Realtor Commissions

Realtor Commissions - Call off the sign? or don't call off the sign. The #1 thing we would have you get about realtor commissions is that the Buyer never pays anything extra to use their own Buyers Agent AND that there can be some Definite Disadvantages to using the Listing Agent.

Home buyers may be led to ask, "Who represents whom?". What they often miss, is that because buying a home is often an adversarial process (seller vs. buyer), that the current MLS system throughout the nation is set up to favor the Buyer receiving FREE representation to be paid for by the Seller AND included in the asking price. In other words, on all realtor sold homes, no matter the company, the Buyer will never pay more money, than what is already figured into the puchase price, in order to be "soley" represented. Bottom line: If you use the listing agent when you buy, then money that would have gone to an agent that would normally represent just you, now goes to the listing agent and that listing agent "double-ends" that sale. In such a scenario, the listing agent represents both the Buyer and Seller, becoming what is commonly called a Limited Agent.

The question of the day is: Are you being "soley" represented if you are being represented by the listing agent? Most would argue, 'of course not'! Some states have made it illegal for the listing agent to represent the buyer. In Utah, it is perfectly legal.

Also, some think that only an agent from that particular company can answer their questions on a particular listing they may be looking at. Not true! Your agent, who represents you can acquire into any and all information you request. In fact, a good agent will ask questions that you never thought of; very important questions. Still some have resigned that it doesn't matter because America protects their interests when "you rely on yourself". While that is often how it can be during the fact finding stage... it can prove costly, especially during the contract phase. Many are opting to be represented by a Buyers Agent to take them through the process, from house hunting to closing. The greatest thing about this is it doesn't cost the buyer anything and often saves them thousands...

If you are convinced, then just shop here (has all the listings on the market) till you find what you need and then have Brian line them up for you. Feel free as always because the Brian Habel Team is here to serve you- Get to know the St George Ut Real Estate market. We hope this helps you concerning realtor commissions. Thanks for letting us inform you!

Multiple Listing Service

Representation & Commissions Arrangements- For technical information and a MLS sheet example of those arrangements with clear explanations.

What the MLS is.

Brian Habel
Your Realtor For Life !
RE/MAX First Realty
1224 S River Rd - Suite A-200
St. George, Utah 84790
800 - 757-5189 - Toll Free Cell
(435) 634-5479 - Office