Dealing with Realtors

I HAVE A REALTOR,
NOW WHAT I DO ???

Helpful Hints in Dealing with REALTORS:

This website is about You and Your Real Estate Agent, et al
This assumes you have selected a Realtor (real estate agent / broker / company) ...

Hello,
I am a Real Estate Consumer Advocate. I am not trying to sell you anything. I am not endorsing any approach or saying yes or no to any company or service. I am a former licensed real estate agent, now a strong supporter of consumer rights. I hope you find the following information, hints, and guidelines helpful:

First some basic mind set:
*** Whether you are buying or selling, most likely two Realtors will be involved, one representing the Buyer, and one representing the Seller. This also means that most likely there are two different real estate companies involved, thus two different brokers.
*** Add to this dilemma are outside factors such as:
    ** A Home Inspector.
    ** A Title Company.
    ** A lawyer, depending on where you live in the USA.
    ** A Mortgage Company, probably two if the Seller still has an outstanding
        mortgage balance and lien on the property, and a new mortgage with the
        buyer.
    ** A Termite / Infestation Inspection Company.
    ** An Insurance Company (home owner's insurance is required if the property
        has a mortgage).
    ** A Home Owner's Association (HOA) if it is a newer home.
    ** An Appraiser (required by all lenders).
    ** A Mortgage Broker, if the buyer uses one.
    ** A government inspector if the home is an FHA or VA Loan.
    ** Property Taxes and assessments.
    ** A Repair Contractor / Handyman (a home inspector always finds something).
    ** Home Warranty Program.
    ** Cleaners - carpet, floors, drapes, windows, etc. plus a maid service.
    ** The moving and/or storage company.
    ** The landscaper, pool company, etc.
    ** Others that my or may not be required or involved according to the specifics
        of the sales and purchase contract, or required by law within the jurisdiction
        of the purchase.
----> The point to all of this is the 'Human Factor.' With so many people involved
        there is bound to be glitches, problems, conflicts, remorse, and a whole host
        of issues.

Addressing How To Protect Yourself from a BAD Transaction:
///\\\    ~ First recognize that Realtors are NOT your friends.
///\\\    ~ Never be afraid to ask questions or put a HOLD on the transaction until
            an issue is COMPLETELY Resolved.
///\\\    ~ Never accept statements like, 'But this is the way it's always been done'
            or 'It's Ok just sign here.'
///\\\    ~ If you are a Buyer, get Full Disclosure from all parties, not just the Seller
            but everyone, and have all inspections done by certified companies.
///\\\    ~ Do NOT be pressured into anything. For most people buying or selling
            a home is the biggest financial thing in your life. Think of it as shopping
            for car, get the best deal before proceeding with the purchase.
///\\\    ~ Never be afraid to walk away from a bad deal.
///\\\    ~ Never be afraid to consult a lawyer.
///\\\    ~ On questions from inspectors talk to them yourself. It is a bad idea
            to have a real estate agent do it, they want to get the sale for their
            commission. Realtors are not looking after you, you are looking after
            you !!!!
///\\\    ~ Be prepared if something goes wrong.

OK, You want me to be Prepared, how do I do that ????
##    Get a tape recorder, a cheap investment compared to the property sales
contract amount. Record everything everyone says, even the lawyer if you
see one. Personally, I would recommend one of those new hidden type
pocket Pen tape recorders that can be down loaded to your computer. The
cost ranges from about $300 to $450. You then have a complete record
of everything everyone says, the dispute about he said they said is over.
Record it even if it is third party, i.e. your Realtor tells you, 'The seller's real
estate agent said ....'
*    You may also want to create a 'Com File (communication file).' This
simply is a running account of what is said by date and time, and who said
it. Plus who may have agreed to what, and when something was (is) to be
done, i.e. a repair, and inspection, an appraisal, etc.

Note: Personally I would use a hidden tape recorder, people are more
themselves when they are relaxed. But if this bothers you, get a standard
pocket recorder for about $30 to $100 and sit it on the table. Tell everyone
you talk to ... "You don't mind if we record this, just so things are clear."
Then turn it on before they say anything. I have personally done this with
New Home Builders. You can feel the tension but you get a better home
in the end.

##    Make sure you get a copy of every document. Keep these for at least
two years after the property closes.

##    In the event you did not get what you thought or was implied in the
contract including all the subsequent surrounding and interrelated people
and happenings, use the 'com file' and tape recordings, and sue everybody.

##    Read every damn thing thoroughly before you sign it.

##    Purchase a Digital Camera. Take pictures of everything inside and out
the day of the contract signing. This insures what is there is what you end up
with once the keys are turned over to you.

##    Do a final walk through the same day of closing. Again using a digital
camera take pictures of everything. Compare the pictures, if anything is
missing or changed stop the closing, do not take possession of the property.

##    Also at inspection and final walk through before 'Close of Escrow (COE)',
make sure everything is removed from the home. No trash, no debris, no toxic
chemicals, no current owner's possessions, etc. The home should be empty
unless certain items are contractual and specified to remain as part of the sale.

GOOD LUCK ...
Have a great home, be happy ...
JACK