 Jim is an Accredited Buyer Representative®. The Taos real estate market is really quite different from urban, or even rural markets in other areas of the country. With a great deal of government-owned and Pueblo land, there are special considerations for access that have caused many a buyer headaches when they weren't properly researched and handled during the transaction process.
With stringent septic regulations combined with mostly old septic systems, buyers need to be represented by a Taos real estate professional with their best interests at the forefront, not the commission. Considerations for road easements, water rights, access for ditch maintenance and many other factors unique to this area require a real estate broker who understands the issues and will work through them on your behalf.
The chances are 98+% for sure that you're not seeing every property that meets your criteria in the Taos real estate market. Why is that? There are more FSBOs, or For Sale By Owners than ever before in Taos. The internet has given sellers more freedom and power to attempt to market their home without the listing commission. Though they may offer a buyer agent a commission if they bring you to the table, I do not know of any buyer representatives in Taos that are showing for sale by owners.....NONE.
Except Gallery Realty of course! I'll show you any property out there that could possibly meet your needs or satisfy your desires. The only requirement is that we execute a buyer representation agreement before we start. I sets out that I'm working in your best interests and will show you any and all available properties. You agree that my base compensation will be paid, and it's negotiated in the purchase offer to get it from the seller.
If it's that easy, why don't others do it? They don't want to risk losing you to another agent by asking you to sign something. They would just rather not mention what you're not seeing. There's also an attitude of "punishing" FSBO sellers for not listing the traditional way. Neither of those attitudes gets you served as the buyer. And I'll work without the buyer representation agreement, and you won't have to sign it. I just won't be able to show you those other properties, as I'm at great risk of not being compensated.
The difference is that I give you the choice and don't keep it a secret. |