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88 comments on DrumBeat: July 24, 2009

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r4ndom on July 24, 2009 - 3:44pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I personally prefer to use a real estate agent, as I happen to know an agent whose negotiating skills are far superior to my own. She has easily saved me more than her commission on the 2 houses I bought with her as my agent. I expect her to survive this downturn adequately.

Your mileage may vary, but merchantile specialists exist for a reason.

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beatnikess on July 24, 2009 - 9:09pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I agree that when you can't do something yourself you need to hire someone to do it for you. The problem with RE agents and the system they reinforce is that property is always higher priced to accommodate the service of the agents. The RE agency system has made it seem much more complicated than necessary which makes people less confident in their own abilities. Selling or buying a house is not rocket science.

I have sold all my properties FSBO. Not everyone can be a seller that way, but many more than do now certainly could.

Vicky

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WNC Observer on July 25, 2009 - 5:41pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

My general impression is that about 90-95% of real estate agents are completely worthless at best; there are a substantial minority who are criminals, or are sharp enough to stay just barely on the right side of the law. About 5% or so really know their stuff, work hard for their clients, are totally trustworthy, and more than earn their fee.

DIY is fine, as long as that actually does work for you. It is when you REALLY do need help (and some people do, in some circumstances) that you need to seek out one of those in that top 5% - and hope that you have found them.

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88 comments on DrumBeat: July 24, 2009

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