Is it “easier” to get your offer accepted if you don’t use a buyer’s agent and go directly to the listing agent?
*Yes for many cases. Depends on how honest the agent is so the odds are in your favor.
Is it reasonable to ask for a larger commission rebate if you go to the listing agent directly, since they don’t have to split half of with the buyer’s agent?
*Understand there are two commissions. The listing agent gets a commission from the seller. The selling agent (aka buyers agent) gets the coop commission from the seller. When a listing agent also acts as the selling agent they get BOTH commissions, there is no such thing as splitting or not splitting. Understand that all transactions vary and many listing agents have agreements with sellers that they MAY accept A REDUCED coop commission when they also represent the seller. However in general your premise may hold true, it is WORTH a try.
Is there a difference in how much commission there is for regular vs REO vs shortsale?
*Not much. Short sales seem to be the hardasses and sometimes they gut it to 2% or you run into cases where other lienholders need a payoff and nobody wants to pony up so the agents may need to. In general expect 2.5% on the coop maybe a 3% here or there.
*When a listing agent is also a selling agent, they are a dual agent. The representation is supposed to be as good for you the buyer as it is for the seller. Not really confident that is the case but you have to see for yourself. Many people here have used the listing agent as their agent. Temeculaguy did that for his home and I am sure many others have. Others have used a dedicated agent as they have found value in doing so.
* Different strokes for different folks. Inventory is a bitch. It is tough right now yb… Have patience.
