Not looking at or Considering “All” Homes    Available That Meet Your Requirements

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In most areas all agent listings are placed in an MLS, Multiple Listing System. These systems are usually operated by the local Realtor® association and all Realtor® members generally have access to all listings by computer.

Make sure that the agent you are working with shows you “everything” that is available within your specifications right from the very beginning including “for sale by owner” property and that they are willing to show you perhaps 10, 15, 20 or more homes that appear to best meet your needs.

A word of caution: First, many traditional agents’ primary objective is to “sell” their own or their company’s listings.

Second, they may not want to show you more than 6 or 7 homes, at which time they expect you to buy one.

Third, they may steer you towards certain listings where they are offered a higher commission and away from those that may offer a lower than usual commission.

Fourth, they probably won’t show you “for sale by owner” property. They probably are uncomfortable or aren’t experienced working with for sale by owners when representing a buyer. In some areas for sale by owner properties aren’t a high percentage of the market, yet you should be on the lookout for these as well. So, make sure that you consider enough homes and don’t look just at 3 or 4 or so and pick one of these, unless of course you find the perfect home at the right price.

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