Do I really need a Real estate agent to represent me, to buy a new home?
401766
You don't have to have a realtor when buying a new home.  But if you choose not to use a realtor then you'd better have an attorney to represent you for the purchase.  The attorney will make sure that your contract contains all of the provisions that you need to have, that the mortgage documents contain nothing unusual, that you get the inspections you need and that the closing goes the way it should.  \n\nOne advantage of using a realtor is that you will get to see more houses than you might otherwise find on your own.  They will help you as far as negotiating the purchase and will provide some assistance during inspections.  They won't represent you as well as an attorney but they are still helpful for the purchase.\n\nThe buyer normally does not pay the realtor.  This is usually the responsibility of the seller.  So why not use both a realtor and an attorney?  The legal fee shouldn't be more than $500-$1000 and it is worth every bit just to prevent problems in what could be one of the biggest transactions you ever have.
541872
If you are serious you need to contact a REALTOR then let him or her do all the work for you, be prepared to answer what the use of the purchase will be and if you have cash or financing in place.
33106
I wouldn't recommend it, but I'm a bit biased since I am a Realtor.  \n\nBut, with that being said:\n\n-Fill out a disclosure on your property. FULLY disclose any issues you've had with the house.\n-Buy some for sale signs.\n-Design some flyers.  Be sure to take digital pictures of the inside and outside of the property that highlight the features.\n-Decide on an ad budget, and spend your money wisely on advertising.\n-Hold the property open. Be careful...make EVERYONE sign in for security reasons.\n-Make yourself available OFTEN for showings.  If people call and you can't make it there on their schedule without a lot of shifting around, they'll move on.\n-Qualify potential buyers if they intend to submit an offer.\n-Decide up front that if it isn't working out, at what point would you use the services of a Realtor (depending on how quickly you need an offer)\n\nSelling by owner can be profitable, and if you're in a high turnover area, I would certainly say go for it.  If you're in a 'normal' real estate market, be ready to work pretty hard to sell the property! \n\nGood luck.  If you have more specific questions, feel free to email me at rodbaker@fwrealtor.com.
337447
I would talk to a real estate agent.
1064078
You don't need to.  When you list it with one realtor, it goes into the MLS computers accessable by all realtors.
466875
Some agencies will reimburse you for your class if you sign up with that agency.  It depends on your state and the demand for real estate agents.
142728
Talk to your real estate agent or laywer.
650310
I specialize in real estate and wow, that is a tricky question.\n\nGenerally, I would recommend NOT doing it by estimate alone.  I just tried out a new loan officer who had a great closing costs and interest rate estimate.  Looked like a killer deal.  The interest rate stayed the same, but at closing, man it was amazing how those closing costs took off for the sky.  After I did more background, I found she had a rep for being aggressive like that.\n\nGenerally, people have a reputation and the people who best know that reputation are realtors.  Realtors are particularly good sources because they are trying to close a deal and want someone who is highly reliable and skilled at the financing, someone who will make it a "non-issue."  They also do a lot of deals, so through sheer numbers of transactions, they come in contact with a lot of loan officers.  They don't want a person who screws around, misses details, or screws their clients.  They want someone who simply produces, because w/o a loan, they don't get that commission.  Realtors generally know.  Experienced realtors do know.\n\nI would try to contact three *experienced* realtors and ask for one or two people they would recommend.  That will significantly increase the likelihood you get someone competent, and thereby have a good experience.  The competent ones, in addition to having competitive rates and closing costs, are a blessing to work with.\n\nIn other words, assume incompetence is the rule.  Don't make the mistake most people make of simply taking whomever says, "You're approved" first.  Don't go for whomever talks a good game.  There's a lot of money in loaning money.  Some of the most imcomptent people also are the best talkers.  Go for a competent reputation through someone who's livelihood depends on it.  Ask an experienced realtor.\n\nAnd it's actually ok to say, I am not looking to use a realtor at this time.  I would just like a recommendation for someone you'd recommend for loans.  A good realtor appreciates the honesty and knows helping you will spred goodwill about them, too.\n\nGood luck.  Email with any questions.\n\nJared
130371
It depends on the contract you signed when you listed your home. Check it for details. \n\nReal Estate agents who are Realtors (not all are) must ad hear to a code of ethics. \n\nWhen an agent has an open house for a seller, they advertise the open house, put up signs, and talk to potential buyers during the open house period. They also usually ask visitors to please register in a log so they can follow up with them later.\n\nFollowing an open house the agent reports to the seller as to how the open house went.\n\nIt's usually not a good idea for a seller to be present at the open house.
737772
It depends. If your relatives are willing to pay a fair market value and there are no Realtors involved, then it's a good deal. It will save you money on closing costs. Also, you will avoid the process of having your property fot months on the market, showing the house and having your Realtor to do open houses. In most cases, finding an outside party means hiring an agent, which will cost you 5-6% of the selling price of the house.
456781
Please don't go the "cheesy" route; IE: DITECH\n\n   Your business depends on a client base that is in need of housing certainly, but more important than that perhaps is,,, how active is the "Market" in your area?\n\n   Have you linked up/networked with any well established, possibly return customer, Realtors?\n\n   I enjoy investing in Real Estate, and/or at least constantly shopping it and any options for buying. I don't know the lattitudes you are able to offer as a Mortgage Broker however. Do you own the business? Is it already a well established business? Is it in a decent location?\n\n   Again, I don't know your allowable range of options within the framework of the business, but you might look into offering as many options to buyers as exist,,, IE: SHIP, etc. It may also serve you to offer a customer a referral to another type of lender once in awhile, depending on your ability to loan to them, or their abilities to get a loan.\n\n   Certainly you can do balloons and flyers, radio spots, TV, change the "CURB APPEAL" of your office, change the signing, advertise more extensively in the Yellow pages, hire some clown in a themed suit to stand outside,,,NOT,,,LOL.\n\n   Networking with other brokers and especially with Realtors, who in turn might recommend you to prospectives, might be the better way to go.\n\n   There is no fear that I can see, that the market is going to fall apart anytime soon,,,even with over escalation of prices,,,and no matter that, there isn't anymore land,,, per say.\n\nRev. Steven
495736
You need someone to represent you.  The sales manager is representing the seller, and thusly must do anything to get the seller more money.  She may appear to you to be helpful but by definition she represents ONLY the seller.  Get a Realtor.
431953
Not really.  If you don't even want to use a firm like FOR SALE BY OWNER, which makes it a bit easier, you should look into buying a home selling kit at your local office store or maybe online.  It will contain all the forms to get you through the whole process.  Make sure on any disclosures about your home that you are truthful.  I can't tell you how ugly it can get if you're not and the buyer catches you on it.  If you want, you can contact me, I have been a Mortgage Broker for about 6 years, I'll answer any other questions for you at no charge..     IM me at jeremyday1978   for yahoo.
520550
First of all you have to have to be a licensed real estate salesperson in your state. Then when you hang your license with your broker they will tell you if and which Board of Realtors® to join. You will be charged annual dues and be required to take Code of Ethics classes.
1137132
According to the National Association of Realtors, as much as 84% eventually end up with a Realtor.  Realtors often get a bad rap, but the truth of the matter is that they bring in more potential buyers than a person could likely do on their own.  There are two reasons for this.  The first one is marketing.  Realtors pay to market your property in newspapers, magazines, the internet, and television.  More exposure means more potential buyers.  The second reason is that Realtors have strength in numbers.  Let's say there are 1,000 Realtors in your area.  Those Realtors have customers they are working with.  Isn't it more likely that 1,000 professionals can find a buyer than it is 1 person with little to no experience can find a buyer?\n\nCan you save money by not going with a Realtor?  Yes.  A house is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  You may put up a sign and the next day someone comes and buys it.  Unfortunately, that scenario isn't very likely.  Going with a Realtor is more of a safe bet.  You are likely to get more potential buyers coming to look at it, which increases your odds of finding someone that is going to offer what you want.  Realtors also help negotiate the sales price, handle all of the paperwork, keep up with deadlines for you, and make it an all around less stressful experience.\n\nMy advice: if you are hesitant, just list the house FSBO.  If you don't get any good offers after a month or so, list with a Realtor.  The fee is negotiable.  If you still are uncomfortable with paying the commission, then just raise the price of your house to cover it.  Good luck.
150625
Realtors make money off their referals to local banks.  Some will push it to the point that they ywill only work with you if you use their lender.  Beware.  See the Money magazine artivel below for more info..\nhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/02/13/real_estate/closingcosts_money_0603/index.htm
752584
Commission is negotiable. You'll find realtors willing to take a 2% listing and others taking a 10% (that's typically on high-end, harder to sell homes that require costly marketing techniques). 4-7% is most typical, though.