June 6/7 class

[david80]

Just signed up for the June 6th and 7th class. Anyone else attending?

[Plumb Level]

Congratulations David! This is a big step that you will never regret taking.

[david80]

I'm hoping so. Spent this past week browsing the site and talking myself into it. Just so happens a classed opened up.

[Little Eagle]

im in the mat 30/31 class so i just missed ya

[loggerblogger]

Hi David, I too mulled it over for a bit and decided to take the plunge. I will be attending the June class as well. So excited.

[Ascinder]

I'm signed up.

[david80]

Look forward to meeting you guys there.

[panderson03]

Welcome aboard everyone:) cannot wait for you to see what all the excitement is for yourselves:)

[rckclmbr428]

Drink lots of water, Vegas is hot between the months of January and December.

[loghousenut]

I once had a hot week there between December and January!





You folks enjoy the trip and be sponges.

[loggerblogger]

where are you guys from that are taking the class in June? We are from NE Tennessee and just bought 12 acres with lots of tall straight trees, not sure the type yet but I know they are hardwood, Ash maybe. I have sat on the mountain for countless hours just visualizing all that we plan to do. I have built the cabin 100 times already in my mind. And lol about it being hot between January and December. My wife and I went to Vegas for the first time on our honeymoon 13 years ago. The place is so awesome. Cant wait to meet you all.

[Bluebay]

Signed myself and my Son up last week. Looking forward to the class.

[david80]

I'm from Upstate SC. I'm in the process of selling my house and moving in with a friend to save up money. Sleeping on someone's couch for 18 months seems like a small price to pay to be mortgage free for the rest of my life.

[rckclmbr428]

Yall arent far from me, I'm in Roanoke VA

[Mosseyme]

You guys will be just in time to make it to the SE meet and greet at Blane's house In WNC sometime between June and Oct, time yet to be decided for sure. And a chance to see a recently almost complete lhba up close.

[loggerblogger]

That sounds like a good time. There are no "real" log cabins in this area of Tennessee except some of the barn type ones that are probably over 100 years old. It would be nice to see one at that stage of construction. What part of WNC is Blane's house located? We are breaking ground on our property next weekend in the form of getting our bridge built over the creek. Here we go! Looking forward to developing relationships here and in person.

[Mosseyme]

You might be surprised how close you are to some real log homes. Check back after class.

[blane]

Im about thirty to forty minutes from Newport.
That sounds like a good time. There are no "real" log cabins in this area of Tennessee except some of the barn type ones that are probably over 100 years old. It would be nice to see one at that stage of construction. What part of WNC is Blane's house located? We are breaking ground on our property next weekend in the form of getting our bridge built over the creek. Here we go! Looking forward to developing relationships here and in person.

[Bear Mountain]

my son and I signed up for June class we are new to site ready to learn new things

[Little Eagle]

Welcome aboard Bear and the same to all the others who have signed up! I am in the May 30-31 class so i we will have to meet in person sometime :)

[panderson03]

welcome Bear! glad you found us. congratulations on taking the first step ( signing up for class!) :)

[allen84]

I just signed up. I'm right outside Nashville. Really don't want to get on a plane. Any interest in driving cross country with a stranger in a rental car? haha :)

[allen84]

I'd love to see the Grand Canyon BTW!

[Mosseyme]

Welcome all you signees,
First step is taken. Allen you will be pleased to know there are several builds within an hour or two of you.
Also there is to be a meet and greet in ETN in Oct. More about that later.

[rckclmbr428]

I'd love to see the Grand Canyon BTW!

Road trip!

[david80]

I just signed up. I'm right outside Nashville. Really don't want to get on a plane. Any interest in driving cross country with a stranger in a rental car? haha :)

My last time flying was 08 and I swore I'd never get on another plane after that. Still not keen on flying but I feel I have to take this trip. I'd actually drive cross-country with you if I could spare the time. Should have asked me 15 years ago.

[rreidnauer]

I hear ya, last time I took a flight was August '01, about two weeks before the whole WTC thing, and the whole process sucked then. Can't imagine what its even like now. I do know from that last time, a trick I will use if I ever fly again. It'll cost a little more, but start from a small satellite commuter airport, and security is so much easier to deal with, and when you transfer at the main hub, you are already in the secured area and don't have to deal with the insane lines and strip searches.

[Mosseyme]

Great tip Rod.

[Ascinder]

where are you guys from that are taking the class in June? We are from NE Tennessee and just bought 12 acres with lots of tall straight trees, not sure the type yet but I know they are hardwood, Ash maybe. I have sat on the mountain for countless hours just visualizing all that we plan to do. I have built the cabin 100 times already in my mind. And lol about it being hot between January and December. My wife and I went to Vegas for the first time on our honeymoon 13 years ago. The place is so awesome. Cant wait to meet you all.

I'm from Reno, NV, but will be going to (hopefully) buy some land in western Montana right after the class.

[allen84]

To the folks going in June, Where ya'll from and where do you have property/where do you plan to buy? I am north/northeast of Nashville, TN. I have a house with a mortgage and small yard in a subdivided neighborhood :( and 5+ acres about 30 minutes away and another 20 acres another 30 minutes in the same direction. If the deal is right I will pick up 4 more 5 acre tracts adjoining my 20 acres. All the land is paid for (I drove many clunkers for cash for years in exchange) Now I'm ready to drop that mortgage!!!

[allen84]

Also, Career? Or if you like me, "the things you do"? haha

[allen84]

I don't know how to edit a post but just thought of something else... How old is everyone? I'd almost bet dinner you're all old enough to be my dad :) but that might be expensive if I lose.

[david80]

To the folks going in June, Where ya'll from and where do you have property/where do you plan to buy? I am north/northeast of Nashville, TN. I have a house with a mortgage and small yard in a subdivided neighborhood :( and 5+ acres about 30 minutes away and another 20 acres another 30 minutes in the same direction. If the deal is right I will pick up 4 more 5 acre tracts adjoining my 20 acres. All the land is paid for (I drove many clunkers for cash for years in exchange) Now I'm ready to drop that mortgage!!!

I'm in Upstate South Carolina. I don't have any land yet. I have a mortgage that I'm ready to walk away from. Everyone is telling me not to do it but I don't feel like going through the selling process, I just want to be free. I'm 34 and work in IT. Been looking for land in these parts but I'm not going to buy anything for a long while, at least not until I take the class.

[donjuedo]

... but I don't feel like going through the selling process, I just want to be free.

Pay your mortgage until you sell. Yes, selling can be a chore. But walking away from a mortgage will hurt your credit severely. Most of us here want to build debt-free, but it's quite possible you might need a short term loan before you finish, or for something separate, like a car. Credit is sometimes checked for employment, too.

And what if you walk away from that mortgage, the lender piles on enormous fees and penalties (which is a deliberate strategy they use for write-offs), you build your log home, and then they sue you to take that, too?


Peter

[Ascinder]

Also, Career? Or if you like me, "the things you do"? haha

My background is helicopter maintenance, but right now I am running a heli flight simulator in Kabul to train Afghan pilots. I have a paid off house in Reno and have been contracting for a couple years out here in Iraq/Afghanistan to save up for some land in MT to build on.


I don't know how to edit a post but just thought of something else... How old is everyone? I'd almost bet dinner you're all old enough to be my dad :) but that might be expensive if I lose.

I'm 33, so if I'm old enough to be your dad, then you are off to a great start in life!

[david80]

Pay your mortgage until you sell. Yes, selling can be a chore. But walking away from a mortgage will hurt your credit severely. Most of us here want to build debt-free, but it's quite possible you might need a short term loan before you finish, or for something separate, like a car. Credit is sometimes checked for employment, too.

And what if you walk away from that mortgage, the lender piles on enormous fees and penalties (which is a deliberate strategy they use for write-offs), you build your log home, and then they sue you to take that, too?


Peter

Didn't think of that. Thanks for the advice.

[Little Eagle]

Well my background is a jack of all trades, ex army, have a some back ground in mechanics, carpentry, framing, roofing, flooring, insulation install, and even a few years of restaurant work lol. Other then that i am currently a truck driver and this has been my job for 4 yrs in oct,15. I dont own a house and dont own any land but my bills are only a nice $300 a month because i live in the truck. Im looking at land in SE kentucky, for my build. I also lived in montana for 12 and a half years and they have some very nice country up there. My brother still lives in Havre montana.

And i am 36 years old. So you must be very very very young . . . . . do we get to call you young'in? :P

[StressMan79]

Pay your mortgage until you sell. Yes, selling can be a chore. But walking away from a mortgage will hurt your credit severely. Most of us here want to build debt-free, but it's quite possible you might need a short term loan before you finish, or for something separate, like a car. Credit is sometimes checked for employment, too.

And what if you walk away from that mortgage, the lender piles on enormous fees and penalties (which is a deliberate strategy they use for write-offs), you build your log home, and then they sue you to take that, too?

Peter

I walked away. 2 things.

1. You'll pay taxes on the difference between what you owe and what they get.

2. Stay in the house until they sell it. I just called my bank and told them I was leaving (from the moving truck). Took another year to sell. 15,000 in rent.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Forum Runner

[loghousenut]

I don't know how to edit a post but just thought of something else... How old is everyone? I'd almost bet dinner you're all old enough to be my dad :) but that might be expensive if I lose.

I'd trade dinner for everyone to be young enough to be your Dad.

[allen84]

Awesome!! I kind of expected a bunch of old fogies (no offense old fogies).... I'll be 31 Friday. Peter is right, don't walk away from that mortgage, they'll come after anything that has your name on it to try and get their money.

[allen84]

I bought the property where I plan to build from a bankruptcy auction.. I've since come to know the neighbor that lost it in bankruptcy. He didn't think the courts would find out he owned it if he didn't report it. He was wrong, that was the first thing they went after.

[david80]

I walked away. 2 things.

1. You'll pay taxes on the difference between what you owe and what they get.

2. Stay in the house until they sell it. I just called my bank and told them I was leaving (from the moving truck). Took another year to sell. 15,000 in rent.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Forum Runner

Sounds like I'm going to have to get the selling process started. Thanks for the info. I want to be done with this house as soon as possible but it sounds like walking away will just create more problems.

[allen84]

And another thought while on the subject of land and money. When you buy land, BUY TITLE INSURANCE! My friend mortgaged a house years ago and there turned out to be liens against it, they tried to come after it but thankfully he had that policy. Lawyers are still working on liens against some of my land.

[edkemper]

The only way to get out from under your mortgage without paying it off is through bankruptcy. Then you might not owe one cent. Just something to investigate. The damage to your credit might pale in comparison to what you owe. Good credit is fairly easy to get back in just a few short years. Had to go there back in the 80s. Never made the same mistakes again.

Good luck.

[Krgrow03]

I'm a 30 year old guy from Utah and just signed up for the class. Anyone else here wanna share a room and the price of one?

[panderson03]

welcome KRGROW. congratulations on taking the plunge! taking the class changed our outlook, perspectives, and lives forever.
glad you found us.

[scapula]

I don't know how to edit a post but just thought of something else... How old is everyone? I'd almost bet dinner you're all old enough to be my dad :) but that might be expensive if I lose.

Hey gang, My name is Lara and I am old enough to be your dad lol. Kidding. I am old enough to by your aunty :)
I actually made a registration for my son but I am not sure if he would be able to make it, so I will do it myself. I have 3 sons and I want all of them be mortgage free and all of them to attend this training but one step at the time. I have a small piece of land in CO. I grew up in Siberia, so I would arrive in my personal fridge lol Haha
I am also Yogi, so don't be surprise if I will be in a headstand during the break. :o
I love the idea of a community where people help each other. This is the best idea ever!
One more reason why I bought this training is that June 7 is happens to be my birthday, it's the best way to celebrate the birthday starting a new adventure in a great company, isn't it?:D.

Your journey is unfolding EXACTLY as it should be

[rckclmbr428]

I'm a 30 year old guy from Utah and just signed up for the class. Anyone else here wanna share a room and the price of one?

Whereabouts in Utah? I have family in the Pleasant Grove area

[rreidnauer]

Anyone else worried that rckclmbr's family has spread beyond the boundaries of the Virginia's? I thought there was a court order in place. :-)

[Blondie]

Welcome Krgrow!

We Utahans are few and far between. But we stick together! Where are you going to build?

Blondie

[loghousenut]

Anyone else worried that rckclmbr's family has spread beyond the boundaries of the Virginia's? I thought there was a court order in place. :-)

Conjugal visitation.

[Krgrow03]

Welcome Krgrow!

We Utahans are few and far between. But we stick together! Where are you going to build?

Blondie

Hey rock climber, I've been through Pleasamt Grove and painted some houses over there. I like the area too. By the way Blondie, I'm hoping to get some property near Springville or Payson or something... Or around Lehi. But we'll see! I live in Provo right now but I've lived everywhere. I like Utah most though. Where are you if you don't mind me asking?

[rckclmbr428]

Anyone else worried that rckclmbr's family has spread beyond the boundaries of the Virginia's? I thought there was a court order in place. :-)
So far we have spread far and wide, got a brother living and working in Dubai, and a nephew leaving for Lithuania in July and another heading to Germany about the same time. As for me I can't leave the Appalachian mountains. I've been all over the US building and nothing quite feels like the Appalachians to me. But to each their own I guess.

[rreidnauer]

Wiley world domination has commenced!

[donjuedo]

Welcome, Lara. Maybe you can bring another son, if the one signed up can't make it.

[scapula]

Welcome, Lara. Maybe you can bring another son, if the one signed up can't make it.

Thanks! I still hope he will make it, but not sure. My two other sons are in a different stage of their life yet. My youngest is very supportive bat he is in college and will be in Europe in June.

[Ascinder]

Less than a month!!!

[Big Whiskey]

I signed up for the June class. I've been around this forum since before the website changed and never could talk myself into a trip to Washington. I think that's where the classes were held at that time. But things are different now. I had a strong desire the other day to check in on the site, mostly to see all the new pictures of the student built homes. Some spots were available for the class and I just decided on the spot to sign up. I'm excited to finally be taking the class. I am in West Tenn. near the Mississippi line and plan to build in North MS.

To David about your mortgage. Hire a real estate agent and tell them your needs. You want a painless, quick sale. Tell them to be aggressive with the price and call them every week for an update while the home is on the market. Also, think about adjusting the price every couple weeks to keep in fresh in the eyes of other agents. If you're desperate, give the buying agent a bonus for bringing a buyer. Tell your agent you will give the buying agent $500.00 at closing. Small tricks will keep your house in the minds of the agents and will show often and sell quickly. Just my opinion. And yes I am a Realtor in TN and MS.

[david80]

I signed up for the June class. I've been around this forum since before the website changed and never could talk myself into a trip to Washington. I think that's where the classes were held at that time. But things are different now. I had a strong desire the other day to check in on the site, mostly to see all the new pictures of the student built homes. Some spots were available for the class and I just decided on the spot to sign up. I'm excited to finally be taking the class. I am in West Tenn. near the Mississippi line and plan to build in North MS.

To David about your mortgage. Hire a real estate agent and tell them your needs. You want a painless, quick sale. Tell them to be aggressive with the price and call them every week for an update while the home is on the market. Also, think about adjusting the price every couple weeks to keep in fresh in the eyes of other agents. If you're desperate, give the buying agent a bonus for bringing a buyer. Tell your agent you will give the buying agent $500.00 at closing. Small tricks will keep your house in the minds of the agents and will show often and sell quickly. Just my opinion. And yes I am a Realtor in TN and MS.

Thanks for the advice. I'll give that a shot.

[allen84]

Find out who's selling the most homes in your area. Likely whoever has the most for sale listings. That's who I would have as a realtor.

[donjuedo]

Thanks for the advice. I'll give that a shot.

... he replies to Big Whiskey.

I get it! :-)

[allen84]

Or if you're someone like me... I would put it for sale by owner and bother all the local realtors with a weekly phone call.

[blane]

So far we have spread far and wide, got a brother living and working in Dubai, and a nephew leaving for Lithuania in July and another heading to Germany about the same time. As for me I can't leave the Appalachian mountains. I've been all over the US building and nothing quite feels like the Appalachians to me. But to each their own I guess.
I'm with you Ronnie. I've done a little traveling myself. Germany, Russia, Mexico, California and of course most other southern states and Washington but these mountains are the best for me.

[david80]

Or if you're someone like me... I would put it for sale by owner and bother all the local realtors with a weekly phone call.

I'm a motivated seller, but not actually motivated enough to sell it myself.

[david80]

I think I missed my calling....only because the phone was on silent. Hey, thanks! I'll be here all week or until my cabin is built.

[edkemper]

Or if you're someone like me... I would put it for sale by owner and bother all the local realtors with a weekly phone call.

If it were me, I'd sell by owner and call all busy realtors every week and remind them that I am offering a 5% commission to the selling agent. Money talks.

[allen84]

Might have to go higher than that to get their attention... I think they typically get 5-7% anyways. I'm thinking that 10% would get you somewhere real quick, just be sure to factor that into the asking price and leave room for negotiation.

[allen84]

Any agents or anyone who has sold a home recently? What is a standard commission?

[allen84]

Ok, a quick google yielded 5-6% that is evenly split between buyers agent and sellers agent. So 5% may be enough to make them stir.

[david80]

If it were me, I'd sell by owner and call all busy realtors every week and remind them that I am offering a 5% commission to the selling agent. Money talks.

Is it best to speak to directly to individual realtors or call the office?

[edkemper]

Might have to go higher than that to get their attention... I think they typically get 5-7% anyways. I'm thinking that 10% would get you somewhere real quick, just be sure to factor that into the asking price and leave room for negotiation.

Standard commission is normally 6%. Split between the listing agent and the selling agent. That is normally 3% to each. 5% is enough to get their attention. I'd do anything I could to get any agent familiar with my offer.

I save money and they gain big time.

You might even print some flyers with your offer and distribute them to the agents in the office and leave one on each empty desk.

[Big Whiskey]

That's right, most commission is 6%. It's not a rule just a common practice. I don't feel FSBO gets the word out wide enough, but it does work for some people. In my opinion, why pay 5% and do all the leg work if you can pay 6% and be the client not the worker bee. Let someone else advertise your house and get it in front of buyers, negotiate repairs, set up a good inspector, find a closing attorney etc. Not to mention there are many legal requirements that sellers must comply with or leave yourself liable to a whole list of problems. But I understand wanting to do it on your own. But I would think a Realtor will sell it faster than a FSBO.

[rawson]

That's right, most commission is 6%. It's not a rule just a common practice. I don't feel FSBO gets the word out wide enough, but it does work for some people. In my opinion, why pay 5% and do all the leg work if you can pay 6% and be the client not the worker bee. Let someone else advertise your house and get it in front of buyers, negotiate repairs, set up a good inspector, find a closing attorney etc. Not to mention there are many legal requirements that sellers must comply with or leave yourself liable to a whole list of problems. But I understand wanting to do it on your own. But I would think a Realtor will sell it faster than a FSBO.

My thoughts also. Just lost both my parents in 2015. Got a home in CA to put on the market just thankful that I know a few realtors that I attended H school with an get it sold before the place is bone dry (drinking water that is).

[rckclmbr428]

Funny yall are talking about this, I just picked up my Realtor license for the sole purpose of selling my own homes. I was looking at a huge commission check, then looked at how easy and inexpensive it is to become a realtor. It was a no Brainer for me

[rockinlog]

My thoughts also. Just lost both my parents in 2015. Got a home in CA to put on the market just thankful that I know a few realtors that I attended H school with an get it sold before the place is bone dry (drinking water that is).

I'm so sorry to hear about your parents bud

[loghousenut]

I'm an orphan also and offer my condolences. You get used to it but it'll never feel normal. I didn't really like one of my parents, but still miss her and wish she could see the man that her Grandson has turned into. Life goes on.

[rawson]

Death and taxes, we all get to deal with it. They had 67 good years together, passed within three months of each other. Have met some great people dealing with this. Thanks for the condolences.

Best of luck to the June class attendees keep your plans an dreams on track.

[edkemper]

Funny yall are talking about this, I just picked up my Realtor license for the sole purpose of selling my own homes. I was looking at a huge commission check, then looked at how easy and inexpensive it is to become a realtor. It was a no Brainer for me

I had my license in the RE heyday. Meaning, many years ago. I used the knowledge I gained in the business to pay my way through college to get my doctorate buying and selling my own houses FSBO.

I'm not opposed to using a realtor, in the right situation. However, FSBO is a great option. AND, offering a selling agent a fat commission tends to get their attention. They are in the business to put money in their pocket like all other working stiffs.

Most of the important paperwork involved in selling RE can be handled by the escrow agent. Someone not paid until the sale is closed.

[rckclmbr428]

Ya I picked mine up, haven't signed with a broker yet, I plan on trying fsbo and zillow for a bit and seeing what kind of response I get, then listing it on the mls as a last resort

[Little Eagle]

Sorry to hear about you folks. Its like i always say "i dont have to do anything but live die and pay taxes and the third is optional"

[krazykanuck]

G'day Brian from Milton Ontario,Canada I will be attendingJune. My wife Kim and myself just purchased 100 acres in Northern Ontario, just north of Parry Sound (he home of THE GREAT BOBBY ORR) We are hoping to build ourfirst cabin next summer. this year is a busy year for work.we are hoping to put the driveway in and a partial clearing to camp on first

[scapula]

Funny yall are talking about this, I just picked up my Realtor license for the sole purpose of selling my own homes. I was looking at a huge commission check, then looked at how easy and inexpensive it is to become a realtor. It was a no Brainer for me

Wow! You build your house yourself and then you sell it yourself professionally. What a great idea! It's like a new world.

[rckclmbr428]

I've dealt with a lot of Realtors over the years and my personal experience that they have all been incompetent at best, Getting licensed was a total cost of about $600 and relatively easy. My potential savings are huge as I will be trying to sell 2 different houses I own this summer. To me it was a no Brainer. And now I don't have to go through a realtor to see properties or houses I'm interested in. I just go.

[scapula]

I've dealt with a lot of Realtors over the years and my personal experience that they have all been incompetent at best, Getting licensed was a total cost of about $600 and relatively easy. My potential savings are huge as I will be trying to sell 2 different houses I own this summer. To me it was a no Brainer. And now I don't have to go through a realtor to see properties or houses I'm interested in. I just go.

Is license the same or every state has it's own one? I live in IL but am planning to built in CO.

[donjuedo]

Every state has its own.


Peter

[scapula]

Every state has its own.


Peter

Naturally. Thanks! Does a RE agent has to pay something to a broker?

[rckclmbr428]

Yes, typically a monthly small fee and a split of commissions, typically somewhere between 60/40 and 80/20

[edkemper]

I can't say what it is today but when I was licensed in CA a hundred years ago, this is how it was done.

Low side of 6 to a high side of 7% of the selling price from the selling homeowner.

The listing office got 3-3.5%. Split 50/50 between the listing agent and listing broker.

The selling office got 3-3.5%. Split 50/50 between the selling agent and selling broker.

[eduncan911]

And that my friends is why the NAR (National Association of Realtors) is one of the largest lobbying firms around.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_of_Realtors

[rckclmbr428]

In the spirit of complete disclosure, I've always loathed Realtors. Like a lot. I've come to the "If you can't beat them, join them" mentality. The only reason I am doing it is for cost savings and being in control of my home selling.

[donjuedo]

I became a Realtor, too, but for entirely different reasons. I was naive, and had no idea that real estate agents had a bad reputation, no idea at all.

The experience was eye opening, and I learned a lot of good, constructive things, and I also learned why real estate agents, in general, have a less than favorable reputation. Quite simply, there are enough bad apples and the stakes are high.

I worked hard to learn the various computer systems and became quite proficient at getting data, getting it quickly, and putting it to good use, helping people who were buying or selling. However, I lack the "Salesman" gene, and made next to no effort to "close the sale". That is, I followed through for those who decided on a property, but I never pushed or manipulated anyone. I live by the Golden Rule, really, and I hate it when sales people (try to) push me, so I don't push anyone.

The housing market crashed, and soon, I got out. If I were to get back in, it would be for exactly the same reasons as you, Ronnie.


Peter

[scapula]

I bought recently a 1 acre of land in CO and this is my only experience with realtors in US. First we went to a fancy realtor company that hat it's own building in the middle of downtown and the signs of their company were all over the town's lots.
First realtor we mat invited us to his office and was nice, but he told us that we were too small for him, so he would ask one of his colleges to deal with us. His college took us to his office after lunch and was nice but he just gave us the addresses and didn't go with us.
We went to look for the lots but they all look the same, same woods and we had hard time to find them. Close to the evening we decided to look at some lots that were twice of our price range. We called our realtor and asked him to show them. Finally he appeared and was very tipsy.

Next day we saw another realtor company office that was far away from downtown, we were in that area and went there almost by accident. This time the realtor was a guy who worked in finance all his life and was a realtor for couple years. He put us in his car despite we had a bit dirty dog, he showed us every lot, we chose one, we took him to lunch to celebrate then went to his office and signed all papers. He was shocked. He said it was first time when it was almost no time from the beginning to signing the papers and he didn't have to work too hard. But I think he did a good job and I will go to him if I want buy more property.

[donjuedo]

LOL! And congratulations to you!

In the real estate business, there is a saying, "List to last." It means that, for an agent to last in the business, it's important to represent the sellers and list their properties on the market. You witnessed that with the first company.

The reason it's important, is that the work arrangement is very one-sided. A seller's agent records all the info, puts the home or land into the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and mostly just waits for a buyer. The buyer's agent, on the other hand, does all that driving around, slowly working through the process as the buyers figure out what they really want and can afford, after looking at current properties. It takes up a lot of time. In short, representing a buyer is a lot more work. But the commission is split equally between agents.

I never thought that's a good system, but don't see a clear way to fix it, either. So, as a buyer, I watch for the symptoms you experienced, and like you, favor the agent spending time on me.

[scapula]

[QUOTE=donjuedo;115182]LOL! And congratulations to you!

Thanks!

[scapula]

The class is in Flamingo Las Vegas, right in the middle of the Strip. I am still a bit anxious. How easy to find the place? Is there any other tips?

[loghousenut]

The class is in Flamingo Las Vegas, right in the middle of the Strip. I am still a bit anxious. How easy to find the place? Is there any other tips?

Turn south at Salt Lake City and stay on that road for a day or two. Vegas will be easiest to find at night, just look for the lights of the airport. That Flamingo Motel is pretty much right in the center of everything and hard to miss. If you get to the gas station at the other end of town you went too far.





Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[edkemper]

The reason it's important, is that the work arrangement is very one-sided. A seller's agent records all the info, puts the home or land into the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and mostly just waits for a buyer. The buyer's agent, on the other hand, does all that driving around, slowly working through the process as the buyers figure out what they really want and can afford, after looking at current properties. It takes up a lot of time. In short, representing a buyer is a lot more work. But the commission is split equally between agents.

I mean no disrespect here but it's safe to assume you have never been a licensed real estate agent. Buyers/potential buyers normally find you. One way or the other. On the other hand, it is the rare case when a seller just happens to walk into an office and signs a contract. I can assure you that the hours, days and often times months spent finding people that want to sell is the norm.

When I was licensed, I spent more time finding sellers that wanted to list their properties than finding homes for willing and qualified buyers. The reason the split is equal is because that is a fair representation of the amount of time and work for both, under normal circumstances. A listing agent spends their time finding and developing the listing. Then they market the property. Then they often sit back and wait. Some continue working the property because they don't get paid until or if it sells. Some sit back and wait for the selling agent to do their job.

Overall, the split is fair. On the other hand, the split mentioned between the agents and brokers is more of a problem.

[BJDean]

Just signed up for the June 6th and 7th class. Anyone else attending?

I'm signed up!

[donjuedo]

I mean no disrespect here but it's safe to assume you have never been a licensed real estate agent.

No problem, Ed. I was a licensed Realtor for 2 or 3 years, and in my experience, advertising homes for sale in the local real estate magazines brought in a lot of leads. My broker's pattern was to take all of the seller leads, and he gave away buyer leads to agents working for him. And sometimes it seemed, as someone mentioned earlier, that sellers gravitated toward the company with the most signs in the yards of properties for sale.

[ivanshayka]

Sorry, I can't make it to the class. I'm to busy with installing my septic system.

[david80]

I'm signed up!

Welcome aboard! One more week to go!

[allen84]

Anyone else departing from Nashville Thursday afternoon?

[eduncan911]

I departed from Nashville 8 years ago. Part of me misses it.

[Mosseyme]

We Departed From Nashville 32 Years Ago. We Return Frequently To Visit Son And FamilY.
Allen Have A Great Time.

[scapula]

Turn south at Salt Lake City and stay on that road for a day or two. Vegas will be easiest to find at night, just look for the lights of the airport. That Flamingo Motel is pretty much right in the center of everything and hard to miss. If you get to the gas station at the other end of town you went too far.





Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

LOL Funny! I will take a taxi from the airport to Flamingo. I meant to find the classroom in the hotel. Which log house should I knock-knock to? Haha :)

[allen84]

Just got an email reminder... How could I forget!?!?! :D

[Little Eagle]

Anyone else departing from Nashville Thursday afternoon?

I had the May 30/31 class, but i came out of Nashville Allen, i hope you got a direct flight, believe me i wish i had of. 4 and 1/2 hrs in a heated sardine can is what that reminded me of.

[allen84]

Viva Las Wages. I got a direct flight both ways. Sat next to a stiff that took the window seat and could cut zzz's on command. He folded up his newspaper when we hit the runway for take off and was snoring before the plane left the ground. Was actually rather impressive and a couple of us got a laugh at his expense :D

[rreidnauer]

I know somebody who can do that too. I wish I had a sleep switch like that.

[loghousenut]

I'm an expert at it. Personally I think it's a blessing.

[edkemper]

I usually drive with no empty seats in the car/truck and am always alone. Wife, daughter, son and dog all go to sleep the minute the vehicle is in gear.