Comments by "Crime Stoppers" (@crimestoppers1877) on "HOMEBUYERS SMARTER Than AGENTS?" video.

  1. Excellent especially for first time home buyers. However, I found that each one of these important recommendations can be met when the buyer hires the Listing agent where this is permitted ie Dual Agency. When I am looking for a house, THE most important factor outside of location, is not the house but the experience, knowledge and skills of the listing agent! Every point of yours mentions how important this is. So why play the game of telephone where misinformation is commonplace? I learned that a property purchase is in this order of importance: Location, listing agent, the property itself ( most buyers and sellers think this is number one) , details of the property including mortgages, liens, construction and local taxes and fees. If I find the house I love, in the location I want, but it is listed and represented by someone I do not trust, I do not even ask for a visit and do not make any offers. This fact tells me the seller is NOT serious about selling the house. Every day is the best time to buy, there are millions of good houses out there. There is always a better deal for me. If buyers ( not first timers) did this more often it would flush out the listing agents ( so-called "listers") who only want a seller to sign a listing agreement and rely on other agents to garner interest and bring in qualified, motivated buyers.
    4
  2. I disagree! The most important variable for me as a prudent buyer is LOCATION followed by expertise of the listing agent, all other factors are tertiary. If these two factors are not excellent, I walk. I don't want to waste time playing games back and forth between two agents who ONLY GET PAID when the house closes. I go Dual agency every time. It is fast and if the seller does not like my offer or counter offer I promptly leave. I have waited long enough for the listing to expire if not sold and see if the seller goes FSBO, where legal. This tells sellers to not believe that their asking price is the best. If the listing expires they can try again with a different agent or go FSBO.
    3
  3. Please read my comments above for buyers who are not first time buyers. When you hire the listing agent to represent you as a qualified and motivated buyer, all the malarkey stops! If there is ever any misrepresentation or "white lies" the agent is in very hot water. They can not say the other agents said this or that. It must be reality and legal since the agent is representing BOTH sides equally where BOTH sides have plenty to lose or win. Would you buy a car or anything else through a "buyers agent" ? WHY?
    3
  4.  @overbuiltlimited  You forgot one of my favorites! When an agent is showing you a house they say...an this is the bathroom ...and this is the kitchen and yada yada prepares their favorite meals...and and rediculous. And here is the trash can where we throw out the trash....and lying salesmen.
    2
  5. Again Excellent on inspections. My last house I hired 6 different specialists all scheduled the same day. Each specialist was a licensed contractor for a specific aspect of the house" Electrical, plumbing, structural, roofing, pest control-termites ( two different ones), General construction, HVAC, chimney fire places, water well, septic. I pay for these inspections and they work for me only. I require photos and a scale sketch of findings good or bad. I require GPR ( Ground Penetrating Radar) for all concrete slabs ( rebar quality and voids and other defects) I never use a "love letter" in writing, it makes me a weak buyer. However, providing a "love letter" but orally is fine through our one dual agent. I don't like any part of the transaction that is NOT in writing including the "love letter". A love letter is just talk and emotion which fine for sales but has no business in a written contract. Can this be a legal issue? Not when I buy. In my last deal my "love letter" was concerning the emotional interests of the seller, only, and it was done by speaking it. This did motivate the seller to accept my lowball offer as the Best ( fastest) for them. The Lowest and Best offer won out of six offers. The seller wanted Best ( fast) over price. I worked independently worked with the underwriter of the sellers mortgage company and the underwriter from my mortgage company for agreement on trying to avoid a short sale. Our Dual agent should have done this, but they only knew how to sell houses and not negotiate with mortgage underwriters ( also involved loan servicing depts).
    2
  6.  @SachsRealty  I am located in California which is known for its high prices and earthquakes. California is also known for its termites and wood boring pests. Most pest inspection I have seen do not meet my needs but meet the minimum legal requirements to certify that the house is "not infested". I have had 2-3 different termite inspectors on one inspection competing against each other to actually search for these pests. I want photos of damage and might pay a bounty on actual termites or insects recovered. I have ALWAYS discovered termites but agents might not agree. It is a barrier and suggest that a lower offer might be required. Repair and bag that house= lots of $$$ to the seller! Dual agency helps since agents and sellers do not want to get sued for trying hide known defects. Dual agency helps both buyer and seller and can protect an innocent buyer who has no clue about termites..
    2