“Thanks for Nothing” (Literally) Department “Please note Buyer/Broker representation agreement for commission.” –Excerpt, MLS Agent Remarks I call the disclosure (above) the, “you’re going to get stiffed — but at least I told you so” strategy. That would be as opposed to the, “you’re going to get stiffed — but I’ll let you discover that...Read More
The Conspicuously Silent Listing Agent At one extreme, there are the listing agents who call your cell phone for feedback while you’re in the middle of the showing (can you say, “overeager?”). Then, there’s the agent I just encountered in South Minneapolis, who listed a brick 1 1/2 story for $20k below market (my estimate) on Friday....Read More
Ok, so there are only three zeroes attached — or sometimes just two (vs. Wall Street’s five or six), but more and more MLS listings these days are dangling bonuses in front of the Buyer’s agent (called the “Selling Agent” once the deal has closed). Unlike a fatter commission payout, which the Buyer’s agent has to split with...Read More
Test your knowledge of today’s real estate market, and answer the following question: Does dangling a fatter commission to the Buyer’s agent — what Realtors call the “listing payout” — result in a faster sale, for more money? A. No. B. Yes. C. Sometimes D. It depends on how much. Answer: “D.” (credit also given for...Read More
Twin Cities Fall Parade of Homes Organized by builders and remodelers to show off their latest projects, the Fall Parade of Homes can also be the cause of some glitches between Buyers and their Realtors. Especially if the Realtors didn’t know their clients were looking for a new home. When a client goes through the builder’s open house...Read More
