Represent Yourself?

"He who represents himself has a fool for a client"

Representing yourself, with the prospect of saving some money, is next to impossible. Here’s why:

When a listing agent acquires a listing and signs a listing contract with a Seller, typically the forms/contracts used to acquire the listing, in California, are conducted on documents provided to practicing Realtors, by the California Association of Realtors library of legal documents. Contained within the library of documents are a few different variations of Listing Agreements. The most commonly used agreement is the Residential Listing Agreement (Exclusive Authorization and Right To Sell). Within that document, the Seller typically agrees to a commission payment to the listing Broker. Within this document, the Listing agent also agrees to participate in an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and share a percentage of the commission paid by the Seller (typically half of the agreed commission).

Due to the arrangement between the Seller and Listing Broker, once you approach the listing agent to view the property, the Listing agent would have a claim to the entire commission (procuring cause). Even if you, as the Buyer made a claim to the commission it is illegal for a listing Broker to pay an unlicensed party a commission in most cases.

So, even if you were able to successfully negotiate a fair price, maneuver through the mountain of paperwork, escrow, inspections and the inevitable hiccups inherent to real estate transactions, your efforts would most likely have been in vain. Choosing to engage an experienced agent/Broker to assist you will ease the burden of the transaction tremendously.

And remember, in almost all instances, the compensation paid to the Buyers Broker is paid for entirely by the Seller, via the Listing Brokers Listing Agreement.

Steve Lincoln and the Lincoln Realty Group will be there with, and for you, providing you with expert advice, investment and negotiating insights and many many other skilled advantages to help you acquire your next property at the very best price.

Call Steve Today: 760-707-6033

"From the moment he was retained as my agent to the day he closed the sale, Steve Lincoln displayed a level of professionalism, competence, and integrity that is increasingly difficult to find in the world of real estate and for which I will be eternally grateful."

"Steve Lincoln is an all-star broker. His in-depth knowledge of all aspects of real state profession is beyond expectation. His expertise wins him a captivated audience. He delivers way more than what he promises for buyers and sellers alike. One finds him/her- self, dealing with a sincere and trustworthy professional ready to go the extra miles to achieve a smooth and pleasant closure to all who rely on him."

"From the first inquiry to Zillow on a Friday night during Christmas season a year and a half ago, Steve stuck by our pursuit of a home closer to the beach. He treated us as if we were his most important client and never ignored a phone call or hesitated to show us properties as they became available. He was with us until we picked up our keys. His knowledge of the area, the details necessary to look for in homes, the negotiating process, the importance of proper financing all contribute to his superior achievement."

"To put it simply - Steve Lincoln did an amazing job finding the dream home for my wife and myself. After giving him our requirements Steve did extensive research to zero in on the perfect community for us in Rancho Santa Fe."

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