Sub-Prime Fallout

[aimeecc]

There's actually 2 homes, a few doors down from each other. One my husband found online, called an agent, and asked to see it. I didn't see it. This other agent was referred by my bank, I talked to her, told her we like a certain neighborhood. She called Sunday morning saying there had been a new listing, asked if we wanted to see it. Turns out just a few homes down from the one my hubby saw. So I said yes, and asked if we could see the one I hadn't seen yet.
Homes are the exact same floor plan, but the one my husband saw w/ another agent has a remodeled kitchen (I don't really like the remodeled kitchen) and more updates (newer HVAC, water heater, windows, doors, to name a few) and a fully finished basement. Same listing agent on both homes. Price is only $2k difference. But the one without updates is a better lot. We would be happy with either, its just a matter of which one we can get a better deal on. We can probably negotiate more on the one without all the updates. Anyway, I need someone that can negotiate and that has our interests in mind. The agent has already been pushing me towards the one with all the updates, even though I said several times that I liked the other one. Not sure if its her agenda, or if she personally thinks its a better deal.
Anyway, just vetting... I want to make sure my husband and I do whats right and get the best deal.

[lookout123]

Keep in mind that what LJ says. But it is even more simple than that - they are sales people. Like all salespeople they work for themselves and their family and their number one goal is to complete a sale and put food on their table. The key is to find one that you feel like you can trust, one who doesn't make your hair stand up on the back of your neck. Most will do just fine as long as you aren't a complete sucker.

In truth, if you know what kind of house you want, the neighborhood you want to be in, etc. Don't waste time and money with a buyer's agent. The seller already has an agent who can complete the paperwork for you. They will of course disclose that they are representing the interests of the seller, but that is ok. You are going to require a home inspection by a reputable inspector, you will have a title company clear title, and you have access to USAA so get in touch with their mortgage services, they are excellent and easy to work with.

The selling agent can complete all the necessary paperwork and you can often negotiate a lower selling price because you are removing all or most of the second agent's commission spread. I have bought homes with and without agents, as long as you stay on top of things and keep your eyes open then you should have no problems.