Chris Klebba

Everybody's a "Victim." That mentality ought to get the problem fixed right away. - Fri Oct 10 2008, 11:19

I wonder if the people that spend their life posting on this thread are contrbuting to the poor economy OR helping to fix it? I'm guessing they are contributors. - Fri Oct 10 2008, 10:26

JTB...you're not paying the commission. Stop worrying about everyone else's compensation. You are getting representation. I don't have to explain all that's involved with that, do I? You're the expert after all. Real Estate is just like anything else...there are a few isolated bad apples out there. For some it's not even a matter of dishonesty, it's more like lack of education. I'll give you that. But for you to infer that the housing problem is because of Realtors...well that just proves your ignorance and lack of education. Here's a quote from your profile.

"Realtors® pretending to understand finance and the greater economic situation that got us here are like carpenters thinking they can be brain surgeons. Just because they have the tools to do the job doesn’t mean they should be trusted with it.

Be smart. The only people telling you to buy today are those whose livelihood benefits from your purchase.

Plan accordingly, friends"

Your whole "livelihood" comment is very interesting. Ignorant, but interesting. Yes, we as Realtors are telling people it's a great time to buy. Prices are great, rates are great and there's plenty of inventory to select from. I don't see anything wrong with that. You can sit here and bash Realtors all day long. Who knows, maybe that's the only thing you know how to do? Remember this...your opinion is quite biased. Try not to clump ALL Realtors into your BS accusations. What do you do for a living? Let's switch gears and bash your profession... - Wed Aug 27 2008, 11:16

I hope that the 1900+ answers cleared it all up for you! Good luck. - Sat Aug 23 2008, 12:51

I would suggest bringing the question directly to the listing agent as oppose to posting the question in the general area as you have done. It's likely they may never see it! - Fri Oct 10 2008, 11:05

First of all, I would steer clear of committing what I call "fraud" in presenting a letter stating that the house did not appraise, if indeed it did. That can trip you up real quick and make things even worse for you. During the inspection timeframe outlined on your contract is your "due dilligence" time to make these kind of discoveries. Unfortunately that was not done effectively, and now it looks like decision time. The seller is not obligated to disclose that information, and your agent should point you to resources available for you to find it out on your own. The last thing an agent wants to do is say they think there's a rapist in the neighborhood, be wrong and have that person come after them. We are in a real catch-22 as agents, walking a fine line in what we can and cannot say to our clients. Truly, I hope this works out the best for you. - Mon Sep 15 2008, 14:55

I strongly disagree. A purchase agreement is not the forum for commission negotiations or stipulations. The purchase agreement is the agreement between the seller and purchaser. Period. Compensation arguments have their own forums for negotiation, etc. A good way for the listing agent to cover their butt is to post in the MLS that they are co-oping the 3%, but in the remarks have a statement like this: "commission to Buyer's Agency subject to change..." That is my thought. Really, the local MLS and the board offices should be setting up so paramaters. Believe me JD, it's frustrating but it will all get worked out. I just closed one that was in a receivership, it was my buyer, and 2 weeks before closing the listing agent called and said that the bank would not agree to pay the full 6% commission to the two brokerages AND pay the court receiver so would I be willing to cough up $1500 commission to get it to close. It was in my client's best interest, so I did it. AFTER closing I sat them down and told them what had happened. I told them I wasn't trying to be a hero, however, they owe me 2 GOOD referrals! You know what, this guy is out their pushing my name like crazy. What comes around goes around. Again...a purchase agreement is NOT the place to negotiate commission in my opinion. - Sat Sep 13 2008, 09:30

With all due respect to Wheeler's comments, I have to answer quite to the contrary. I only work in Michigan, Metro-Detroit area to be specific-primarily Oakland County. Lenders are ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT A DOUBT initiating short sales. There is no argument to the contrary. This notion that Realtors are predators and swooping in on the owner teetering on foreclosure is NOT the norm, although it does happen and in many instances we CAN help a homeowner depending on the variables of course. How are they NOT the best alternative to desperate homeowners? I guess I need to know what alternatives you're comparing a short sale to. In my experience, it is by FAR a better alternative than a full-blown foreclosure, AND I just spoke with someone yesterday that had a $60k second mortgage that he negotiated down to $11k. That's right, the bank took a $49k hit. How are these situations NOT the best alternative? Mr. Wheeler is also incorrect in saying that the Realtor does not develop a relationship with the lender, it's solely with the homeowner. Not at all true! I have done many short sales, and ALWAYS ALWAYS have constant communication with the lender. It's the ONLY way you can do a short sale!!! After all, how do you know they will even take a short sale if you DON'T have a relationship with them? Makes no sense. Mr. Wheeler makes mention of "fraud." What the heck?? "Scheme??" Short sales are NOT fraud, and they are not schemes. They are a necessary means of releasing the burden from an individual that can no longer handle it. YES...there are ways to commit fraud and schemes, etc. That is not a normal short sale, and should not be brought up in the way it was. If there is anyone out there committing fraud, I think we all know which direction to point the finger. - Fri Sep 12 2008, 17:33

Yeah Jared...we are just rolling in the money right now. What a joke! We don't "hide" anything. It's ALL spelled out on the HUD statement. If you think this is such a glamorous job, come join us. Till then, while sitting on the sidelines observing, don't pretend to e an expert. Now, I agree with what I think you were trying to say...JD should probably not try to be the one calling the shots. Then banks will push him around and have their way with him so fast his head will spin. I think his real complaint should go to the local board office or the local MLS as to stop the problem. - Fri Sep 12 2008, 10:57

Let's have the meet and greet at my place. Pick a date. - Fri Sep 12 2008, 17:38

Testis? What does that mean nonrealtor? - Fri Sep 12 2008, 10:18