From: Tony Sivori 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Buying a house without a buyer's agent - negotiating tips?
Date: Sun, 03 Sep 2006 21:25:55 -0400

texflyer wrote:
> I intend to negotiate on my own behalf, and I am asking for useful
> negotiating tips when dealing directly with the listing agent. I am
> *not* asking whether I should use a buyer's agent (I am familiar with
> the usual reasons, and they don't seem very convincing: it's not
> entirely clear to me why I would need a third party who is paid 3% of
> the sale price and whose economic interest is thus directly opposite to
> mine).

I'd ask the listing agent to consider a 3% commission, with a 3% reduction
in the price of the house. (Actually, to get exactly the same commission,
you'd have to give the agent an extra .09% on top of the 3% since the
house would be selling for 3% less)

After all, that is what they would normally get when the buyer uses a
buyer's agent. If they don't agree, try 4%. If he (or she) refuses, let
them know that unless they accept 4%, they will get only 3% because you
will get a buyer's agent just so they won't get the full 6%.

Also, be aware that in some areas you can get buyers agents that will
rebate a major portion of the 3% buyers commission to you. Google Redfin.
Also read this New York Times Article, "The Last Stand of the
6-Percenters?".

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/business/yourmoney/03real.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

-- 
Tony Sivori