Realtors can defend against 'greedy sellers'

Re: 'Top questions to ask sellers at listing appointment' (March 21)

Dear Editor:

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have been helpful and worked with buyers or even sellers, without any compensation whatsoever, to feel totally unappreciated.

Buyers need to remember this: Without Realtors, buyers would be at the mercy of greedy sellers. They would make their offers, pay for home inspections and appraisals -- only to find that the home is overpriced and there are problems with the property that the seller may or may not be aware of that will be passed onto the buyers, who probably will struggle to barely make the mortgage payments. Buyers may end up paying out of pocket large amounts of money only to find they can't afford this property. It doesn't work for them.

Many Realtors are truly dedicated to helping their clients, and they get a bad rap from Realtors who may not be as caring.

If you are a seller, the element of danger in showing your own property is of great consideration. Is the buyer truly a buyer or is he, she or they looking to case your home for children, valuables or even elderly folks that could be easily taken advantage of or worse? We live in dangerous times. Realtors are a necessity if only for the safety of buyers and sellers.

Ask questions when you interview a Realtor to give you some insight on the person who you are speaking with and perhaps you will get a feeling for whether this is a good fit for you. Remember, it's not how many listings that the Realtor or his company has, or if he has a staff. Wouldn't you prefer that the Realtor personally has the time to give you and your property what you want themselves? I personally want to handle my own listings and my buyers. I need to know what their needs are and what they desire in order to get the job done to their satisfaction.

I have often said, "Do you think this commission is all mine? If it was I wouldn't need to work, evenings, weekends and holidays as I do." Real estate is like all other businesses -- it comes with huge expenses. Realtors are a real necessity. They keep transactions honest.

Fran MacDonald

Associate broker

Partners Realty Group

Manchester, N.H.

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