About Sheri Friesen Expertise Ask me anything regarding residential real estate in Calgary Alberta.Most of my experience is with single family homes. Please remember, I am not a lawyer so any legal questions should be directed to your lawyer
Experience I have been a licensed realtor in Calgary since 1997. I love a challenge!
Organizations Calgary Real Estaet Board member since 1997.
Education/Credentials Many continuing education courses pertaining to the real estate industry. Too many to list
Awards and Honors Many franchise awards. Master sales awards for production.
My name is Claudia and I have a question for you. Is it possible for a buyer to represent himself when buying a house without having an agent?
I am not talking about a scenario in which the house is "sold by owner", but an MLS listing.
I have been trying to buy a house without having an agent thus trying to save the commission that the seller would have to pay the buyers agent and by doing this getting the house a little cheaper. Nevertheless, it seems that I have incurred 2 different issues. First I am not sure if this is possible (seller has an agent, buyer represents himself) and second as I am not very familiar (but by mistakes I am learning really fast!) I have signed a dual agent document, which gave automatically the sellers agent the commission that the buyer's agent is entitled to. Exactly what I tried to avoid!
Now if it is possible to represent myself, is there a document (some kind of waiver of representation -or I am not sure what it would be called) which I could have the seller's agent sign in order to restrict them to be entitled to take the buyer's commission as well?
If you could answer to this questions and give me some information as to what document is out there or any other pertaining info regarding this matter I would really really appreciate it.
Thank you in advance and best regards,
Claudia
Answer Hello Claudia,
Well as you may or may not know. The sellers in this have agreed as per their listing contract to pay their realtor a specific amount to sell their house. If another realtor brings the offer they share the total commission between the listing and selling realtors. The fees come out of the proceeds of the sale and the seller pays this. You have nothing to lose on the purchase end by having a realtor represent you. I would be happy to recommend someone to help you. To simplify.....What ever realtor writes the offer gets paid. You have nothing to gain by representing yourself on the purchase end. If the home is not listed on the MLS, you could write your own offer and have your lawyer execute it. But these people are under contract. The dual agent contract you signed, confirms the listing realtor showed you the property and insures he/she gets paid when you have your offer accepted. I have been a realtor for nearly ten years now and I have never run into this situation so I am not aware of any such document stipulating there is no commission payable. Being a Realtor is not an easy job and going in to such a major investment blindly can cost you dearly in the long run. I hope I have been some help to you, But you may need more counseling on this one. I will be happy to help. I welcome your questions and if you need to talk, feel free to call me at Maxwell Canyon Creek at 403-278-8899. Thanks Claudia...
