Too many Boise real estate agents have been known for the wrong things, as opposed to being known for the good service they should provide. Add in the market troubles and you have many buyers not even sure if they want to buy! Real estate is just like so many other professional arenas, with both good apples, and bad apples. Read through the examples below so you can make up your own mind.
Myth #1: Boise real estate agents cannot make appointments on time
Most agents are responsible and do take your time and their as valuable and will not waste it. Preventing an agent, or anyone for that matter, from wasting your time is a top priority so set up your next appointment with a different agent. Don’t listen to excuses. Demand the respect you are owed.
Myth #2: Agents have to show you homes on demand
With so many agents receiving their income from selling homes, the likelihood of having an agent refuse to show you a home is pretty low. Signing a Buyer Representation Agreement is one great way to ensure performance, if you are that worried about it. After all, agents can’t be expected to work for free and taking you to see a home without any contract or a possibility of earning a commission simply, is not good business.
Myth #3: Agents get kickbacks from lenders, inspectors and title companies
Given that this form of business incentivization is illegal, your agent should not receive any pay from anyone but the seller, unless specified on a contract with you. 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
While your agent would certainly like to see the home come through with a favorable inspection, no reputable agent will want the inspector to put a stamp of approval on a home that does not deserve it. First of all, most agents want what is best for their clients. With the real estate industry being so competitive, there is very few agents who could hack any bad reviews of their services. 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. Even the least experienced Boise real estate agents know that full disclosure is due any 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
Agents are prevented by federal law from telling you anything about race or ethnicity of any area you may be considering. Any topic that broaches racial inequality or has racist undertones is strictly prohibited, so do not open that can of worms. The best advice is to find out about religious concerns from people at your church, synagogue or mosque, and to leave your agent completely out of the discussion.
Likewise, agents cannot “steer” you by showing you crime statistics or school dropout rates, or teen pregnancy rates for specific schools or areas. 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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