Buying house if listed w/ Realtor

If a home is listed with a Realtor of course I would ask when the listing expires. What if it doesn't expire for a few months. What are my options regarding purchasing the home not including paying the commission of course.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:42AM

Michael Dorgan

Real Estate Investor · Lynnwood, WA

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Aug 18 '08, 05:21 AM

Umm. Why does the property being listed with a Realtor matter to you? You don't technically pay the commision as a buyer and can offer whatever you want to the seller. Yes, the seller has to pay the agent, but they choose to do this when they signed the listing agreement. Would you have this property if it wasn't listed? If not, then why cut out the agent for doing their job?

I am probably missing something here. If so, please explain.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:42AM

Jeff Fairchild

Real Estate Investor · Vancouver, Washington

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Aug 18 '08, 05:35 AM

Yes, I'm talking about a seller finding me through my own marketing methods. So the agent isn't necessarily doing their job. Maybe they are the type of agent who just lists the property in the mls and places an ad in the paper and doesn't do anything else. I dont see how that service is worth $6,000+. Also, as a wholesaler, I need to try to get the property for 3% less than other investors, which makes that 3% even more important.

I guess I'll just have to make my offer and if they won't go low enough just move on to another seller.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:42AM

Mark Brian

Real Estate Agent · Anderson, South Carolina

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Aug 18 '08, 06:57 AM

Make your offer thru the listing agent, if you are anywhere close, he may cut his commission to make the deal happen. I would try to make the deal happen if possible to get my clients what they must have. Most people that list with agents are not looking to sell their property at the prices that investors want. But it never hurts to make an offer.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:42AM

Jon Holdman

Real Estate Investor · Wheat Ridge, Colorado

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Aug 18 '08, 07:07 AM

If its a good deal, its unlikely the commission would make it a bad one. If a seller has it listed with an agent, it unlikely they're motivated to the extent you want to get a good deal. They're looking for retail for their property.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:42AM

Jon Holdman, Flying Phoenix LLC

Matt Locke

Real Estate Investor · Lynn, Massachusetts

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Dec 13 '10, 03:57 AM

From my experience presenting offers to individuals who have a contractual agreement with a realtor is almost a waste of time for investment purposes, unless you work with a realtor who is "investor friendly" Most realtors I come across are in their own world. Very rare will you find a realtor who is going to really push for your side.

Bryan Hancock

Real Estate Investor · Austin, Texas

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Dec 13 '10, 08:36 AM

You took the words right out of my fingers Matt!

There is nothing wrong with waiting for the listing to expire and presenting the offer to the seller if the agent didn't procure the sale.

It is also untrue that you don't pay for the commission as a buyer. You pay for it in a higher required sales price for the seller to get the equity they require. This has been discussed several times on BP and is obvious to all non-agents and non-brokers.

Bryan Hancock, Bullseye Capital Real Property Opportunity Fund
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