Buying a home in LA without a realtor
#63
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
I looeked at zillow.com and I think it proved to be rather inaccurate for my neighborhood. The values on houses were from the tax appraised value which is actually out-of-date for my city (city tax appraisals haven't been done for at least five years I believe). The homes in my neighborhood have appreciated so the zillow.com figures are not meaningful.
#67
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 12,865
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
Remember that services such as zillow are a threat to realtors' precious 6% commission, which they go to lengths to defend (as we've seen recently on this thread). Having said that, I'm not a big zillow fan, particularly for the changing market conditions that many areas are now seeing.
#68
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
Remember that services such as zillow are a threat to realtors' precious 6% commission, which they go to lengths to defend (as we've seen recently on this thread). Having said that, I'm not a big zillow fan, particularly for the changing market conditions that many areas are now seeing.
In CO the split of 6% is 3.2% to Sellors realtor, 2.8% to Buyers.
How it gets shared around is a seperate issue, my guess is that the IRS get a chunk. Still a significant cost to the Buyer.
#69
Mr. Grumpy
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 3,100
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
Remember that services such as zillow are a threat to realtors' precious 6% commission, which they go to lengths to defend (as we've seen recently on this thread). Having said that, I'm not a big zillow fan, particularly for the changing market conditions that many areas are now seeing.
this is something i realised after the first day of licensee training, and felt sorry for the poor sops who thought that getting that license was a way to a good income...
needless to say I just use my license to get a discount on properties I buy for myself...
#70
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 12,865
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
dude, you're missing the point the guy from GA made - I can say that in 99.9% of circumstances a realtor will not make 6% from a deal. 5% in extreme cases (before income tax), but in the majority of cases its more like 1.8-2% before income taxes.
this is something i realised after the first day of licensee training, and felt sorry for the poor sops who thought that getting that license was a way to a good income...
needless to say I just use my license to get a discount on properties I buy for myself...
this is something i realised after the first day of licensee training, and felt sorry for the poor sops who thought that getting that license was a way to a good income...
needless to say I just use my license to get a discount on properties I buy for myself...
Here are some examples:
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/comments/212656.htm
http://rerclaw.blogspot.com/2007/06/...-michigan.html
http://www.inmanwiki.com/Real-Estate...ce_Legislation
Last edited by Giantaxe; Aug 7th 2007 at 4:51 am.
#71
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
dude, you're missing the point the guy from GA made - I can say that in 99.9% of circumstances a realtor will not make 6% from a deal. 5% in extreme cases (before income tax), but in the majority of cases its more like 1.8-2% before income taxes.
this is something i realised after the first day of licensee training, and felt sorry for the poor sops who thought that getting that license was a way to a good income...
this is something i realised after the first day of licensee training, and felt sorry for the poor sops who thought that getting that license was a way to a good income...
What they get net is not my concern or interest.
#73
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles Ca
Posts: 375
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
I think people are amazed that such a process can be so simple. Of course I realise there are plenty of pitfalls and horror stories on both sides of the pond. The realtor system here though seems so antiquated and 'mom and pop'ish. In some ways it's quaint and cute in others just stupid. So many middleman trying to get their share.
In UK as a buyer my lawyer would do everything I need, the only thing I need organise is money and inspection. I am sure that when you cut the bull*** out here its the same.
I just cant trust any realtors here, even a good friend of mine who is one suddenly whipped out a contract and asked me to sign on the line for a 3% fee!
#75
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 175
Re: Buying a home in LA without a realtor
[I just cant trust any realtors here, even a good friend of mine who is one suddenly whipped out a contract and asked me to sign on the line for a 3% fee![/QUOTE]
If you were a Seller he/she would need a contract with you to list your property and thus a 3% fee. But you're a Buyer.....he/she should get the 3% from the Seller not you.
If you were a Seller he/she would need a contract with you to list your property and thus a 3% fee. But you're a Buyer.....he/she should get the 3% from the Seller not you.