Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Buying & Selling Real Estate
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 4 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

94
Posts
16
Votes
Weng L.
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
16
Votes |
94
Posts

Suspect listing agent blocks offers

Weng L.
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posted

I found a listing that is lower than market price so I called listing agent (I am a buyer, not an agent). He was enthusiastic and described details about the property, asked me a few questions including if I work with a buyer agent. I said I prefer not to bring a buyer agent. I asked what the best price the owner will take given that I am financially strong and willing to buy the property even if appraised value comes lower than contract price. He said he would ask owner and call me back next day.

He called me the next day and said the owner will take $10K less. $10K is than 3% of listing price which made me believe that the listing agent did not tell seller that I don't bring a buyer agent. So I asked if there is any further discount because of no having a buyer agent. The listing agent said no because all of 6% is what he is supposed to make because he is doing all the work for me (lol we only talked twice on the phone and I told him I don't need him to prepare offer for me as I will send offer via DocuSign). He kept saying that if I have a buyer agent, he didn't have to spend time talking to me thus he deserved to earn the 3% buyer agent commission and would not give up any of the buyer agent commission. I said if I bring a buyer agent he would spend same or even more time to talk to my agent and lose the 3% completely so why not contribute part of the buyer agent commission to my closing cost. Then he said he had appointment and had to hang off the phone and never call me back.


To me this property should be in a multi-offer-bid situation based on the photos and tour video on the listing, so I am surprised that the owner will accept $10k less on a property that is already listed at lower than market value. Is it possible that the listing agent is unethical to block offers until there is an offer that he gets 6% commission? If this is real, what would you do?


  

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

763
Posts
499
Votes
Karl McGarvey
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Houston, TX
499
Votes |
763
Posts
Karl McGarvey
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Houston, TX
Replied

The post is a little all over the place. You are saying someone is blocking offers, but you have not made one yet? You asked what they would take and the agent, on behalf of their client, responded to your request.


You're expecting an agent to give up commission to your closing costs? Not quite how it works. If you do not bring an agent to the table that does not entitle you to the commission, you are not an agent. 

Long story short, if you want to make an offer on the property, then make one, and let them counter. But arguing over commissions that are not yours is just wasting your time and delaying the process if you are serious about the property.

Loading replies...