Dump Your Real Estate Agent

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It is my contention that in most circumstances you should not use a real estate agent to buy a single family home, and only in limited circumstances should you use one to sell. 

This strategy saved me approximately $15,000 in the purchase of my most recent home and I think most real estate savvy people in places like the BP forums could likely do the same.

"Dear seller, your home is listed at $445,000. If I assume you'll pay a 5% commission to sell the home, the net price to you if you receive a full list offer is $422,750. However, half of the commission (2.5%) of the house, will go to the buyer's agent. In my case, I am not using an agent, so that portion of the commission can be eliminated. Therefore, I'd like to offer you $430,000, which, after the 2.5% commission to your agent, nets to $419,250. Therefore, your net price with my offer is very close to the list price. I look forward to hearing from you."

Boom $15,000 in my pocket. Disagree?