Any hourly fee realtors in the Austin?

Question

We have a specific house in mind that we want to try to buy without a buyer's agent. We toured the house during open house. We can draft the sales contract. Our house inspector has a realtor's key to that he can get inside the house. However, the house needs work, and we would like to get contractors into the house to give us estimates before closing. The seller's agent will probably let us in, but just in case she does not, I want to have our own options. I have heard that some realtors work on an hourly fee basis like an attorney does. Does any realtor in Austin do that? Thank you in advance!

Marian Smith · Answer

My bad.  This is why you should not believe all you read on Bigger Pockets....people throw stuff out there without really knowing.  Like me:-).  So it seems finding a realtor who offers rebates is the way to go.  Its a shame the realtors associations are so powerful.  They only fight for what is best for their members so they fought tooth and nail to block banks from opening real estate offices to serve their loan customers.  But who knows, the banks may have stuck to the percentage model too...or even devised one more lucrative for themselves.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

Also, putting a commission reduction the sales contract, between the buyer and seller, does Not affect the commission due from the seller as per the listing agreement.  The listing agent/broker would still have to agree.

Dan Burstain · Answer

Mr. Lee,

Feel free to contact me directly.  I am happy to help.

Dan Burstain, Realtor

JB Goodwin Realtors

Dan@JBGoodwin.com

Marian Smith · Answer

The listing contact with the seller gives the listing agent 6% of the sales price....which he / she agrees to split with a buyers agent.  If there is no buyers agent he/she keeps whole 6% per contract, although there are some ethics issues in the listing agent representing both buyer and seller.  That is why the pocket listings and  coming soon listings are so popular.  6% commission in a hot market.  In short, unless you put in the offer that the customary 3% to the buyers agent is rebated to the seller or yourself, you are saving no money not using an agent.

Creekview is a rebate RE firm out of Dallas with local agents.  I used them in 2007 and they are still in business.  I got 2% back.  They are on the Internet...search flat fee and creekview, I think.

Also, act fast in Austin.  Good luck.

Steve Babiak · Answer

If the property is listed in the MLS with an agent, you don't have much to gain by hiring a realtor the way you suggested. The seller is already offering commissions, and the commission split is already set ...

Guy Gimenez · Answer

If you don't find them here, go to Trulia or Craigslist and post. One of those sites will surely yield what you're looking for.