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Real Estate


Tom Kelly
Tom Kelly
The Real Estate Adviser
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September 15, 2005

The Real Estate Adviser: Who needs an agent? Probably most of us

By TOM KELLY
Special to the Journal

The value of a real estate agent is often discussed, especially in neighborhoods where prices seem to be going up every day. While consumers complain about commissions — even reduced — people who attempt to sell their home by themselves overwhelming say they would seek professional help the next time.

I haven't agreed with some of the practices of real estate sales persons and even some members of the National Association of Realtors (not every sales person is a Realtor), but I believe their basic services often save, rather than cost, the average homeowner money. The big picture is rarely viewed at the end of the transaction. Instead, the home sale deal often begins with, "well, I have to pay the Realtor 6 percent off the top... ''


 
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