All Forum Posts by: Sandra Holt

Apparently my use of the phrase "kick back" was a big no-no!  I'm glad to know that everyone on this thread realizes that I am trying to be nice and not do anything unethical.  With that said, it seems like a small gift card in appreciation of his professionalism and also giving him referrals seems like the best course of action.  I love the idea of getting his car detailed... :) 

Thanks for the input.

Hi Everyone!  I just bought a property without an agent and the listing agent, even though he did not take the buyers agent commission, has been guiding me along this process to include drafting the formal offer contract, putting all the documents in the cloud for easy signing, etc.  He's been nothing but professional and very transparent throughout the whole process and if I ever do need an agent, he'll be the one that I call.  So, my question is, because I won't be needing an agent any time soon, should I send the realtor a gift card with a nice thank you note or will that not suffice?  Should I send him cash instead?  Or am I being too generous and should I think that his going above and beyond is just what I should expect and he got his half of the commission for doing his job? 

I am an attorney in Maryland and I know that as an attorney I can take the test to become a licensed broker without having to fulfill any of the prerequisites (e.g. two years realtor experience). Are there any attorneys out there who have done this in Maryland? I just want to see if this proposition is actually true. Taking a quick test and being able to look at as many properties as I want whenever I want just sounds too good to be true! Also if there are any MD brokers out there, can you point me in the right direction as to study materials? Thanks a lot!

Congratulations!!!

Also try TD Bank and your local credit union.  I was recently approved for one by both banks.

Congratulations!!!  

I concur with @Elizabeth Colegrove .  The first townhouse we bought, we rented out the basement.  We outgrew that space and still have it as a rental.  When we moved into our current residence, we rented out the basement again until we could grow into it (and feel comfortable with the full mortgage payment).  This last property that we bought, we're also renting out the basement apartment.  

As far as financing goes, you could check out rent-to-own (seller financing) deals. That's how I got into my first townhouse when I had no money... Some of those properties are listed on the MLS and some you can find on Craigslist. If you do go this route though, make sure you have an attorney draft the paperwork.

Thanks again for all the congratulations everyone!  I really appreciate it!

@Judi Drummond , I've never heard of estately.com but will definitely check it out.  I love your system for finding deals and snatching them up before the competition.  If you ever have more tips like that, don't be feel like you have to be succinct!  Detailed information is what us newbies need.  Thanks!

@John Truong I hope it works for you. Good luck!

@Pyrrha Rivers high jack away!  I've just learned a lot from @Mike H.