Comments on: Do You Need A Real Estate Agent?

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:05:48 +0000

Real Estate is LOCAL & it is different depending on the clients you market to. Meaning that what is acceptable and the "norm" in one area may be completely different in another.

Also, just because everyone else is doing one thing doesn't mean it's the "right" way.

Most of the 30 some odd agents in our office wear either suits, or Golf shirts and slacks type of attire…except the top 3 agents (one of whom is the broker).

We all wear Shorts and Flip Flops most of the time.

Most of my clients are pretty laid back, even my high end homeowners, so I can stay laid back. I got a lot of flack when I first got my license because I wasn't FORMAL, but after I closed more deals than anyone my first few months in, everyone got quiet.

On first time visits with Out of State Clients, who may not be Austin laid back, I sell out, I dress in slacks and golf shirt…for the first visit.

Know your area and dress according to your area & your clientele.

By: Andrew G

Andrew G — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:03:07 +0000

Almost everything in lieu of amortization schedules, taxes and percents and stuff like that is all computerized now days. You used to need to be a math whiz, not anymore but it is on the state tests so it is like everything else. You do need to know it once, but then you can forget you ever learned it and go on happily with life after certification.

By: Nelson

Nelson — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:05:53 +0000

In today's legal environment, it pays to fully disclose everything.

By: Nelson

Nelson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:58:25 +0000

yes. if your license is active (even if not being used) you must still disclose. The selling public assumes realtors know more and have the upper hand in negotiations. (we generally do).

By: mayclone

mayclone — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:58:23 +0000

There often is a fee to cancel. You say it is not listed, but since you signed a listing agreement, that means listed. Do you mean there is no sign and it is not on any MLS sites?

By: Angie S

Angie S — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:58:34 +0000

If your agent has a license in California and in Illinois, he can work under different brokers in different states.

As far as the split, you are paying the broker to work for you. The split that went to the agent is part of the agreement between the broker and the agent, not you and the agent.

By: Blogger

Blogger — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:18:52 +0000

I am an agent, I closed on a property yesterday for 434K and the house appraised 2 years ago for 800K…it really depends on the bank, some banks don’t even accept FHA lons, It also depends on the condition of the house..in most cases form my experience, your offer will not be accepted without signing a bank adddendum, you have to read that document carefuly and consult an attorney..

By: frend

frend — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:30:46 +0000

Requirements vary from state to state. I would contact the governing body in your state first to find out the requirements.

By: nyc_eem

nyc_eem — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:34:48 +0000

The license helps a little and hurts a little. When you make an offer, the seller will think that you have "insider" knowledge and he will think that he put the price too low.
But having the license allows you to easily track all the new listings as soon as they come on the market.
I think i would recommend against the license and just buy bank repo's. You can find them yourself. They are all posted at the County Recorders Office..

By: Peter_33

Peter_33 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:19:12 +0000

You only actually need an agent to sell, not to buy. But the paperwork will be a lot esier with an agent.

Call the bank advertising the house you want and ask them.