You may have read the news that says real estate listings will no longer include a set commission for the Buyer’s Agent (BA). The seller can still put something in the listing for the BA but they do not have to which means, if a buyer wants a BA, the Buyer has to negotiate with the BA on what the BA will do and what they will be paid OR the buyer will simply call the name on the listing/sign….and using the Listing agent has never been recommended as they represent the SELLER’s interest.
My advice: if you have not purchased a lake home on Smith before then pay the BA. Buying on Smith (or any lake) is not the same as buying in a neighborhood. There are so many other considerations that if you get them wrong any one can affect your enjoyment for years to come.
A for instance, I am working with a long time customer who is looking for their second home. They started looking at lots. They found one they liked which I liked as well. My experience on that part of the lake (close to my cabin) led me to tell them that the only consideration that is challenging is the area of the lake, and more specifically the short stretch where the lot is located, is extremely rough as waves bounce back and forth off both sides of the channel. This is not something the Listing agent would ever have told them and they would have purchased a very expensive lot only to have dock and wave issues for years to come.
It is going to be an interesting time for the next couple of years in this business!!