Simple question:

For a property that is listed on the MLS, would you purposefully call the listing agent?

Or, would you use another realtor you've used multiple times and been happy with?

I generally have called the listing agent directly, with the thought that if it comes down to a few bucks between offer and what the seller wants...maybe the listing agent would give up a few bucks commission.

What are your thoughts?

Purposefully call the listing agent, or no?

I have gone directly to the Sellers Agent

and asked what amount of Cash would the Owner

be willing to $ell.

Ya got 30 minutes to call me back.

If we can agree on a number, I will send ya proof of funds.

It depends on the property.

If I am looking at a home for myself or property I want but it's mostly at market price then I would consider using my agent.

JS and I have the same school of thought. I typically don't reach out - but then again I normally don't buy through the MLS for residential purchases.

I try and use my agents as I want to seem loyal to them.

In the past they have thrown places my direction when they come up. For the most part they know how I work, what I might deal with and what I just won't budge on.

Most times, I will use my buyer's agent I've used many times in the past. Unless the property is super expensive ($1 million +), the odds of you getting a significant discount is small.

Consider: $500,000 house. 6% commission or $30,000 is on the line.

You and the Seller are $20,000K apart. Is the agent going to reduce their commission by 2/3 just to make that deal work? Odds are very low. Might as well have an agent representing you and taking care of all the hoo-hahs and doo-dads.

If you and the Seller are $10K apart, the agent "might" be willing to knock $5K off their commission if the property hasn't been getting many offers or much activity, or if it's been lingering on the MLS for almost 3 months and they are worried about the Seller canceling their listing agreement and going somewhere else. $5K is nice pocket money if you can get it, but still... it's not going to change your world if you're buying $500K properties, and one "whoopsie" might eat up your entire savings on the deal if you miss something your Buyer's agent catches.

A GOOD Realtor is worth his or her pay. Problem is, only about 10-15% of Realtors are good. If there's a bad one on the other side of the transaction, you need a good one on your side to make sure things happen.

Almost always I call my agent. That way I know the paperwork will be done right and the sale will be carefully walked through escrow and any obstacle taken care of. Even when buying a FSBO, my agent will do the paperwork and escrow for me for a small-ish fee ($500)

I bought one a couple of years ago and called the listing agent to do it. It was a fore sale and the price was reduced $100,000 to get it sold quickly. It hadn't been over-priced to begin with and I had already been considering it.