Courtney Cooper

Hi Jeremy -

I recently researched the same thing for myself and found that I really will end up going with a mortgage broker when it comes time to actually start the process. There just seemed to be more options.

Good luck! - Wed Apr 30 2008, 19:42

Hi Cq -
3% is generally what I charge my buyers unless there are some special circumstances. Commission is absolutely negotiable. I am always willing to talk to buyers and sellers to see what their situation is.

Your buyers agency agreement should also have other terms like length and scope - make sure to look at each one of these to be sure that they apply to your specific situation.

Good luck! - Wed Apr 30 2008, 19:38

Hi Betsy -

Not always is my answer. I have seen some great deals on foreclosures, but that isn't the whole story. I have found that many bank owned properties have big deferred maintenance issues and also in many cases are not priced accordingly. There is no big discount for buying a bank owned property most of the time. In fact, they can cost you more at times if you aren't careful to avoid all of the loop holes.

As a first time homebuyer, I definitely understand that getting the best deal is probably what you are looking for - just make sure that you have someone guide you through the foreclosure maze - one tip from me: make sure that you have the form 22k filled out so that all the utilities are paid prior to the property becoming yours (so that you aren't stuck with a giant water bil, etc.).

Honestly, I am seeing better discounts from builders for a brand new house vs. some of the banks for homes in need of love.

Good luck - right now is a great time to be a qualified buyer! - Wed Apr 30 2008, 17:55

Hi -
You live in a great neighborhood and there are many agents who might be perfect for your area - finding an agent who works well with you personally is probably just as important as finding an agent that is a stellar marketer, extremely ethical, and an excellent communicator. I usually suggest to people that they should ask their friends for referrals and also interview at least three agents during the process of choosing a Realtor (make sure they are a Realtor because Realtors abide by a higher code of standards).

I have many times found myself interviewing for a potential client and have heard the horror stories of some of their experiences. It is vital to really take the time and choose the right agent for you. Loyal Heights is a fabulous area and there is a huge demand for housing in that neighborhood. Pricing and marketing will be a big factor - open houses are a big help for this neighborhood, too, depending on your house and street.

Good luck! - Sun Apr 20 2008, 16:51

HI - That is a tough one -you should be able to figure it out on your own by looking at the other sales prices for the ones that sold recently. Even if other buyers got better deals, you need to look at the specific perks of each lot. So many times there are specific lots that are priced differently for a huge variety of reasons. There also could have been a special at the time other buyers purchased. Builders tend to run specials here and there and they do change depending on which houses the builder is wanting to push.
In the past, I sold a new construction house to my client only to have the builder run a promotion not more than a week later. I called the site agent for my client and simply asked for the same deal. The builder agreed. It is in their best interest to make you happy - you are a buyer in a market where the buyer pool has grown smaller.
Just ask your Realtor to help you - Good luck! - Thu Apr 17 2008, 20:19