What is your honest opinion of Realtors? Do you think they provide a valuable service?

Do you think hiring a real estate agent to sell your home is a wise decision? Or do you think you could do just as well selling your home by yourself? What do you think a fair price would be to pay for a Realtor's services?

What is your honest opinion of Realtors? Do you think they provide a valuable service?
I work in a real estate office (not as a Realtor, I value my evenings and weekends). At least in my office most are out there working hard to help people, some of them are just in it for the cash (and unless they are willing to work til their back breaks, it's not that much). Honestly, get a realtor. So many things can go wrong, it helps to have someone who knows the ins and outs of the business (especially in certain states), who works for a big reputable company who can always call on a lawyer, etc.


Find out what a Realtor is willing to do up front (open houses, broker open houses, advertising you home), what they will charge (many will take a cut if they bring the buyer) and if you can get out of the contract easily. If you don't like them, don't list with them. If you don't like what they are doing, cancel the contract. They shouldn't make things difficult for you only easier.


To find a good Realtor, call your friends and family in the area who have bought and sold a house and see if any have a Realtor they really liked. Call offices and ask the staff person who answers (ask if they are an agent) who some of their most reputable agents are (I've never lied about that, generally they are the nicest people in the office). Find out who the most referred agent in your area is. Don't be afraid of a new agent, they need the experience and will probably work harder for you than anyone else in their career.
Reply:If you want your house put on the MLS, pay a Realtor a flat fee.





If you want your house to be sold for top dollar, find a highly qualified Realtor to work with.





Remember, there are less number of buyers for more expensive homes. More expensive homes require investments in time and money, by your Realtor.





Would it make sense to offer a flat fee to list a home which will cost your Realtor more to market and will take more of their time?





Selling your home For Sale By Owner is like "stepping on a quarter to pick up a penny"





* According to Thomas M. Stevens, President of the National Association of Realtors for 2006, "Finally, the plain fact is that hiring a professional pays off. The typical home represented by a professional last year sold for 16 percent more than those sold without a professional’s help. That profit more than pays for the agent’s commission. Millions of homeowners know it, and that’s why they will continue to call on experienced real estate professionals."





Read more about why NOT FSBO http://burlingamerealtor.com/serendipity...
Reply:yes I honestly think Realtors will help sell your house---because they know how to make a house look good' by that I mean do you know what it takes to sell a house? what is the first thing you would do to make your house look good you would make the outside look inviting cut down all the weeds and fix anything out side that needs doing' make sure all the trim is painted and Windows clean this is called curb appeal very important. nex t through out every thing that makes the house clutterd,paint inside all rooms a neutrally color.wash all windows and fresh curtins or clean drapes keep kit. spotless no dishes in or out of the dishwasher oh clean your cupboards. that is how you start have open houses' know all about financing and get it in a multiple listing. you see I sold real estate for years and be live me if you want to make a house sell it is work' there is alot more but I don't have room I hope I answered your question. and one more thing I sold my own home and it is very hard emotionally I would not advice anyone. to go through that.
Reply:$10 an hour... that is my answer for any question involving paying someone for anything
Reply:Yes, I think they c a n be helpful, yes, I could sell it myself, with a little help. They should charge a flat fee! this percentage stuff is crap, way over the top! $9,000 just to list and sell my house??? WAY TO MUCH
Reply:I can go both ways. They can get the word out to other agents that may have buyers in your price range. I think they do get a little too much for selling your house. I know some that will work harder on certain houses just because that house will make them more money.





I bought my first house from a for sale by owner. My Mortgage broker handled all the legal issues you pay a real estate agent for. Most will if you ask. and they don't even charge you for it!





Some investors prefer to buy directly from an owner. I know people that invest in realestate and some will go to the houses with the realtor signs and offer to work with the owner if they will fire the real estate company and offer them slightly more than they would get after they paid the premium to the agents.
Reply:I do think that there are other valuable services that are above them such as military, police, firemen, teachers, pastors and the like. However, I would always use a realtor. In selling a home there are a lot of legal issues that I am not aware of. I am willing to pay a realtor to sell my house so that I am not taken advantage of by someone who knows the system or if I overlooked some other legal issue in the paperwork.