Realtors

SS!

Long Time Member
Messages
9,053
what’s your opinion, are realtors even needed in 2022? Seems like they will go the way of travel booking agents etc. At least as far as residential…

Anyone here sell their house themselves? Let’s hear it.
 
I used to HATE when I'd be in 4ft tall stilts doing vaulted ceilings, in summer and it's 130 degrees in peak, and here would come a herd of Realtors doing walk throughs before listings

The perfume was so thick, it would sting your eyes, and they were under my feet constantly, and too clueless to realize it.

On the plus side, apparently big fake boobs pushed under their chins with low cut shirts was realtor uniform. It was a nice sight when I had the high ground?

I refused to use a realtor. I think you are probably right, seems like a disappearing profession
 
Haven't sold our house YET. but I know while we were buying a few years back our realtor made our life so much easier. She did absolutely everything for us and made sure all the paperwork was in line, etc.

But I know a good bit of people whom are selling on their own and it's seeming 50/50 on the struggle bus. Some are having an easy time, some aren't. I think it depends on how organized the buyer is too.

Just my 2 cents.
 
The true answer is "It depends!" Ones that actively follow the market, know true values and local trends, and provide good service and marketing can make you substantially more money than they cost. I have sold several homes myself, and it really is not difficult. In fact, the title company does almost all the work anyway. Easy uncontested sales, with no conditions or what-ifs, are pretty simple. Title insurance is a must, as is understanding covenants and restrictions that may be hidden in paperwork. Accepting homes without conditions, inspections, or getting into bidding battles are some of the issues they can steer you away from.

As for the standard 6% commission, I would never pay that and most are willing to negotiate more reasonable costs. I believe the average is more like 5% now, and my last two sales I paid 4%.
 
A lot of people around me are selling without realtors. I think due to the booming market.
About 10 years ago I sold one. Put a 99 cent for sale by owner sign in the front yard and had two buyers in 3 days. But you have to be able to show it. I sold a property in a different state last year and used a realtor. No way I could sell it without one.

Wasn’t much of an issue to do it. Went to a lawyer with the buyer and did a contract. Buyers lender did everything else.
 
I have sold several property's without a realtor , all I use is a lawyer to fine tune our paperwork before settlement with the buyer. Keeps that commission in your pocket.
 
I think you can list your property on Zillow for free.
Real Estate is a crazy business. A lot of people buy properties in other states that they have never seen.
 
I used to HATE when I'd be in 4ft tall stilts doing vaulted ceilings, in summer and it's 130 degrees in peak, and here would come a herd of Realtors doing walk throughs before listings

The perfume was so thick, it would sting your eyes, and they were under my feet constantly, and too clueless to realize it.

On the plus side, apparently big fake boobs pushed under their chins with low cut shirts was realtor uniform. It was a nice sight when I had the high ground?

I refused to use a realtor. I think you are probably right, seems like a disappearing profession
I can confirm, our realtor wore some skimpy clothing. Was a nice little touch when she guided us around ?
 
It’s my experience realtors lack knowledge and experience, and would sell anything under any terms as they are fairly insulated legally. Most don’t know how to write a counter offer. I’ve bought/sold several w/o realtor. In a realtor represented purchase attempt I had my agent verbally disclose my crafty counter offer to listing agent before actually presenting it in writing. Listing agent liked that counter so well he used it for his own client and closed the deal dual agency. I just sold my late father’s CA place directly to buyer after couple days of offers/counters.

Their glamour shots look on business cards and billboards, however I consider them no different than a used car salesperson.
 
My wife was a very successful realtor for many years: Observations- 80% of them fail in first year-80% of sales are made by 20% of realtors ( same as most all sales fields). It is true many owners can and do sell their own homes successfully BUT if the market is tight (like it looks like it soon will be) An excellent realtor knows many stratagies that will facilitate a sale. I don't know where female realtors dress skimpy and wear a lot of perfume but it sure wasn't the mantra in the market where she worked. Those that were successful were professional and smarter than H**. Many are drawn to real estate because they think it is easy and all it takes is a personality, fancy car and looks...........wrong...it tales o much more.
 
My wife was a very successful realtor for many years: Observations- 80% of them fail in first year-80% of sales are made by 20% of realtors ( same as most all sales fields). It is true many owners can and do sell their own homes successfully BUT if the market is tight (like it looks like it soon will be) An excellent realtor knows many stratagies that will facilitate a sale. I don't know where female realtors dress skimpy and wear a lot of perfume but it sure wasn't the mantra in the market where she worked. Those that were successful were professional and smarter than H**. Many are drawn to real estate because they think it is easy and all it takes is a personality, fancy car and looks...........wrong...it tales o much more.
Did you just call your wife ugly? ??
 
5% means that a realtor makes more, in commission than nearly every sub has in labor and materials.

That used to piss me off. We'd have 2 weeks of labor, tens of thousands in materials, and everything that went with it, and short of maybe the framer and foundation guys, the realtor took the most out of a house.

Granted I was talking new homes, but the chit I'd overhear realtors say, took all I had to not laugh out loud. They had no idea what made well built homes well built vs tract houses.

Used homes might be in a different place, but new homes, pretty much sell themselves.
 
Anyone who had a bad experience with their Realtor didn't do enough research on that Realtor.

I bought my truck new last year from a guy who worked at the same Ford dealership for 25 years. My wife and I knew him for about 15 years. He told us how the business goes....saved us thousands on the new truck, gave us over value on my trade in and cut out their 1% finance fee (you know they get paid on your loan, right?). Why? Because we have a history and he's good at what he does. He knows we know a lot of people. He knows we will refer to him. He runs his business as he should....respecting his clients and not gouging them. Just as in every business, there's people that won't treat you right.
 
Anyone who had a bad experience with their Realtor didn't do enough research on that Realtor.

I bought my truck new last year from a guy who worked at the same Ford dealership for 25 years. My wife and I knew him for about 15 years. He told us how the business goes....saved us thousands on the new truck, gave us over value on my trade in and cut out their 1% finance fee (you know they get paid on your loan, right?). Why? Because we have a history and he's good at what he does. He knows we know a lot of people. He knows we will refer to him. He runs his business as he should....respecting his clients and not gouging them. Just as in every business, there's people that won't treat you right.
You must be a realtor?
 
I haven’t really came across a “bad” realtor. I’m sure they are out there though…
 
I’m not sure they are necessary but I can tell you I’ve had a realtor that knew about pocket listings, knew how to price a house to start a bidding war, was able to screen pre-qualified, knew what was in my best interest with countering and how to have things appraised out.
I try not to be a tight ass though, let the professionals handle their business. I’ve got a day job. Negotiate 2% commission.
 
I haven’t really came across a “bad” realtor. I’m sure they are out there though…
I avoid 5 or 6 in my area like the plague.

I am a broker and a Realtor. A "Realtor" is not a license but an affiliation. One can be a licensed agent but not a Realtor. You cannot be a Realtor if you are unlicensed.
 
Most do not realize that in order to market a property a realtor may spend a considerable amount in advertising, open houses and related expenses. If the home is a harder too sell house they may spend many hours developing a marketing plan. The 5% commission may be split with the selling and listing agent so it is not unusual to gross a mere 2-3% of which the office will get a fee. So it looks easy for some and can be a very good career but it also can leave you with your tail between your ???
 
I used a realtor once to buy a house and once to sell. Both experiences were good. Of course it would be better if it cost $2000 to sell it instead of $18k+ but no big deal in the big picture. My second house I bought from a person I knew well. It wasn’t even on the market. I paid for the title and paperwork. Going forward, I will try to get it done without a realtor. Easier said than done. I have to consider time. Time is actually worth a lot.

Realtors do bring advantages that you won’t find unless you are dealing with someone you know or someone can vouch for. Some can weed through the offers and choose the winners and like someone already said can start bidding wars. They can show it all day long while you’re working or goofing off. Some can even stage it so that it’s attractive. That helped me out because I was kind of a minimalist.
 
Last edited:
Nobody wants to pay someone for service labor…….. whether it be plumbing, investing, gas pipeline maintenance, auto repair, sheet rocking, writing a living trust, raising livestock, guiding for grizzly boars, building a rock fireplace, representing your self in a manslaughter case, making biscuits and gravy………. until chit hits the fan……….. saving my a$$ from bad ch!t is why I pay for people who know what their doing. The same is true for high rise structural engineer as is true for a real estate agent/broker, as long as everything stays on the tracks, it’s all good to go it alone, it’s when the train jumps the track that your paying that plumber for. Water line breaks in your ceiling, while you’re on vacation………. not so good.

You know what you know…….. or maybe not.
 
Last edited:
I was a real estate salesman but that was back when most people could afford a house and the American dream was alive and well. And now days it's pretty easy to access all the information needed to walk you through the process of buying or selling real estate, so I don't think realtors are as prominent as they used to be.

Wisz can correct me if things have changed or I'm wrong but in CA there are licensed real estate salesmen and licensed real estate brokers. A salesman must work through a broker, and the broker usually owns the business (like ABC Realty, for example). A Realtor is a licensed salesman or broker who joins the Association of Realtors. It comes with certain perks and responsibilities. It's kind of like joining the MM Clubhouse.

You need a good line of BS to be a good real estate salesman, so no doubt Wisz is top notch. :ROFLMAO:

The commission collected is usually split several ways between the office listing the property and the office selling the property.

The very first house I sold; the buyer sued me so take my information for what it's worth.
 
I was a real estate salesman but that was back when most people could afford a house and the American dream was alive and well. And now days it's pretty easy to access all the information needed to walk you through the process of buying or selling real estate, so I don't think realtors are as prominent as they used to be.

Wisz can correct me if things have changed or I'm wrong but in CA there are licensed real estate salesmen and licensed real estate brokers. A salesman must work through a broker, and the broker usually owns the business (like ABC Realty, for example). A Realtor is a licensed salesman or broker who joins the Association of Realtors. It comes with certain perks and responsibilities. It's kind of like joining the MM Clubhouse.

You need a good line of BS to be a good real estate salesman, so no doubt Wisz is top notch. :ROFLMAO:

The commission collected is usually split several ways between the office listing the property and the office selling the property.

The very first house I sold; the buyer sued me so take my information for what it's worth.
I have several lines of "BS"....advice is always free, I am extremely good at what I do, You are the boss but you can fall back on my 18 years of experience, I will be the problem solver when a problem arrives, I will make sure that all of your legalities are covered.

The client is buying or selling the largest item, more than likely, that they will ever buy or sell and they need someone who has been through the process a few hundred times. If they do it themselves, will they know how to navigate through the mess? I will because I have been through my share of messes.

Lots to know about selling real estate....every state is different...some more difficult than others. California is horrible so selling in Idaho may be easier. I don't know but I am a licensed Broker in Cali and I know what I am doing. I wouldn't suggest to anyone to sell their own property. I can negotiate commissions as I am my own Broker. I love my job and am good at it.
 
I don’t know if your state has Berkshire Hathaway Realtors in your neck of the woods yet but if you do HIRE THEM!
You can call and I’ll explain if you like @ 618-779-9165 also I’ll be more than happy to help you in anyway possible with any questions you might have
 
Last edited:
what’s your opinion, are realtors even needed in 2022? Seems like they will go the way of travel booking agents etc. At least as far as residential…

Anyone here sell their house themselves? Let’s hear it.
What state?
 
The very first house we bought after getting married was from some friends of ours. They were in financial trouble and offered to sell us their house for $1000 cash and take over their payments. They owed $13,100. The monthly payment was $90/month. We went to their bank together and the bank said no problem. It was done in a matter of a couple days.
 
In my experience its easier to have a real estate agent deal with all the details.

Im pretty busy and knowing my learning curve with things id almost for sure **** something up.

Plus i use agents that are my friends so i dont mind supporting their businesses.

Same reason i take my trucks to a mechanic or tax stuff to an accountant... sure i can do all the work, its not rocket science, but i dont have the time or tools setup to do it as proficiently as the mechanic or accountant or whatever. Same with real estate.

Id say kick back and enjoy a professional's help.

Wtf do i know though?
 
If I were to sell my house I would bet that I could overprice it and have it sold within a week on my own. It's really that crazy in Calirodo! Just yesterday a house close to me sold for over 100 grand above asking price. Not sure about what's going on out in the real world, but houses seem to pretty much sell themselves here.
 
If I were to sell my house I would bet that I could overprice it and have it sold within a week on my own. It's really that crazy in Calirodo! Just yesterday a house close to me sold for over 100 grand above asking price. Not sure about what's going on out in the real world, but houses seem to pretty much sell themselves here.
That sounds great...but what are your thoughts on appraisals? Or are you that seller that will hope that an all cash buyer comes along after only a few days on the market....and is willing to pay $100K over value? Sure sounds like a fantastic plan....if you live in fantasy land.
 
That sounds great...but what are your thoughts on appraisals? Or are you that seller that will hope that an all cash buyer comes along after only a few days on the market....and is willing to pay $100K over value? Sure sounds like a fantastic plan....if you live in fantasy land.
Seems like a lot of cash sales going on around here. It seems like it's gotten to the point where the average person has a hard time getting into a house these days. And yes, I'm starting to think this actually might be fantasy land!
 
Seems like a lot of cash sales going on around here. It seems like it's gotten to the point where the average person has a hard time getting into a house these days. And yes, I'm starting to think this actually might be fantasy land!
I wasn't trying to be a jerk.....just hear lots of "hopeful and unrealistic" DIY'ers. Market is changing and things are def getting more iffy...at least here in my area.
 
Realtor here! ...and I can assure you we are not all the same and we are not going away.
Been doing it full time for 30+ years and have repeat business all the time, and for good reason.
Most clients find it refreshing that when something pops up, their agent has already seen it many times and knows how to deal with it to their client's benefit. There's nothing sneaky or fancy or perfumy that can keep an agent in the business and garner him repeat clients. Real work, continuing education, long/late hours, always on the phone, weekend work, understanding contract law, being able to accurately explain documents and situations. This is what separates the good from the bad. Oh and HAVING THE CLIENT'S INTEREST HELD TO THE HIGHEST REGARD AT ALL TIMES.
Some of the comments about bad (inexperienced) agents are totally accurate. If you want a good experience, pick a good one or tow the line yourself. Nothing wrong with doing it yourself if that works for you and the market is right.
The beauty is that no one is required to have a Realtor, unlike being required to babysit a guide when I cannot hunt something by myself. Actually, a good guide can add to the experience with their personality and helpful knowledge...just like a Realtor/licensed agent.

Zeke
 
I wasn't trying to be a jerk.....just hear lots of "hopeful and unrealistic" DIY'ers. Market is changing and things are def getting more iffy...at least here in my area.
No offense taken Wiz. I feel bad for the average person in the market to buy right now. Seems like every house that comes on the market around here either sells for a little over asking price or in some cases a lot over asking price. Do we have another 08' in the near future? Seems like the same but different. I guess time will tell.
 
If I was to sell a house today I for sure would have a licensed broker. At least they would pre-qualify a buyer and handle all the paper work to make sure all is binding and legal. They also know how to handle all the negotiations. When you list your house with a broker, they are committed to looking out for the seller. It's not a guarantee that everything will go smooth but they know how to handle that too. A lot of shady buyers out there now.

Some buyers won't work with a broker so they won't be buying my house.

If you sell your house yourself, it might go smooth but it might end up being your worst nightmare too.

As a salesman, I sold a house to a cash buyer. Ater the deal was made and before it closed, the new buyer was looking at the house from the road. A neighbor came out and asked him if he knew the house he was about to buy was hanging over the property line onto the neighbor's lot?

The buyer sued me, of all people. I went to my broker and he took over. We got a surveyor to find the property lines, and sure enough, the house stuck over by about 10'.

The sellers knew it at the time but didn't say anything. The broker negotiated with the neighbor to purchase a strip of the neighbor's property (paid for by the seller) and all was well. The seller even paid me a $500 "tip" for being such a nice guy and seeing it through the right way.
 
Realtor here! ...and I can assure you we are not all the same and we are not going away.
Been doing it full time for 30+ years and have repeat business all the time, and for good reason.
Most clients find it refreshing that when something pops up, their agent has already seen it many times and knows how to deal with it to their client's benefit. There's nothing sneaky or fancy or perfumy that can keep an agent in the business and garner him repeat clients. Real work, continuing education, long/late hours, always on the phone, weekend work, understanding contract law, being able to accurately explain documents and situations. This is what separates the good from the bad. Oh and HAVING THE CLIENT'S INTEREST HELD TO THE HIGHEST REGARD AT ALL TIMES.
Some of the comments about bad (inexperienced) agents are totally accurate. If you want a good experience, pick a good one or tow the line yourself. Nothing wrong with doing it yourself if that works for you and the market is right.
The beauty is that no one is required to have a Realtor, unlike being required to babysit a guide when I cannot hunt something by myself. Actually, a good guide can add to the experience with their personality and helpful knowledge...just like a Realtor/licensed agent.

Zeke
Having the clients best interest held to the highest regard at all times would seem to be a complex and delicate dance for folks in the profession of selling real estate, in as much as you are representing both buyers and sellers. Not many in the sales profession live and work that kind of environment. In a culture where it’s customary to sale for “all the market will bear” it takes an individual with upmost integrity to hold both parties interest in highest regard. I respect those that do it well with highest regard.

Maybe you should hold training courses for the DWR administrators Zeke, they seem to struggle with the concept. Just kidding guys, don’t burn my house down, okay?
 
Realtor here! ...and I can assure you we are not all the same and we are not going away.
Been doing it full time for 30+ years and have repeat business all the time, and for good reason.
Most clients find it refreshing that when something pops up, their agent has already seen it many times and knows how to deal with it to their client's benefit. There's nothing sneaky or fancy or perfumy that can keep an agent in the business and garner him repeat clients. Real work, continuing education, long/late hours, always on the phone, weekend work, understanding contract law, being able to accurately explain documents and situations. This is what separates the good from the bad. Oh and HAVING THE CLIENT'S INTEREST HELD TO THE HIGHEST REGARD AT ALL TIMES.
Some of the comments about bad (inexperienced) agents are totally accurate. If you want a good experience, pick a good one or tow the line yourself. Nothing wrong with doing it yourself if that works for you and the market is right.
The beauty is that no one is required to have a Realtor, unlike being required to babysit a guide when I cannot hunt something by myself. Actually, a good guide can add to the experience with their personality and helpful knowledge...just like a Realtor/licensed agent.

Zeke
Nailed it....
 
Decades ago I have represented both buyer and seller and it's not a dance I'll do any more.
I'll represent ONE (1) party, buyer or seller, at a time and avoid the conflict.
Many times I've referred buyers to other agents on my listings.
Just the way I roll.
Just another point that separates agents.

Zeke
 
If I was to sell a house today I for sure would have a licensed broker. At least they would pre-qualify a buyer and handle all the paper work to make sure all is binding and legal. They also know how to handle all the negotiations. When you list your house with a broker, they are committed to looking out for the seller. It's not a guarantee that everything will go smooth but they know how to handle that too. A lot of shady buyers out there now.

Some buyers won't work with a broker so they won't be buying my house.

If you sell your house yourself, it might go smooth but it might end up being your worst nightmare too.

As a salesman, I sold a house to a cash buyer. Ater the deal was made and before it closed, the new buyer was looking at the house from the road. A neighbor came out and asked him if he knew the house he was about to buy was hanging over the property line onto the neighbor's lot?

The buyer sued me, of all people. I went to my broker and he took over. We got a surveyor to find the property lines, and sure enough, the house stuck over by about 10'.

The sellers knew it at the time but didn't say anything. The broker negotiated with the neighbor to purchase a strip of the neighbor's property (paid for by the seller) and all was well. The seller even paid me a $500 "tip" for being such a nice guy and seeing it through the right way.
DIY'ers may not know what to disclose and find themselves in a lengthy court battle. Always best to work with someone who is a professional in THEIR field. Talk to many agents and work with the one you click with the best if you don't have a friend that does it full time.
 
Having the clients best interest held to the highest regard at all times would seem to be a complex and delicate dance for folks in the profession of selling real estate, in as much as you are representing both buyers and sellers. Not many in the sales profession live and work that kind of environment. In a culture where it’s customary to sale for “all the market will bear” it takes an individual with upmost integrity to hold both parties interest in highest regard. I respect those that do it well with highest regard.

Maybe you should hold training courses for the DWR administrators Zeke, they seem to struggle with the concept. Just kidding guys, don’t burn my house down, okay?
When working with both a buyer and seller (dual agency), it is the law that both parties know the dual agency is taking place. I always ask both parties if they are ok with it. I explain the role of agent is now converted to the bearer of information/mediator rather than representative solely for one or the other. With my business, I always make it a win-win for both buyer and seller to indulge dual agency. I reduce commission so buyer can acquire home for less $$ (lower prop tax) and the seller still nets the same by paying less in commission. Wisz Real Estate makes a higher commission as they receive HALF of the cooperating percentage offered out to the agent who represents the buyer. Win-win for all involved.
 
Last edited:
Appreciate all the replies. We are using a realtor but I was just curious about everyone’s experiences/thoughts.
 
I think there will always be a place for real estate professionals. I'm not a big trader, but I have been through 3-4 houses in my lifetime, plus a few land deals. I've sold a couple of houses myself and bought our place (Small ranch) where we now live on my own (kind of an almost foreclosure; long story). But real estate folks have helped me both on the buy and sell side.

We bought a Fannie Mae foreclosure after the debacle in 2008. Without the local real estate guy, we would never have been able to close that deal. Great help in a confusing government maze.

I have sold a couple of houses myself. That also went well. One I did by myself and for one we used a lawyer. Both had title insurance companies involved.

The whole deal with realtors is kinda like any other professional. From doctors to mechanics to construction folks, I do most of that stuff myself. I have never paid anyone to change my oil and I do lots of light mechanical stuff. I've built a couple of houses with the exception of the plumbing rough-in, the flooring/cabinets and some of the concrete work.

I guess what I am saying is I do a lot of stuff myself but I know when I need help and I get it. I appreciate doctors, lawyers, real estate professionals, mechanics, construction people and much more. All have a place in our society and in my life. And like any profession from guiding to politicians, there are both good and bad in that profession. Use good judgment and get the help you need when you need it.
 
what’s your opinion, are realtors even needed in 2022? Seems like they will go the way of travel booking agents etc. At least as far as residential…

Anyone here sell their house themselves? Let’s hear it.
On average you’ll net about 18% higher. Maybe pay 5-6 percent. And with the legality issues in todays real estate game they can save you a ton of head ache and lawsuits.
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom