[quote=EconProf]Treehugger: there is another advantage to looking on your own and dealing only with the listing agent: they will work harder to get the deal through because they are not sharing the commission.
This is especially helpful since many sellers overestimate the value of their house and need to be brought down to earth by their agent.[/quote]
1st, regarding the above:
Econprof:
I really don’t understand how you can be (however briefly) a professor of a behavioral science when your grasp of incentives seems so clouded and poor. I have said this on multiple occasions before.
If an agent will try to get your offer through above others (which are probably higher), he is not acting in the best interest of his original client (the seller).
He is not working in the best interest of his client because of greed.
The idea that you will somehow come out the winner in a deal where you are banking on the help and assistance of someone who has just betrayed his duties seems to me illogical.
If he is fucking over his own client because he is greedy, then you are unlikely to find him to be working in your best interests.
2nd Regarding Ricechex’s question:
Buyer representation is important. Bad decisions resulting (in part) from bad buyer representation (or no representation) is the recipe for a future FB.
If your agent is rushing you or pushing you or making you feel uncomfortable, they are not doing their job and you should get a new agent.
Be direct and honest with the old agent.
However, if you are breaking up, then break up and don’t look back.
No professional (of any kind) should ever leave you dreading your appointments.
