Comments on: Why (I hope) buyers agents won’t go the way of buggy whips

By: Buyer

Buyer — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:21:36 +0000

I liken a seller’s broker to asking the IRS for advice on tax savings verses a buyer’s broker who is a savvy accountant who knows the law and the loopholes.

In fact, I wonder if true buyer’s brokers won’t become more popular in the future. I am tired of the perky agent who dwells on the obvious — “These are granite countertops!” — duh. Or worse, never mentions or knows a house’s drawbacks. With seller’s brokers, I always feel like the victim of a con. Yes, I can gather data and comps from the web, but I need a TRUE buyer’s broker. I now question brokers on how well they will fight for me — do they understand my needs, know the area cold, and know the background on houses — so can they provide blunt, honest advice. We all need that more then ever.

By: Cos Cobber

Cos Cobber — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:08:26 +0000

Buyers Agents in some more uniform markets may become obsolete, but not in places like Gwich were every nook and cranny has a story.

I predict institutions such as GAR will see greater role reduction if the likes of Google and Zillow stay interested in the RE info arms race. Orgs like GAR may actually have more legs in rural areas where Google and others will be unable to generate the necessary ROI for their data hunts.

Btw, when does the GAR intend to rule on your case?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:24:36 +0000

Much like good M&A IBers (or hedgies), mkt participants ultimately determine what level of fees make economic sense, no matter allegedly “free”, public data out there for the DIYers…