Betsy A.
Churgai, broker
Island
Associates
Kiplinger's Magazine has this to
say about
buying property and choosing a buyer's
broker
"The last thing you want to
do is walk into an open house and start blabbing how much you can
afford to the agent who has listed the house. That agent owes his
or her allegiance to the seller -- and only the seller. If you're
negotiating with a pro, you ought to have a pro in your corner,
too." (That's where I come in. Click here to e-mail me.)
"It's commonplace now for buyers to sign up their own agents to
represent their interests in a deal. Look for a buyer's broker
who will represent you -- and only you. Most buyer's brokers also
work as seller's brokers, which raises an interesting question: Who
represents you in negotiations if your buyer's broker also happens to
be listing the home you want? Local practices vary in such
instances, and everything is negotiable. If you want an agent to
advise you and negotiate on your behalf, regardless of which house you
buy, get specific arrangements in writing.
But I can help you sell your old home while I'm searching for a new one
for you. Click here to ask me how.)
"The absolutely best way to select a broker is to ask for references
from satisfied customers. A broker will have substantially more
knowledge and experience than an agent. Ask how long they have
been a broker in the particular geographic area you're interested
in." Selling cars is not like selling houses. You need
substantial local knowledge in order to make a good decision.
Check with the state licensing board to inquire about censures,
suspensions or revocations of a real estate license. Check
everybody in the office, as this may indicate poor management at the
top.