Buying Property

[stupidgringo]

I'm looking at buying a piece of small acreage to build a cabin/vacation home on. Should I have a real estate agent represent me, or can I just let the listing agent handle the deal?

If I use an agent, must they be present for showings of the property? I'm going to see a property with the listing agent tomorrow morning. Can I decide to have my own agent after that initial showing? Or should I make this decision beforehand?

Thanks for your wisdom.

 

[nativeaustin]

If you are buying property that is already listed
you want to have your own agent because
the same commissions will still be paid. Instead of the agent helping you getting half, the agent representing the seller gets it all.

 

[JohnnyM]

or you could ask that the seller's agent only take 3 percent and waive the other 3 b/c you don't have an agent. unless they are a total ******** they should do that.

 

[BigWill]

I respectfully disagree with JM.

The seller pays commissions, so, as a buyer, commissions are really none of your ******* business. Further, if anything goes to ****, the sellers agent would have all of the liability.

Get your own agent, BEFORE looking at the property. Unless, of course, you disclose to the seller's agent that you are represented, but your agent is simply unable to attend the showing.

Ask around and see if anybody you know has an agent as a close friend/relative. You may be able to negotiate a kickback based on the agent only writing an offer and not doing any real work, like driving you around for a month showing you property.

Of course, it will have to be on the sly.

 

[BigWill]

[Columbo]Just one more thing[/Columbo]

If you intend to lowball the seller on the offer, using the seller's agent makes sense. Because they are getting both sides of the deal (not splitting the commission), they are more likely to rebate some to the seller to increase the seller's net and make the deal fly.