April 9, 2010
Are These Claims Genuine About Boise Real Estate Agents?
There are many horror stories surrounding Boise real estate agents and the process of purchasing a home. As such, it is no wonder why some people are afraid to start looking! Finding a trustworthy real estate agent should not be that difficult, and it is not. Take a look at these valuable tips designed to help debunk fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Boise real estate agents cannot make appointments on time
Nobody expects you to work with a real estate agent who does not show an appreciation for your time. If your first interview with an agent does not go well, set up an interview with another agent. Don’t listen to excuses. Your relationship with your agent should have clear boundaries and accepting arrogance or second class treatment will not work for you.
Myth #2: Your agent should be willing to show you homes as soon as you demand
Given that your real estate agent is going to be paid quite handsomely to sell the home he or she is showing you, cooperation should be an easy thing to get. Being available to show you homes is a responsibility of your agent, but it has to be defined by a mutual understanding of schedules. If any agent spends time with you before establishing a contractual relationship with you, they are risking losing you and their time, to any agent you choose.
Myth #3: Lending institutions and title companies pay agents to send them business
Agents involved in the industry know the rules and this form of compensation is completely illegal and unethical. Since 1974, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA, has made this process illegal. With their license on the line, most agents make far too much money to worry about getting a little kickback from the title company.
Myth #3: The agent who chooses the home inspector will have the favor in the inspection report
The home inspection is nearly always influence free in regard to the amount of persuasion any party has over the findings of it. A high percentage of agents want, first and foremost, what is the best thing for their customers. With the real estate industry being so competitive, there is very few agents who could hack any bad reviews of their services. Second, Boise real estate agents don’t want to risk being sued by a client who believes material facts were not disclosed as required by the law. Knowing everything that is important to purchasing a home is a duty and right of any home buyer, so all Boise real estate agents involved should not hamper that effort. Before the close of the transaction, the seller will be required to make all repairs agreed to on the repair addendum.
Myth #4: Agents need to tell clients about the ethnic make-up and crime statistics of a neighborhood
Agents are prevented by federal law from telling anything about race or ethnicity of any area you may be considering. Agents are not allowed to discuss anything remotely discriminatory, so do not even bring it up. Even if you are asking about details for good reasons, such as wanting to live in a Jewish community so you can be surrounded by others of the same faith, your agent cannot provide you with information regarding the ethnic make-up of the community.
You can see the conflict of interests if the agent were allowed to present crime statistics to scare you into a more expensive neighborhood, or into buying a home in a certain fire district. This information should be available for you at the request of your Boise real estate agents assistant or staff, as they cannot prevent from getting it either.
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