Seattle

[AddyLaddy]

Hi, we saw a nice FSBO property at the weekend, but when our agent contacted the realtor who owned it, they said they would not pay a buyer's agent fee.

I think it is rather ironic that realtors who have made a very good living out of the 3% commissions on both buying and selling, refuse to pay it when their money is involved!

[oddman]

ummm  its a FSBO.  it is not a MLS  house,  I have done them and would not pay your agent either,  no offense but if you are dealing with a FSBO the idea is actually to cut out the agents.....

Sure he could list the house 3% higher and then pay your agent...

[AddyLaddy]

We are new immigrants to the country and so have no idea what it takes to buy a house, so we'll definitely need an agent. But perhaps I didn't understand the difference between an MLS listing and an FSBO.

I personally think 3%+3% is way too much commission. We sold our house in our country of origin for around 2% total fees/commission. Back there we don't use buying agents and just pay a lawyer a fixed fee.

Oh well, we'll keep looking ...

[willb]

You could easily find a lawyer to handle the paperwork for you. Flat fee, much cheaper than the 3% (probably cheaper than even 2%). 

[ChadDierickx]

Hi AddyLaddy,

In my experience, most FSBO sellers are willing to pay a buyer's agent, but if this is not the case, you may have to pay him/her yourself. No matter what, I wouldn't let the buyer's agent commission stop you from buying a home that seems to be a great fit otherwise. Get creative with your agent and the seller and come up with a fair compromise.

Good luck!

[Venturion]

Chad hits the solution right on its head.  Just adjust your price to pay your buyer's agent directly.  Problem solved.

[Nanomug]

@AddyLaddy - you might find useful the Redfin guide to buying a home and the Redfin glossary that defines real estate terms:

http://www.redfin.com/home-buying-guide/welcome

http://www.redfin.com/real-estate-glossary

[myfamilyhouse]

I do see the direct irony that you're pointing out...

That this Realtor who makes his/her living on commission from bringing a buyer to a house...turns around and refuses to give a commission on her own home sale. To increase the irony factor-- I'm sure he/she also complains about the Redfin model too :-)

But previous posters seem to be saying that in the end, this Realtor will in truth end up paying the commission... just through a price concession on your offer.