I saw 10 different houses in last 2 weeks thinking about start putting offers. I am trying to evaluate what value realtor brings to the table. Should we use the redfin agent ? Or I should go with full fledged buyer agent. I am buying house for first time I want minimize mistakes I will be making Budget = 1.15 mill Got underwriter verified approval from Chase and RocketMorgage for 1.2 million Looking for mostly townhouses or single family ( if I get lucky). I really noob while reading disclosures, thats why I am thinking should go with full fledged buyers agent. #housing #bayarea
A lot of stay at home parents decide to take some online training and become a realtor. It’s not as much about the technical merits as it is just someone who can sell on both sides, and is personable. I’ve caught mistakes seasoned realtors have overlooked. But the ecosystem is entirely closed and their monopoly makes Google, Apple, Fb, MS, etc, look like a complete joke.
“But the ecosystem is entirely closed and their monopoly makes Google, Apple, Fb, MS, etc, look like a complete joke.” Don’t quite get this part. Mind clarifying how it makes FANG jokes?
If you don’t list with an agent, you are unable to get onto MLS. Right now I imagine 95%+ of transactions are within agent+MLS ecosystem. I know people that scheme to work around it with low MLS fees + Bluetooth lock box for showings, but an agent has to know they are going to get a commission otherwise they won’t even take a client there. I don’t blame them. Right now you can get away with a For Sale sign in your yard and have someone just drive by and call. Normally that’s not the case. Try selling or buying a house without an agent. I tried to do this years ago and the selling agent basically ignored me and I had to leave a note with the sellers.
You said it: You're noob. A good realtor can identify if there are any issues with the house (not a full inspection, but they know the main stuff) and can actually help you if anything goes wrong. It's free, so why not?
Some how it feels they are serving sellers not the buyers since they are getting cut from seller not from buyer
It's not entirely correct. They get a cut when YOU buy a house. You are the customer. They don't even have to talk to seller's agent if you don't decide to put down an offer. You can find a good agent and let them help you. Or you can find an agent just for the paperwork who will give you 1-2% of commission back.
No, hire an improper realtor.
You basically need a realtor to fill out forms. Other realtors in CA won't really deal with you if you don't fill out CAR forms, and will try the dual agency garbage. Technically, you can buy the forms online and they mail then to you, but they are expensive (like $500 each form), and take almost 2 weeks to get. I couldn't tolerate that delay so I suggest a discount realtor, like arrivva.com. I had a quick chat with them and they are great and I'd highly recommend. The website makes it really easy to schedule a meeting remotely, so why not? Feel free to DM if you have any questions. PS, I close in ~3 weeks!
How much commission they gave you back ?
Thanks mate !
Redfin agents don’t do anything, they just send you disclosures and ask you if you want to make an offer. We just got a house, there were 2 exact same offers on the house, Redfin agent and us. The buyer appreciated that our agents zoomed and presented the offer, not just email. Stuff like that apparently matters to people
get a good realtor
Here's my 2 cents - My amazing realtor helped me tour homes not during the limited and busy open house times. With a small child / family touring during COVID and open house limited hours was very tough. Our realtor gave us access to homes whenever it fit our schedule (HUGE for us). The other amazing benefit to a great agent is early access (pocket listings) and being on top of the competition. We closed on a house before it hit redfin/zillow (it was on MLS). We basically didn't have to compete with others on price, just sellers expectations. If you are a FTHB (first time home buyer) you will want to rely on your agent to help you with disclosures and what a big deal is and what is not. Looking at older homes will be scary, but most things can be fixed/repaired. Look for someone with 15+ years experience that you trust (because you will have to). Ideally they have background on repairs/remodeling/etc. Look for someone with local expertise (they do a lot of transactions in the area you are looking to buy - those connections help a lot). Anyway this is a service, look for the someone that will meet your needs. It's gonna be hard, get some recommendations from friends/family people nearby. I found my agent from an open house (they saw we had a small child and offered). After house hunting in the bay area I'm all for a buyers agent going forward. The market is crazy. YMMV. Good luck!
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it’s free to you. why is this even a question
It’s never free. This is the mentality that blows me away. The seller pays the selling agent and buyer agent a predetermined fee. Usually the is 2.5-3% on both sides.
OP is not the seller?