Expert: Dottie Worthington - 2/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: We are a first time home buyer and do not have a buyers
agent. Can we ask for the 3% sales commission for the
buyer's agent? We are planning to buy a home in Houston,
TX.

ANSWER: I am not clear on the question, but if you are asking if you can earn  3% for yourself, you have to be a licensed agent to do that. You can go to the listing agent and not have representation if that is what you want.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was wondering if we have more negotiating power if we do
not have an agent? Maybe we can ask the seller to help us
more with our closing costs?

Answer
Unless you are an expert in that field you have less negotiating power in that transaction. 98% of the time a REALTOR will save you money no matter what the commission is. That is what we do everyday and there is no emotion or personal attachment involved. We can see problems coming and ward them off before they get started sometimes saving the whole transaction. But almost always saving some money.