Realtor Involvement in Home on the Market for More than a Year

[Dave Bardi]

I would like to ask the opinion of the group on whether to go directly to a seller, or to their agent to discuss possibly wholesaling a property that has been on the market for more than a year.  I believe the home may have a structural issue, such as termites, and that is why it has not moved.  If I go directly to the seller they will most likely engage the agent, and the agent will probably not recommend using a wholesaler because the agent will not get their fee…and of course, many agents do not like wholesalers.  Additionally, I would not want to get a reputation for undercutting agents.  Finally, are there any legal issues associated with the seller ditching the agent to sell their home to a wholesaler?