Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile
I know a couple of folks who have done the FSBO thing with good results. Nothing to lose by trying. Same goes for negotiating a lower rate.
Real estate agents are among the most overpaid people out there, IMHO. Very little "value add" for the cost is actually provided - you pay for convenience, a lot like consignment.
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And its not even all that convenient many times - last minute scheduling, not really knowing how to negotiate, yet they get an 'exclusive'...the whole thing is a racket more often than not. At least thats how it is in my area...it may be different in other parts of the country, never bought/sold elsewhere.
With the way MLS works, with your typical home sale (not the exclusive stuff), I'm of the opinion that it doesn't really matter who the listing agency is. A great agent can make a huge difference. But much like great car salesman, they are exceptions, not norms.
It's like selling a car - make sure the buyers are prepared on their end and not kicking tires. If something they say sounds too good to be true (like they don't have to sell their $500k house (with a mortgage) to buy your $900k house, it probably is. Agents don't do a great job of vetting all that often, so it pays to politely ask questions so you remain in control of the process particularly as you get into the 2nd or even 3rd showing to the same buyers.