Jean Bradford

Hi, Joe,

Jackie's advice was great! You can check the "Home Pages" of some of the agents, and check out their background and "Designations" before you call them. If you look for a "CRS" (Certified Residential Specialist) you know you'll have an agent who has been in the business at least 5 years, and has passed all the educational requirements, experience, and training to receive that designation.

This is better than just being referred to someone in the Seattle area by a referral company. Just because a company has a list of agents in your target area doesn't mean you'll be happy with anyone that is assigned to you. My area is 5 miles across the Puget Sound, so this is an "arm's length" opinion.

Welcome to the great northwest,

Jean Bradford
Associate Broker, ABR, GRI, CRS, CRB
John L. Scott Real Estate
Silverdale, WA 98383
1-800-482-4398 - Wed May 14 2008, 13:28

Hi, Arby,

There is a "Parkland" area just south of Seattle, so you should be careful to find a Realtor that is licensed in Florida where your prospective property is located. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but do have a market analyisis made, first!

Good luck on a successful purchase,

Jean Bradford
Associate Broker, ABR, GRI, CRS, CRB
John L. Scott Real Estate,
Silverdale, WA 98383
1-800-482-4398 - Thu May 8 2008, 11:30

The "Buyers Agency Agreement" is a confusing form, and I never use it when I already know that the seller is paying the commission. When a seller places a home for sale on the multiple listing service, that commission is protected for the selling agent. Perhaps if you ask your Realtor this question, your concerns will be cleared up. We're always happy for ONE commission, and don't expect two!! Hope this helps. - Thu May 1 2008, 14:22

Hello, Ann,

It is totally bizarre, that any licensed Realtor would not want EVERYTHING in writting....even the inclusion of the refrigerator. There is no such thing as a "gentlemen's agreement" on the sale of real property. Your buyer is also not protected. I would need more information to make a recommendation of the most immediate action to take; but you most likely need to take a copy of this contract to a real estate attorney!

Jean Bradford 360-698-8155
Associate Broker, ABR, GRI, CRS, CRB
John L. Scott Real Estate
Silverdale, WA 98383 - Thu May 1 2008, 09:25

It may be too late to stop this foreclosure. If you do have any junior liens, then that is a problem. As an experienced Realtor, I have helped sellers successfuly navigate this landmine. One property had 3 liens that were all in foreclosure, and none of the lenders wanted to pay off the other 2 liens and accquire the property. Your Realtor needed to negotiate with the lender(s) at least 3 months ago; as a "short sale" depends on how much of the principle and interest the lender(s) are willing to waive. This needed to be established before you accepted a "short sale" offer.

Jean Bradford
Associate Broker, ABR,GRI,CRS,CRB
John L. Scott Real Estate
Silverdale, WA 98383
1-800-482-4398 - Thu May 1 2008, 09:04