Should I use a Realtor in this situation?

[Irene Morales Ward]

Excellent question! As an agent who never practices Dual Agency you are absolutely correct in questioning why she would want to represent you both! She will be expecting compensation - make no mistake - IF her buyer pans out. But you are absolutely right not to "hire" an agent to represent you if you are satisfied that 1)the offer they are making is fair and 2)you will be able to adequately proceed with the transaction without a Realtor guiding you.

Having a back-up plan is excellent, too. If the "acquaintance" is already representing the buyer, let her know immediately that your intention is to avoid a "listing fee" of any kind as you will be proceeding with legal representation.

The likelihood that this buyer will work out is slim after having seen it only from the outside but still having every "i" dotted and "t" crossed is a good idea before she brings them through the house!

Good Luck!

[BocaHome]

Why couldn't she act a transaction broker and not represent either party? If you give her 2% or 3% she should be tickled pink and she should attend all inspections, appraisal and closing for that matter. The is a lot in a transaction that can fall through the cracks if not handled properly. The flip side is that if you do not want to pay her anything that she may steer the buyer away from your home and into something else. It is very easy to manipulate comparable sales if you want to. It is not something that I do, however I see it done from time to time. Good luck in whichever way that you decide to go. If you are not going to use her I would have an attorney prepare the contract and make sure that all necessary disclosures, etc. are signed and properly filled out. That's my 2 cents.