Broker Takes Exception to Realty Advice

I take exception to two items by attorney Robert Bruss in the March 27 Real Estate Q&A; article. In one entitled “How to Avoid Selling Home for Too Little” he suggests that the seller, who doesn’t want to spend $375 for an appraisal, entice three realtors to give them free market analyses.

This is fine when the seller is legitimate. But in this case the seller has already stated the listing will go to his/her daughter, who is a part-time agent. Is it fair to the other realtors who will spend their valuable time and expertise trying to assist a seller who is more than likely not going to use their services anyway?

In my opinion, using a part-time realtor makes as much sense as using a part-time attorney. Realtors today are being held to a much higher standard of professionalism, one that part-time agents usually don’t measure up to.

In the item headlined “Why It Doesn’t Pay to Cut Realty Commission” Bruss suggests the seller, who wants a full-service broker at non-full-service prices, should ask the realtor to cut their commission if an offer is produced that is substantially lower than the price recommended.

That is absolutely ludicrous. If sellers would list their homes at prices their qualified agents recommended, then substantially lower offers would not be forthcoming.

Buyers today still control the market place and are much more sophisticated than ever. Sellers need to be aware of that. Because of the abundance of inventory on the market, a seller who does not keep current with the market may very well end up being overpriced if it sits unsold too long.

HAL JEWELL

La Crescenta

The writer is a real estate broker.