It isn't necesasarily the realtor, it's the system. it's flawed. They should get paid for performance but instead they get paid for a sale whether it was a good deal or bad deal.

I use realtors because it's necessary in most instances. I DO NOT rely on them. I do my own homework, I do my own investigation and inspections, I make my own descisions, etc.
I do not put myself in a position where I consider their judgement or make a decsion based on what a realtor tells me.
I simply use them to communicate offers etc.
When I bought the house I live in now I found the house, walked through it, checked the comps, checked the history of the house and neighborhood, and after I was all done I called my agent and instructed him to present an offer to the seller for $xxxx dollars, with this stipulation and that stipulation, these conditions, etc.
I instructed him to bring it to me so that I could read it and approve it before it was submitted to the seller. I left nothing to chance and took no one's word for anything.
I worked with the escrow company, the title comany, the mortgage company, I was very hands-on throughout the process and the sale went through perfectly with no hang-ups or surprises.


BTW I do my own mechanical work.

I rarely use contractors (except at work) and I watch them like a hawk. Given the chance I would not be suprized if they tried to rip me off or do shoddy work.

I do not trust lawyers at all. The only time I ever talk to a lawyer is if I need him to keep another POS lawyer off my back.

A seller will pay the same amount on an agent-listed property regardless. Either the listing agent gets the full boat, or it is split between the listing and selling (buyer's) agent. So there is little to be gained by NOT using a good buyer's agent. Again, if you wish to represent yourself (or believe that a listing agent will give you equal representation), you will have a fool for a client.
Ease up on the drama there Francis. Sounds like you are both scorned and out of touch. The market dictates price. Buyers pay what the market will bear. Sellers net about the same in the long run, as the typical FSBO takes so long to sell that the 6% premium is well eclipsed by that point.
:rolleyes:
No, it just shows you that most savvy buyers are smart enough to enlist the service of a pro, rather than winging it themselves. Also, most FSBO sellers are in over their heads, and have no idea how to properly market their home. Nor do they have the resources and connections available that most competent agents do. They think they can stick a sign in the yard and put a couple ads on fsbo.com and Craigslist and sell their home in a matter of days/weeks. If it were that easy, there would be no agents.
Usually when a person has a problem with several others, the real problem lies within.
Agents conning the banks? Wow, you really are delusional. :rolleyes::rolleyes:
The fact is that the banks wouldn't liquidate nearly as much inventory as the do without listing agents. If you believe otherwise, I have a nice tinfoil hat I can send you. :D

True, there are plenty of dead-beat agents out there. Those types usually don't last very long, and don't have the skills/intelligence/work ethic to make it a career. However, most competent/worthwhile agents would never jeopardize their reputation or their license (and risk severe fines/penalties/lawsuits) over one deal by falsifying or omitting information.

Chris,

I can't offer any advice, but best of luck with your search. South OC is an awesome location and we'd all by lucky to have you as a new neighbor :)

If you need a good, reputable mortgage broker who isn't a criminal, just PM me. My neighbor in LN is as honest as they come and will take good care of you.

To the OP:

Even if you choose to go with an agent, it's still up to you to do your own due diligence. That's what I'm finding, as I'm going through a similar process, right now. There's no one perfect source for information, but I've found the redfin website very useful for online searching of properties. Very user friendly search program, and if you decide to avoid using a traditional agent to look for properties for you, you can use redfin as your broker and save some money in the process. Of course, as part of my due diligence, I also use other websites like zillow, californiamoves, listingbook, and propertyshark to double cross reference information.

FWIW we used a buyer's agent when we bought our current house but she was/is a 20-year pretty close friend so we had confidence that our interests were well represented. She definitely helped with the transactional aspects although we did essentially all of the legwork (not much) to locate the house in the first place. Our inspector was also a personal friend. We also know other folks who are architects, builders, etc. If you know anyone in the business it could be very helpful to seek their advice and assistance, esp. as a first-time buyer. Trusting complete strangers with such important and financially substantial decisions is downright scary.

I've got a guy I did my refi with who did a great job. Happy to recommend him if you want.

I just close escrow on a purchase a couple of weeks ago. I am so happy with her performance that I don't think I can do it without her an agent. She knows what I want and she screens the home before I have a chance to see it or go through it with a fine tooth comb. I signed papers the very morning we left for Alaska. We closed a few weeks later. We gutted all of the interior as we speak. When I get done with house near the end of the year, she will be listing it for us. No if or buts. I am hoping this will be a long lasting business relationship. there are good ones in every business, you just have to find them.

Chris, I use a loans guy up here in San Marino. He's been great. a bit far for you. If you really don't have anybody let me know. You may not remember me, I have a red 930 and we met a few years ago running Otega and sat with Alex and had coffee outside afterwards in that little cafe near the 5 fwy. Anyway, good luck with the search.

Jeff

I just realized that the title of this thread is all wrong. It should be, "I am so looking to buy property in the OC." ;)

Great, so you found another one?

Jeff

Yeah. We put in a bid, and should hear back by tomorrow.

Congrats on your new project. Show us some before and after pics when it's done.

Sure if you would show me how to post pics. I can't seem to get it to load up.

Good luck with your new place. Let me know how it goes.

Jeff

PM sent, Jeff.

+1

Hey Richard - great to see you! Hope all is well with you and yours.

Motion is back in CA?

Thank you!

Milt - We are maintaining homes in CA, but prefer to spend most of our time in MT, weather permitting :)

This is how we can tell Southern California people, from Northern California people and
the ROW. So. Cal. people put (THE) in front of 90% of everything that they say.
I love the highway designations. We call the freeway's Highway 880, Highway 101 etc.
They call them The 880 or The 101. This is a sure fire way to tell if someone is from So. Cal.

Hella true, Crow.

Wow - Motion is back. Who knew.

Hey - are you still maintaining a Montana blog. I followed it for a bit but then couldn't access it.