This morning while I was having my first cup of coffee, I got on the Internet to see what was going on in the world. On the home page for msn, one of the main articles was/is entitled: "Buying a Home? Time for Negotiation Boot Camp."
The article provides some tips and tools in a clever style where a drill sergeant bullies a home buyer into understanding the best tactics to take when buying a home.
While very general and not neighborhood or market specific, this article does present a few good ideas and some helpful tips for home buyers.
However, Author Christopher Solomon of MSN Real Estate, I have a bone to pick with you. Do you hate Realtors®? Do you think we are completely selfish and only sell real estate to make millions and billions of dollars (that would be nice wouldn't it)?
First off, I'm not too crazy about all of your tips. Many are completely generic and do not reflect current activities occurring in well-known and prominent markets throughout the nation. But, we will get to that in a moment.
Your item number two. Not so nice. "The negotiation misconception: Your real-estate agent is your buddy, so tell her what you can spend."
Mr. Solomon: Article 1 of the Realtor Code of Ethics states:
"When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly."
So, while I would certainly like to make a decent living selling real estate, I can only represent the interests of my clients if I have ALL the information that I need to get the job done right.
Second . . . most of your items reflect a traditional market (not our current real estate market). You advise not to make offers quickly on homes that you like. In some markets, homes are receiving multiple offers on the very first day they are offered. If you do not act quickly, it may be too late!
As far as generic articles go, this one provides a few good tips and tools. But many buyers are struggling to get their offers accepted in this fast-paced, unique and challenging distressed property market. So, perhaps the article needs a few revisions.
What say you?