We now try and go direct to the Seller. Cut the agent out completely. At the end of the day, there are only two signatures on the Contract for Sale.
One is the Purchaser's and the other is the Sellers. Everyone else standing in the room, (REA's, solicitors etc) are either blockers to the deal or mere onlookers.....no matter what type of suit or tie they have on.
The other advantages of dealing with the Seller directly are ;
1. They know the property way better (historically and factually) than someone just propped in front with a suit on. When you ask a detailed question about the actual property, you usually get an accurate response, rather than a "I'm not sure, I'll get back to you on that...{If I feel you are worth it, muttered under their breathe}.
2. You get to your decision point much quicker. Feedback time is almost instantaneous.
3. Most of the lies, fluff, gloss, lies, showmanship, lies, ego, bravado, lies, blocking tactics, lies, dutch auctioning, false promises, lies.....oh and did I mention LIES are eliminated.
4. Most of the Sellers we deal with are extremely competent negotiators and business people who do not need some clown who is usually 20 or 30 years younger than them 'representing their best interests'.
The disadvantage is that you can't go surfing the net over the other side of the country. This is easier of course, and involves minimal work justing sitting on your bum staring into a computer, so no doubt most people will take this easier option...and hence, will need to either be happy with or put up with the REA. Bliss.
If only more people sold their own property, life would be better for both the Seller and the Purchaser. Unfortunately, all it takes is a few gullible or naive Seller's to be crushed in the "process", have a little whinge to anyone who'll listen about how they've been ripped off, and suddenly the great white knights on their REA horses come striding to the rescue.
This attitude of course has now proliferated to all facets of the property transaction process. You've now got agents coming out the ying yang for every conceivable thing you could possibly think of.
Sellers agents
Buyers agents
Mortgage brokers
Insurance brokers
Managing agents
Settlement agents
Solicitors
.....the list is by no means exhaustive
All standing in the way of the Seller and the Purchaser transacting the deal. All standing there with their hand out.....for only one low low fee, or better still, someone else pays and all of this marvellous smorgasbord of services is totally cost and obligation free.....you honestly don't pay a thing for any of it, not anywhere down the chain. We all love you very much and we like helping and working for you for free.
I saw a pleasing ad in the paper the other week. Seller calling for offers. If interested, present offer in writing to such and such PO Box number with x amount of days. Seller will respond in writing. No agents needed or tolerated.
I thought - bewdiful. Now here's someone who can actually stand on their own two feet with the need for "advice" or "representation". What's the world coming to. I can just hear all of the gaggle of agents now..."He'll be sorry for sure."
