A great agent doesnt have to "buy" business.
Again remember your goal is to have a home you love for the price you can afford not to make a few bucks and have the deal fall apart and break your heart when you are already emotionally attached!
Good luck! - Thu Jul 31 2008, 18:33

It depends on the policies of the individual agent. A good confident agent knows she or he is going to give you a 100% commitment to help you find the perfect home, by signing the agreement you are giving her or him your commitment back that you are willing to work with them just as honorably as they are working with you. Personally, I will not take out a buyer if they do not commit to work with me exclusively. It really is an advantage for you as a buyer because if the agent has other buyers that sign the agreement it means they are fully committed and by not signing, you have one foot in and one foot out. Who do you think will get the most service and attention??
Try it for a limited time, like 45 days and see how it works. If you dont feel comfortable with the relationship going in, dont sign and find someone who you think is a better match. No matter who you go with, working with one agent is the best way to find your dream home! - Thu Jul 31 2008, 17:15