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"Listing broker does NOT represent seller..." --- published on the MLS

By
Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel BRE 01367196

This house is not for saleBrowsing through the MLS looking for listings to show my client, I came across this listing where the confidential remarks said:

"Listing broker does NOT represent seller - directly contact seller.Submit offers via email to HERESMYOFFER___@GMAIL.COM. All info provided by seller."

Sounds like a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) seller contacted one of those companies who, for a fee, will upload the listing on the MLS. But seller takes care of everything else. BUT....

  • There's no lockbox....natch. This makes it doubly hard to show the property. And if it can't be seen, it is bypassed for the next property.
  • There were three BAD photos.  Such terrible qualify. Is the seller so cheap he won't pay for professional photography, or at least take more photos and edit them with free software from Picasa?
  • No phone number provided...again, makes it hard to do business with someone who is so inaccessible.
  • No disclosures to share. Guess they expect the buyer's agent to tell seller what are required, and to produce the documents for signing. 

 

And here's another seller who did the same thing -- paying a fee to upload the listing on the MLS. This time, the confidential remarks say

"Seller is only paying $2,000 to buyers agent and $795 to listing agent."

Again, no lockbox. No disclosures.

A buyer's agent will do the work --- show the property, write the offer, negotiate with the seller, educate both sides on the escrow process, itemize the required disclosures and local ordinances , monitor the contingencies and other timelines, etc. 

If the buyers agent is paid only $2,000 to handle all that, split the commission with his brokerage...the agent will be in the hole after paying his expenses, his E & O insurance, etc.

Insanity! They might as well say "This House is NOT for Sale"

 

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Comments(6)

Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

For every case like those described in your post, there are far more (in my area) where the listings offer competitive co-ops, good photos, lock box access and, of course, a note to present directly to the seller.

I love these listings.  To me, they are simply inventory. 

I don't look at the "Exclusive Agency" listings as a negative.  They are to me and my buyers simply inventory.

We also see mega broker agents with listings with low co-ops, poor or no photos, poor access, etc. 

 

Jul 02, 2013 09:09 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

These are a challenge....and very often don't have the house "ready" for sale....just say bye...not buy !

Jul 02, 2013 11:25 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Next....not much more I can say about that one.

Jul 03, 2013 02:24 AM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Lenn -- good way to look at it....however, I will balk at the $2000 commission because it will cost me more than productive  time to process this deal.

Sally and David -- some FSBO's may be worth pursuing.

Anna ---- like you said, "next"..... the majority of homes are still sold through agents the usual way.

Jul 03, 2013 03:05 AM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

Hi Pacita,

 

I'm seeing this activity frequently as well.  One seller tried that approach last year and (finally) decided to hire a listing agent.  The home was in contract in a matter of days.  What a difference guidance and representation can make!

Thank you for sharing.

Jul 03, 2013 01:17 PM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Rebecca

We can always tell the story of the FSBO founder who eventually resorted to hiring a broker to sell his multi-million dollar pad.

 

Jul 05, 2013 01:11 PM