What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
#1
BE Enthusiast
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 858
What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
I was having a debate with my OH on this - so wanted to get some more ideas. What does one expect/can achieve from a good RE agent?
For eg. is a slope hazard something they should mention, or do they just expect buyers to know? Would they tell you if the property has been sold twice in the last 2 years etc? If an agent doesn't tell you anything except 'this one might be good' - what value is there in that?
Thoughts?
For eg. is a slope hazard something they should mention, or do they just expect buyers to know? Would they tell you if the property has been sold twice in the last 2 years etc? If an agent doesn't tell you anything except 'this one might be good' - what value is there in that?
Thoughts?
#2
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
The guy we used found our house before it was even put on the market, he got a heads up prior knew we were looking for Ajax near the lake and we got in quick. He says a lot of the houses on the MLS web page as it was called back then, are already sold.
#3
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
ours was worth it. he steered us away from buildings he knew had problems with leaking etc.
#4
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Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
Do you think they need to be area experts?
#6
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
I used comfree.com to sell my house I saved $1000s in not using a realtor and the buyer saves money too.You have to show your house yourself but thats easy and the buyer can hire someone to check over the house for structure damage etc.doesnt cost alot.For location you can research that yourself.
#7
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
Free transport - They often drive you around to the properties.
When you make an offer they do the paperwork and present the offer.
They will often get a heads up on competition for property.
Give you an idea if the price you have in mind is reasonable and help you negotiate.
Hear about properties that are coming on the market, or just went off and may still be for sale.
A separation between the buyer and the sellers agent (conflict of interest issue).
You don't have to pay for them, the seller does.
When you make an offer they do the paperwork and present the offer.
They will often get a heads up on competition for property.
Give you an idea if the price you have in mind is reasonable and help you negotiate.
Hear about properties that are coming on the market, or just went off and may still be for sale.
A separation between the buyer and the sellers agent (conflict of interest issue).
You don't have to pay for them, the seller does.
#8
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 858
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
Thanks - we are dealing with an agent here in BC. She never drives us anywhere, makes us follow from house to house. Times are based on her availability, and preference not ours. one time we said we don't want a noisy place, "are you sure this house is not" - she said, no - we drove all the way there and we could hear noise from the front door.
We get some "value" in that she tells us if a house can be suited or not and can find things like the electrical panel etc and tell us how old the roof is - but I am struggling with "Is this all BC Agents do. If so, why do I need this one"
We get some "value" in that she tells us if a house can be suited or not and can find things like the electrical panel etc and tell us how old the roof is - but I am struggling with "Is this all BC Agents do. If so, why do I need this one"
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 318
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
Honesty is always nice
#10
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
Thanks - we are dealing with an agent here in BC. She never drives us anywhere, makes us follow from house to house. Times are based on her availability, and preference not ours. one time we said we don't want a noisy place, "are you sure this house is not" - she said, no - we drove all the way there and we could hear noise from the front door.
We get some "value" in that she tells us if a house can be suited or not and can find things like the electrical panel etc and tell us how old the roof is - but I am struggling with "Is this all BC Agents do. If so, why do I need this one"
We get some "value" in that she tells us if a house can be suited or not and can find things like the electrical panel etc and tell us how old the roof is - but I am struggling with "Is this all BC Agents do. If so, why do I need this one"
#11
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
IMO, one needs to do most of the work yourself, get knowledgeable, forums & google is your friend (not the RE agent) look at the reviews of the agent you are hiring & ignore their smile & BS
Last edited by not2old; Feb 21st 2015 at 11:20 pm.
#12
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
We also used an agent, and her service was invaluable. She found us exactly what we were looking for, in the right area and the right price. Must have shown us about 30 houses and never complained once, well, not to our faces at least lol.
You need to find someone who acts like a friend, and isn't afraid to tell you the truth about properties, even if it means they lose a big commision if you don't buy it.
Our agent also knew some great home inspectors. The one we used pointed some things out to us, which of course I ignored, and now I have to fix some stuff, lol.
There's plenty out there, don't be afraid to shop about till you get that perfect one. A bit like cars really, don't just get one in a nice colour ;-)
You need to find someone who acts like a friend, and isn't afraid to tell you the truth about properties, even if it means they lose a big commision if you don't buy it.
Our agent also knew some great home inspectors. The one we used pointed some things out to us, which of course I ignored, and now I have to fix some stuff, lol.
There's plenty out there, don't be afraid to shop about till you get that perfect one. A bit like cars really, don't just get one in a nice colour ;-)
#13
limey party pooper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,982
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
We have used two. The first was terribe. Didn't know the area, couldn't negotiate, didn't know the market. The second knew all the above and then some. We expended up with a house that's ideal but we thought we couldn't afford it, she got the price down. She said that if you sign with for a buying agent then there are things that they are obliged to tell you about the house etc, but if not signed then only if you ask.
HGerchicov will be able to be more accurate on this point.
HGerchicov will be able to be more accurate on this point.
#14
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Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Orton, Ontario
Posts: 2,031
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
We have used two. The first was terribe. Didn't know the area, couldn't negotiate, didn't know the market. The second knew all the above and then some. We expended up with a house that's ideal but we thought we couldn't afford it, she got the price down. She said that if you sign with for a buying agent then there are things that they are obliged to tell you about the house etc, but if not signed then only if you ask.
HGerchicov will be able to be more accurate on this point.
HGerchicov will be able to be more accurate on this point.
#15
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: What can you realistically expect from a buying RE agent
Agreed. I maybe have been lucky but I have worked with some very good buyer's realtors over the years. Well worth what the seller was paying them.