the commission. A maxim in real estate is, “No matter how it’s set up, the buyer still walks away with the house and the seller still walks away with ~94% of the purchase price.”
MORE ACCESS TO THE REAL ES O THE REAL ESTATE MARKE TE MARKET
A real estate agent will have better access to the market and a special knowledge of local conditions. The agent is a full-time liaison between sellers and buyers. An agent will have ready access to other properties listed by other agents. Buyers’ and sellers’ agents know how to put a real estate deal together. A real estate agent will track down homes that meet your criteria, contact sellers’ agents, and secure appointments for viewing the homes. On their own, buyers have a more difficult time with these things. This is even more so the case when a buyer is moving due to relocation or employment opportunity and does not engage a buyer’s agent to handle matters.
NEGOTIATING IS HARDER ON YOUR OWN
How did you do at the last tag/yard/garage sale that you held? Did you enjoy haggling with your nosy neighbors for 25 cents on something that cost you over $100? Did you feel insulted when someone didn't like your taste in art, music, or clothing? You were emotionally involved in the sale, it was in your driveway or garage...that's pretty personal in my opinion. A real estate agent will keep the transaction “at arm’s length,” such that personalities and emotions do not become involved. Price negotiations take a special skill and understanding of the psychology of offering and counter-offering. Agents keep a perspective about the transaction that is dispassionate and rational. For example, a buyer (you) might like a home but despise its wood-paneled walls, shag carpet, and
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