Online House Hunting

what can a realtor do for me?

OK I am hunting for a new home (first home.)I seen a few places and think I finally decided exactly what and where I want it. I want a new home to a specific floor plan in a new community being built in Murfreesboro TN (in case any local laws apply.) The question I have now is: given that I have picked what I want, what can a realtor do for me. As far as I know, a realtor gets paid off the house’s price, it wont be extra money off my pocket but less money towards the seller’s pocket. That’s all nice and dandy, but what will he do for me that I have not done already? Can he actually haggle something for me? I am horrible at haggling, I admit, so if he can get me something for free, upgrades or price cuts, then I may look for a good realtor, else I see no much use to bother finding one. So again: what can a realtor do for me, given this situation.

Public Comments

1. My personal experience, from working in a mortgage lenders office, is that they do real well nagging the lender to hurry up. Since they make a commission they don't do the haggeling for you, you have to do it yourself. The more money they sell the house for the more they make. At this time if you go directly to the builder, he would probably cut you a break if you aproach him without a realtor. If they already have a house built that they have not been able to sell they cut the price. I am in TX and that is what is happening in my area. Just buck up and haggle, you can do it. This is the most expensive purchase you will make in your lifetime, haggle.
2. If its a pre-planned development, pre-packaged house/floor plan, and the price is set. Realtors can't do anything but earn money. But, even if the house is new, still hire a licensed, insured, and bonded house inspector and a real estate attorney! I learned that the hard way, ouch. Even if you are intelligent, degreed, and know 'somebody'... hire professionals who LEGALLY have to protect your interest and money. I wish I could tell every first time home buyer this information. Don't trust a realtor. Only trust those who are hired to be trustworthy!
3. I am realtor in Houston. A good realtor knows the market much more than you, especially if they specialize in a particular market area. I recommend that you interview a couple and determin for yourself what you are missing in terms of real estate knowledge.