April 9, 2010
The Four Popular Myths 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: Timeliness is not a priority to Boise real estate agents
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 real estate agent will have to change everything in their schedule to show you homes at the drop of a hat
If you have a signed contract with a buyer’s agent or if the agent you have contacted represents the seller of the home, he or she will certainly show you the home you have requested to see. Otherwise, the agent is under no obligation to show you anything. Unless you agree to sign a representation agreement, the real estate agent should not be working with you at all, given they have no way to recover money for their time and resources they spend while with you.
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
You would be strapped to find an agent who would willingly aim for an incorrect home inspection report, or would try to cover up any key information from it. Finding an agent who is willing to close on a home that he is aware of issues with, without notifying the buyer, is a real rarity, as it should be. After all, a happy client is a client who will give a good recommendation to other buyers and sellers. Overlooking or suppressing material facts from the home inspection report is subject to legal recourse, so few Boise real estate agents would be willing to accept the risk. Simply put, Boise real estate agents know it is best to fully disclose all of the details to a buyer Before the close of the transaction. The seller will be required to make all repairs agreed to on the repair addendum.
Myth #4: Your agent will be able to tell you the ethnic and racial make up of any given area
Your agent cannot address the ethnic make up of your chosen area, nor can they comment on the predominant race in areas. 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. Any of the reputable Boise real estate agents can, however, point you in the right direction so you can obtain this information for yourself.
The author enjoys writing articles about Boise real estate agents & real estate agents in Boise Idaho. Click on the above links to learn more!
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