I Know What Im Talking About

Most realtors love the "furniture" store argument. The problem is that a furniture store is a totally different business and the product they sell is much different than a home, the comparison is not apples to apples.
Realtors Love to try to justify their huge commissions with bogus arguments.
To be totally honest, unless you have a lot of experience buying and selling property, I would not recommend you purchase a home without an agent. If you can find an agent, explain your circumstance, and tell him all he/she has to do is write up an offer and have them write into the contract that the commission is going to be reduced to whatever you and your agent agree to, then that would be the best route. I am an Appraiser and licensed agent and, probably like you, have a low regard for most agents. There is however a good reason that estate agency is regulated and controlled and also a multitude of reasons to work with an agent. 3% may seem like a lot of money, but when you are in court, in a lawsuit with the seller, you are going to wish you hired an agent. (this is just one reason, albeit rare)
Again, I think its in your best interest to hire an agent to represent you , and I am not just saying this to justify the commissions. An educated experienced agent is usually worth the 3% - Mon Feb 25 2008, 16:11