My partner Marc Holmes is also a real estate broker (Washington Lawyers Realty LLC). Accordingly, we now offer our buyer clients limited real estate agent services that allow us to represent them while interacting seamlessly with real estate agents. This allows us to refund to you most or all of the 3% commission that would otherwise be paid to your agent. In other words, if we represent you in the transaction, you can look forward to a refund of several thousand dollars at closing.
How does that work? Where a property is listed on the multiple listing service, the seller has agreed to pay a certain commission to an agent who represents a buyer. Typically, that commission is 3% (it can be more or less). When you hire us as your attorneys, you also hire us as your agent who will provide you with limited agent services. As your agent, we are entitled to the commision that is being paid by the seller. However, we don't keep those funds. Rather, we get paid by you directly, and then at closing we return those funds to you. If you're buying a $400,000 house, your refund could be as much as $12,000! See Using an Attorney for more information.
Moreover, there is a growing belief that buyers should at least consider buying without an agent. Agents made a lot of sense in the past, but given changes in the system, they may no longer be the best option. Today, most buyers at least begin their search for a new home using the internet. It is now easy to search and find homes for sale.
My partner Marc Holmes and I assist people in purchasing a home. Our legal services and counsel throughout the buying process have helped many people through a difficult and daunting endeavor--one where there is an awful lot of money at stake!
See the links to the left for more information.
