Why hire a Realtor?

O.K.

I’m continuously baffled as to why a buyer would NOT hire a Realtor to help them buy a house.  Every week there are examples of people that really need to work with a professional and stories about people that did work with a Realtor and are soooo glad they did.

This weeks hurrah:  in reviewing settlement statement (which we do at least 2 days prior to closing) we noticed that the bank was requiring them to pay money up front for the MIP (mortgage insurance premium).  The house had appraised higher than the purchase price and the house was being insured for that appraised value.  The difference in this amount plus the money they were paying for upfront MIP was MORE than 20% .  If they were to take the upfront MIP and put it toward the purchase price they would never have to pay MIP.     It’s a good thing they were working with an experienced Realtor.  If they hadn’t they would have paid thousands of dollars toward MIP that was not even needed.

This weeks grrrr:  buyer is just going to open houses looking for a house.  she WON’T work with a Realtor.   Through various conversations with her i have educated her but only on items that have come up in conversation.  Unfortunately, there is still a LOT she does not know.  AND she is looking at homes that don’t fit her price range (most open house ads do not list the price of the house).  She does not understand the lending process, she almost went to an auction to bid on a property and didn’t know she had to pre-register (or anything else about auctions), and i could go on and on.  I cannot imagine the disappointment she is going to endure by making uneducated choices.  I’m also very worried that she is going to be taken advantage of.  The worst part of all is that BUYERS DO NOT PAY FOR A REALTOR’S SERVICES!!!  generally the company that has the house listed shares their commission with the buyers agent (it’s called co-operating )

It’s like finding a lost puppy that has a collar on.   you try to get it to come to you so you can help and call it’s owners.  but it won’t come to you.   after an hour of trying you leave it, know it’s going to be left out in the cold, no shelter, love, or food for the night.   and all you wanted to do was help.  poor puppy.  I hope it makes it home safe and unscathed.

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