Quote:
Originally Posted by margaretmattson
Hmmm...Why does a buyer have to use an outside agent? Simply call the listing agent to open the house for you. It's not rocket science!
Then, negotiate a contract with him. Much easier that way since he represents the seller.
I don't have to be cheap and worry about paying an outside agent. A BUYER DOES NOT PAY THE COMMISsION. THE SELLER DOES! I don't sweat about ZERO dollars I owe. How could that bother me in any way?
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You are correct in this post. As I mentioned, just above, the seller's agent might be paying the buyer's agent from that commission. It works out to the same thing if there is a buyer's agent.
You can contact listing agents, you can see the house, make an offer, buy it, all without a buyer's agent. The listing agent will probably still get the full commission and not be giving any to a buyer's agent. But where does that leave the buyer? Paying the same amount and being unrepresented. Seller's agent has no reason to tell you if the house is overpriced, or if your inspector has a bad reputation, or your late on your mortgage commitment, etc.
You can protect yourself a bit with the real estate attorney, of course, but again, the commission isn't less. Maybe, just maybe on a deal in a bad market the seller's agent will reduce their commission if the buyer is unrepresented, but don't count on it.