[quote=XBoxBoy][quote=Rustico]Wow, this thread has really exposed the predicament a diy unlicensed buyer, who wants to see some value rewarded for his efforts, faces.The cartel lives on.[/quote]

Isn’t that the truth! I’m sure there are ways around it at times, but only if the listing agent is agreeable.

[quote=Rustico]It seems like a reasonable compromise could be reached easily,on a case by case basis.

So where does that put you Now xBoxBoy?[/quote]

Well, honestly getting a license just to simplify my own purchase doesn’t seem worthwhile. I don’t think it would bring that much to the table, unless I was with a broker. And somehow I figure that he’d want some part of the commission.

I figure the best strategy is to start by approaching the seller’s agent before you make an offer. See what they are agreeable to regarding commission, etc. If they don’t seem receptive to passing the commission back to the seller, then just go with someone like redfin. (Or potentially approach someone else telling them as you suggest that I would be a low maintenance client)

But I must say I’ve really learned a lot from this thread.

XBoxBoy
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Not a bad idea but I would probably approach the buyer agent first and not bother with the listing agent. Were it me, as the listing agent, I think it would start on the wrong foot to be asked to be the only pro and give up the cbb. However, I think that I would be less irritated if as a buyer agent, a buyer came to me and asked for some percentage of my cut in exchange for giving me easy business.
I have a 70% split currently and if I got half that for just doing offers and escrow that might not be so bad. I mean there would have to be some ground rules set beforehand but it would not be the worst thing.
Again I don’t mean to say that approaching the listing agent is terrible idea, just that the incentive structure does not favor you.