Andi Grant's Blog - Everyday Real Estate with a Twist

Which of the following first time home buyers is in a better position to negotiate a purchase on their behalf?

Buyer agency and Dual Agency have always been hot button topics among real estate agents across the country.  There are states that allow dual agency as a legal and viable form of representation of buyers and sellers and others that do not.  In response to a recent blog about agents slamming other agents for their practices for and against, I think professionalism should always be the first order when expressing one's opinion in a forum that has allowed and welcomed public comments from peers and consumers alike.  Name calling and bullying those who do not agree (on either side) is unacceptable. 

With that said, buyers have choices of having representation or not having it.  I am pro-buyer's choice because democracy is the power of choice and that's a wonderful thing!  Since we are speaking of choices, I do present a very basic elementary multiple choice question. 

WHICH SET OF THE FIRST TIME BUYERS LISTED BELOW IS IN THE BETTER POSITION OF NEGOTIATING A PURCHASE TO THEIR MAXIMUM BENEFIT ON THEIR BEHALF? WHAT ORDER AND WHY?        

A)  First Time Home buyers representing themselves in a FSBO (For Sale By Owner)?

B)  First Time Buyers having their own professional buyer representation?

C)  First-time Buyers allowing listing agents (who already represent the seller) to represent them as well? 

MY ANSWER AND OPINON OF WHICH FIRST TIME BUYER IS MOST LIKELY TO BE IN THE BETTER POSITION TO NEGOTIATE A PURCHASE ON THEIR BEHALF:

Choice B)  Buyers having their own representation in a buyer's agent  AGENT:  1 team (Buyer's) = 1 loyalty

The first time home buyer in this scenario is in a better if not best position in my opinion to most likely reap the maximum benefits in their home buying situation.  Many agents on both sides can know the inventory and the market, negotiate pricing, ensure all inspections, reports and repairs have been performed, but only one listed in the above scenarios has the legal fudiciary obligation to NEGOTIATE AND FIGHT IN THE BEST INTERESTS SOLELY ON BEHALF OF THE HOME BUYER AND NO ONE ELSE IN THE TRANSACTION.  

#2  

Choice C)  Buyers allowing listing agent to represent them:  AGENT: 2 teams (Seller and Buyer) = Divided Loyalties   

An agent that is performing dual agency representing both seller and buyer will have in my opinion a much harder time of getting their buyer the best deal because they will have to diligently make every effort to get the best deal for their seller.  How can one possibly get the highest purchase price possible for their seller while at the same time getting the lowest purchase price for their buyer? This is not to say there wouldn't be a lack of effort by the dual agent, it's simply a matter of having their hands tied in certain areas of agency where they would normally have free reign to the maximum benefit of their client when representing one or the other.  To get a better understanding of  dual agency, read short article written by top producing real estate broker and respected real estate author Elizabeth Traub. Also Realtors® Bill and Liz Spear of Ohio recently wrote a great blog article from the listing agent's perspective encouraging buyers to have their own representation for many reasons already stated.

#3 

Choice A)  Buyers representing themselves in a FSBO (For Sale By Owner):  NO TEAM OR LOYALTY (1 person sport)

The FIRST obvious duty and loyalty of a "for sale by owner" seller is to him/her/themself as the seller.  THIS NON-REPRESENTATION SCENARIO IS BY FAR THE WORSE POSITION FOR A BUYER IN MY OPINION.  The buyer is giving the money, the seller is taking it.  Who has the most to lose in that situation?  Unless the buyer is a licensed professional or someone who has bought and sold enough times where they feel comfortable in their home buying experiences to represent themselves, there is no other experienced person or third party in place to see that the buyer's interests are taken into consideration in all areas and aspects of the deal.

Today's first time home buyer is lucky enough to have several choices, leaving it ultimately to be their decision.    Choosing an agent whether the agent  be the listing agent or a buyer's agent does not necessarily guarantee protection, but most certainly places the buyer in a better position to be protected, especially the buyer in chosen spot #1...again in my opinion.  

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If you are a buyer and have decided to seek your own representation in a home buying purchase in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Downey, Carson, Lakewood or their surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact us at 310-508-4354 and we'll be more than happy to negotiate a transaction solely on your behalf.  Be sure to also visit us at our website First Time Home Buyer Real Estate!

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS WANTED IN 2012! Los Angeles, Long Beach, Downey and Nearby Cities!

Are you a first time home buyer looking to purchase your first home in 2012 using a first time home buyer program?  This year is your lucky year!  

As of right now, the holy trinity of home buying is still holding steady with lower home prices, low interest rates and low down payment incentives, positioning first time home buyers to truly benefit in a way that even their parents and grandparents would envy.  

LOW HOME PRICES ~ LOW INTEREST RATES ~  LOW DOWN-PAYMENT

Contrary to media reports using the wide brush of national real estate numbers to preach doom and gloom in your local area, more home buyers are becoming home owners in Los Angeles county as thousands of homes were bought and sold last year in Los Angeles and it's surrounding cities according to CARETS MLS sold results data. 

Total home sales 2011 (not including condos):  

• 7000+ single family homes sold in Los  Angeles (3700+ sold $300K and below)
• 2000+ homes sold in Long Beach (820+ sold $300K and below)
• 600+ homes sold in Downey (140+ sold $300K and below). 

Because it's still early, the National Association of Realtors has yet to release numbers estimating how many homes sold were actually purchased from first time home buyers, but after facing many multiple offer situations last year for homes below the $400K mark (a range that is usually first time home buyer friendly), I reckon the numbers produced to prove quite strong!  

Find out if you too can save money and become a homeowner in 2012 using one of the First time home buyer programs currently offered throughout  Los Angeles County, including the cities of Long Beach, Downey, Carson as detailed at the First Time Home Buyer Real Estate website. You can also find out if you qualify for down-payment assistance.  If you are ready to get started right away, be sure to request a mortgage pre-qualification application or call us today at 310-508-4354!  Happy house hunting!

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I'm always glad to offer tips and insights to my first time home buyers.  Here is an article posted to home buyers nationally by Realtor colleagues Bill and Liz Spear of Cincinnati who act primarily in the role of LISTING agents.

Unlike the agent described below, I will show you the homes personally.

I will negotiate on your behalf after extensively discussing with you our strategies on how to get you the most out of the deal. 

- Andi Grant (Realtor with First Time Home Buyer Real Estate)

BELOW ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BILL AND LIZ SPEAR

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First Time Home Buyers - Sweat Equity 101 Below Portland Realtor colleague Carla Muss Jacobs asks the question "What Ever Happened to Sweat Equity?" as some first time home buyers insist on the shiny and new when their budget states fixer-upper. There are programs such as the 203k offering help when it comes to making the ugly duckling a swan within months of the first time buyer's purchase.

IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY:

A REALTOR Speaks Out on the "Realtor Speak" Nonsense!

Kate Elim, a Realtor colleague in VA, penned a great response post to an inspector who wrote extremely disparaging remarks slamming real estate agents as he gave what I feel were VERY harmful misguided translations to buyers on what he deemed was  "Realtor speak" when a Realtor (the buyer selected) offers a preferred vendor list or suggestions. 

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WHAT HE SAID:

“Here’s a list of 3 inspectors”

Really means: All 3 have been carefully screened and none of them will find any problems with the home.

WHAT I MEAN IN "REALTOR SPEAK":  

I TRUST THESE PEOPLE WITH MY OWN FAMILY AND FRIENDS BECAUSE I HAVE REFERRED THEM TO THOSE WHO I WANT THE ABSOLUTE BEST FOR.  IF THEY ARE GOOD ENOUGH FOR THEM, THEY ARE DARN SURE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!

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WHAT HE SAID:

“We’ve been referring this inspector for years”
Really means: He is 65 years old, going blind, can’t climb a ladder and can’t fit into a crawlspace.

WHAT I MEAN IN "REALTOR SPEAK":   

THIS INSPECTOR HAS DISCOVERED EXISTING ISSUES THAT WERE NOT DISCOVERED IN PREVIOUS HOME SALES IN MULTIPLE DEALS I'VE HAD - HE'S THAT GOOD AND I HOPE HE IS AROUND FOR AS LONG AS HE CAN CLIMB LADDERS AND CAN SEE!  IF HE EVER GETS TO OLD TO CLIMB, WALK AND CRAWL, HOPEFULLY THEY WILL HAVE CREATED A SPECIAL HOVEROUND BY THEN THAT CAN HELP HIM TO!

HE GOES THE EXTRA MILE AND HAS EVEN REINSPECTED FOR BUYER WALK-THRU FOR FREE EVEN THOUGH HE COULD LIVE 16 - 25 MILES AWAY FROM SUBJECT PROPERTY, JUST TO MAKE SURE HOME REPAIRS THAT AREN'T VISIBLE TO YOU AND I HAVE BEEN REPAIRED!  HE IS THAT COMMITTED!

I'D RATHER HEAR THINGS WRONG FROM HIM THAN FROM YOU THE BUYER LATER, SOMEONE WHO I HOPE WILL TRULY LOVE THEIR HOME AND CONTINUE TO SEE THE VALUE IN IT FOR MANY YEARS, RESULTING IN THEM ADDING ME TO THEIR PREFERRED RECOMMENDATION LIST.   ANYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN REFERRED BY SOMEONE INCLUDING THIS INSPECTOR WAS A PREFERRED REFERRAL TO ANYONE ELSE THAT PERSON KNEW HAS KNOWN OR EVER READ ABOUT. 

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WHAT HE SAID:

“Here is our preferred vendors list, you can find an inspector on here”
Really means: Everyone on it has paid money to be on the list. 

REBUTTAL RESPONSE:  

THIS IS SUCH A BLATANTLY IRRESPONSIBLE STATEMENT AND MOST CERTAINLY NOT THE STANDARD OR NORM!  ANYONE ON MY LIST IS THERE BECAUSE I TRUST THEM!   I DO NOT BELIEVE IN ANYONE PAYING ME TO BE ONE OF MY PREFERRED CHOICES.  NO ONE CONTROLS MY STRINGS, I AM NO ONE'S PUPPET.  I HAVE NO RECIPROCAL BACKSCRATCHES OR OBLIGATIONS OWED TO ANYONE! *ALSO REFER TO FIRST ANSWER*

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WHAT HE SAID:

“This inspector can schedule an inspection on a day’s notice”
Really means: He is sleeping with the agent. 

^---- WHAT TYPE OF PERSON THAT CALLS THEMSELVES A PROFESSIONAL WOULD WRITE THIS?  Utterly irresponsible, slandeorus and simply unwise.

MY REBUTTAL RESPONSE "REALTOR SPEAK' NOT NEEDED:  A HOME INSPECTOR CAN SCHEDULE 3 HOMES PER DAY DEPENDING ON THE SEASON AND HOW MANY HOURS OF SUNLIGHT THEY HAVE.  Are you telling me every inspector has filled 3 inspection slots every day in this slower market and is so busy they don't have room to squeeze one in?  Is the person who wrote that statement performing 8 hour long inspections so that he could only book one per day?

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Buyers come to experienced professionals for their expertise and their resources!  EVERY buyer has a choice.  They can go with whomever they choose.  My only request is that the person they choose be experienced with the type of purchase they will most likely be engaged in, and has a track record for closing complicated deals as first timehome buyer and government programs notoriously are.  I am most certainly going to also give them a list of my "preferred" lenders, and inspectors and detail the strengths of each.  People who again I trust with my own family members and friends.  I believe in giving buyers choices and throwing mine into the pot.  Whoever they choose after that is...wait for it... is their CHOICE. 

I SAY WHAT I MEAN AND I MEAN WHAT I SAY.  NO NEED FOR THIRD PARTY TRANSLATIONS!

Long Beach Market Report - Long Beach Home Sales Report - November 2011  

The Long Beach Real Estate Market is still looking very good in terms of the number of Long Beach Single Family Homes sold for early winter.  Only 19 less homes sold than the previous month as people started to settle into their fall schedules, which is not typical as most people during the holidays are less inclined to be uprooted for showings or to move. So although Long Beach will generally see a activity drop-off, it looks like many first-time home buyers and repeat home buyers are taking advantage of the Long Beach Market slowdown in these holiday months by submitting offers to Long Beach home sellers who are eager to jumpstart the new year with the hope of a pending sale and escrow. 

645 ACTIVE (Long Beach Homes Currently for Sale)  Hang in there!

465 PENDING (Long Beach Homes with Accepted offers or currently in Escrow) You're almost at the finish line!

163 SOLDS (Long Beach Homes Sold as of the end of November 2011)  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LUCKY BUYERS AND SELLERS!  There were also 18 more homes sold this November 2011 than in November 2010*

LONG BEACH HOMES SALES REPORT 

LONG BEACH MARKET REPORT AND TREND FALL AND WINTER 2011

*All Sales Data courtesy of CARETS MLS.  Long Beach Market Report originally posted at FirstTimeHomeBuyerRealestate.com

HOME BUYERS:  Search LONG BEACH HOMES today! 

HOME SELLERS:  FREE CMA - HOME MARKET VALUATION to get your home priced right!

Long Beach Ocean Blvd Condos for Sale

As of 12/05/11 Long Beach is currently offering 69 Ocean Blvd condos for sale ranging in price from $124,000 (perfect for first time home buyers) to just over a million dollars for those looking for luxury condo living. If you are looking for cozy, swanky, oceanfront, city skyline, Queen Mary views, it's all available!  Here are just a few Ocean Condos for Sale in Long Beach as of 12/05/11:

NOTE:  If any of the condos have been sold since the date of this article, feel free to start a new Ocean Blvd Condo Search   

 

2105 E. Ocean Blvd. 4, Long Beach CALIFORNIA 90803

Price: $124,900

Historic Bluff Park unit located in a Mid Century Modern Building is in move-in condition. This is a ... View Details  View Photo Gallery (13)  MLS# P801374

MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 

Square Ft.: 680

Listing courtesy of Star Real Estate / Seacliff  

 

 

 

388 E. Ocean Blvd. 702, Long Beach, CALIFORNIA 90802

Price: $240,000

HAFA Approval from the first lender at $240,000! Please submit offers at or above list price. There ...View Details  View Photo Gallery (10)  MLS# S619375

MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 

Square Ft.: 600

Listing courtesy of Doma Properties, Inc  

 

 

 

 

 

4265 E Ocean Blvd,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90803

Price: $795,000

Incredible Ocean View condo located in prestigious Belmont Shore. Ocean Views from all floors. No ex ... View Details  View Photo Gallery (21)  MLS# P782279

MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3 

Square Ft.: 2000

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Beachside 

 

 

 

850 E Ocean Blvd 1507,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90802

Price: $985,000

Come home every day to your Castle in the sky!This is one of the most amazing Penthouse residences t ...View Details  View Photo Gallery (25) 

MLS# P777532; MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3 and Partial Baths: 1

Square Ft.: 1988

Listing courtesy of ReMax College Park Realty

 

 

 

 

TO SEE ALL OCEAN BLVD CONDOS FOR SALE IN LONG BEACH  

TO SEE ALL LONG BEACH CONDOS FOR SALE

 

 

 The information being provided by CARETS® is for the consumer’s personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to property referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the CARETS® MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns the web site. Any information relating to a property, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by SoCalMLS® and/or CARETS® and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any unauthorized dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information Copyright © 2011 CARETS® MLS. All Rights Reserved. Certain information contained herein is derived from information which is the licensed property of, and copyrighted by CARETS® MLS. ® Copyright © 2011 CARETS®. All Rights Reserved. Data updated Monday, December 5th, 2011

 

Belmont Heights Long Beach Condos for Sale $300K and above

Who is the person who buys a condo for sale in Belmont Heights?   Is it the single person or couple who's tired of renting and has decided to get their feet wet at this "home ownership" thing without having all of the major upkeep responsibilities that a Belmont Single family Home would have?  Or maybe it's the empty-nester who has finally decided to deconstruct the mini-shrines their grown kid's bedrooms represent.  Or then there's the current homeowner who has "been there, done that" with the suburbia thing and is now looking forward to being closer to the action.  Buying a condo for sale in Belmont Heights can pretty much cover all of the aforementioned.  Belmont Heights has condos that are either nestled in tranquil residential areas, within a few minutes walk to the beach, or close to the action of nightclubs, bars and fine restaurants.  If you fit into one of the above categories, below for your review is a list of condos for sale in Belmont Heights as of December 5, 2011.  Be sure the check out the map and the walkable scores of each.  Great condos, great locations and great prices for the amenities!   Feel free to call me at 310-508-4354 if you have any questions or if I can be of any further assistance to you.

 [Belmont Heights Condos for $300k and under]

3600 E 4th St 107,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90814

Price: $329,900

In a word...WOW! This incredibly spacious Belmont Heights beauty feels just like a single family hom ...View Details  View Photo Gallery (30) MLS# P804145

MLS: CARETS

2 Bedroom

2 Bath  

Square Ft.: 1360

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Coastal Properties

 

 

 

2101 E 2nd St 305,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90803

Price: $359,000

Great Bluff Park location situated in the \'Chateau Lisa\' located just a couple of blocks from the ...View Details  View Photo Gallery (19)  MLS# P783073

MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2 

Square Ft.: 1060

Listing courtesy of Realty Brokerage & Investments

 

 

 

3601 E Ocean Blvd 2b,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90803

Price: $395,000

HUGE 1200 SQ FT ONE BEDROOM BLUFF PARK CONDO in Belmont Heights. FACING OCEAN Blvd at 36TH Place. U ...View Details  View Photo Gallery (3)

MLS# P800633

MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 

Square Ft.: 1195

Listing courtesy of Re/Max R. E. Specialists.

 

 

 

 

3707 E Livingston Dr 405,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90803

Price: $419,000

This Belmont Heights residence has been tastefully remodeled with a modern design sensibility and fe ..View Details  View Photo Gallery (19) MLS# P788242

MLS: CARETS

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2 

Square Ft.: 1100

Listing courtesy of Re/Max R. E. Specialists

 

The information being provided by SoCalMLS, CRISNet Regional MLS and/or CARETS is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the SoCalMLS, CRISNet Regional MLS and/or CARETS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site.

The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals." The data contained herein is copyrighted by SoCalMLS, CRISNet Regional MLS and/or CARETS and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any unauthorized dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.

Copyright © 2010 SoCalMLS®, CRISNet Regional MLS®, CARETS®" All Displays of Licensed Content shall include: "Property Information © 2010" SoCalMLS Inc. All rights reserved. Certain information contained herein is derived from information which is the licensed property of, and copyrighted by, SoCalMLS Inc.

Data updated Monday, December, 5th, 2011. Data services provided by IDX Broker

Seller confronted me on how I did my job!

As soon as I saw him pull up to my Buyer Walk-thru, I knew there was going to be trouble!

REWIND TO A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE:

I started working with a great first-time home buyer investor who wisely decided to purchase a Los Angeles duplex to live in one and rent the other for her first-time home buying purchase. After having narrowed down the choices, we decided on a remodeled duplex that was an investor flip producing enough rent from one of the occupied units, to nearly pay what would be her entire mortgage with taxes and insurance per month.  Perfect! 

DEAL BREAKDOWN:

1. PRE-CONTRACT - Based upon my discovery of false MLS advertising of what were actual classified bedrooms along with my revised CMA based on the new info, I suggested we drop the price  considerably lower than asking when buyer insisted on pursuing it based on location, condition and the rents collected from occupied unit still being at market rents for permitted bedrooms.  After a predictable counter, we got what we wanted.  MY FIRST TIME BUYER HAPPY - seller not so much.
2. POST-OFFER - At first home inspection, the seller just happened to show up and was friendly and CHATTY.  Among many other nuggets he let slip, he told us that whatever we found, to let him know and he would take care of and fix.  I secretly thought "Yipee" while cringing for the listing agent.  BUYER'S AGENT HAPPY - Listing agent not so much (had he known)!  Surprisingly, during this same conversation I found out that he the seller was also licensed.  Something else that was omitted on MLS.
3. The home inspector found a few things, the termite guy found quite a few others and with an add'l $3000 needed in repairs (mostly termite) the seller ultimately agreed. MY FIRST TIME BUYER HAPPY - Seller not so much.
4. Appraisal came in a couple of thousand dollars LESS the already lowered offered price.   MY FIRST TIME BUYER HAPPY - Seller not so much. We immediately submitted an addendum lowering price. 
5. Seller and listing agent challenged third-party appraisal and submitted their own comps which after reviewing and seeing their number of permitted bedrooms, I didn't believe would work in their favor.  Appraiser apparently agreed, stood firm and didn't budge on appraised value.  MY FIRST TIME BUYER HAPPY - Seller not so much.
6. Instead of the regular walk-thru, I advised my buyer to have home inspector perform a walk-thru/re-inspect for $100 because there simply were areas we wouldn't be able to inspect and sometime investors take shortcuts.  THANK GOD!!  The only things repaired were those that were clearly visible to a novice!   We immediately asked for seller to perform and honor the seller signed buyer repair requests!  All agreed repairs were later to be completed.  FIRST TIME BUYER HAPPY - Seller not so much.

FAST-FORWARD TO PRESENT WALK-THRU: Seller came in and approached me with a MUCH firmer handshake than our first meeting. Instead of it making me want to wince, it made me want to laugh - men.  It didn't take long for him to start in on me. In a lucky turn of events, the buyer was going to be late, therefore avoiding the brunt of the potentially deal threatening confrontation. The seller fussed about the tenant estoppel having to be signed by tenant (which apparently he never had to with his other properties sold), the cost of repairs, the appraisal and about 2-3 other things he felt we fleeced him on.

MY RESPONSE: Mr. (seller's name), you clearly aren't happy with how things turned out and I don't blame you, as an investor I'm sure it's tough when you have to take a loss. HOWEVER, I performed for my buyer as I would for any client and that is with their best interest in mind. With that said, please explain to me with everything you mentioned how I failed my buyer who is after all MY client?

He looked taken aback.  He couldn't answer and then shrugged as if to say, "You got me." He shook my hand and told me I was right and did what I was suppose to do for my client.  So instead of wanting to turn me upside down and shake money out of me like bullies do in the cartoons, I had the distinct feeling there was a hint of respect in that second friendlier handshake. 

If you are a first-time homebuyer  Los Angeles, Long Beach, Downey, Carson looking for strong buyer representation when buying your home, condo or income property using first-time home buyer incentives, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354 or visit FirstTimeHomeBuyerRealEstate.com

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OK corral photo courtesy of bbcworldservice and empty pocket photo courtesy of danielmoyle both for Creative Commons for use on Flickr.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

There have been a lot of alarm posts published in the media and even here lately about the potential need for real estate agents diminishing.  With FSBOs being able to use Realtor.com to post photos of their listings (a website supported by Realtor dues I might add), and with buyers using IDX on aggregate Real estate websites to perform home searches, this perpetuates the idea to some that the Realtor is now going the way of the defunct travel agent industry.

Excuse me but if a home buyer is comparing booking a $5000 trip and wearing a colorful wristband to let's say purchasing a $400,000 home and wearing a mortgage for 30 years, then they need their head checked because it's leaking common sense reminding of something I've said over and over again.

There is someone who is giving away money (the buyer) and someone who is taking it (the seller).  Who has the most to lose in that situation without representation?  Is it not the buyer?  It was only a few decades ago that home buyers sounded the alarm and were crying foul regarding unscrupulous sellers ripping them off that created a justified need for some form of buyer protection and representation.  If buyers knew half of what What Realtors Do for Buyers, they would understand that home buying is more than a simple click of a mouse and looking at enhanced property photos. 

Using professional representation will always go back to what a home buyer or home seller values most - their investment and making the smartest and wisest informed decisions that will ultimately save or make them the most money in the long run.  Would you willingly represent yourself or allow the other side's counsel to represent you in a legal case that could cost you the same $400,000?  Of course not.  Why would you do it in a real estate deal where buyer representation is in most cases FREE to you. 

If a buyer has bought into the idea of not using a full service buyer's agent and going directly to the seller or using the listing agent as their shared representation (an agent's whose first contracted primary duty is to that of the seller) that is up to them.  It's their decision.  A risky one, but ultimately theirs.  I want people to see the value in using my Realtor services because they want to not because they feel they have to.  There is nothing half-hearted in my representation of my clients when respecting and protecting their interests.  I'd rather have a client who could respect and appreciate that mutual goal, than one that doesn't.

There is also a new trend with buyers choosing to use limited service agents in the hopes of getting a deal or kickback. I'm not a big proponent of assembly line a la carte buyer services with one agent showing the house to the buyer, another showing up for the inspections, another one showing up for doc signing and calling you Karen when your name is Kathryn because they don't know you from Adam or what has transpired in your particular deal from beginning to end.  How much easier is it for something to fall through the cracks that way? 

If that is the kind of limited agent services you are looking for when buying your home, then I'm not the Realtor for you.  Every real estate transaction is different and in my opinion should never be treated as a one size fits all.  You simply can't shortcut and Mickey-Mouse something as important as buying your home - YOUR HOME!  Unlike a travel agent who doesn't take the trip with you and help you through the unchartered waters and pitfalls of foreign territory, a great Realtor will be walking in front of you, bearing the brunt of attacks, watching for traps and protecting and fighting for your best interests from the beginning of your homebuying journey until you are safely HOME.

If you are looking for your own strong representation whether it be on the buying or listing side, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354 and I will be more than happy to help you every step of the way.

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Wristband photo courtesy of Fuschia foot, empty pockets by danielmoyle; pocker chips photo by pbaesse; All on Flickr for Creative commons
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License.