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“Can I write my offer with you (the listing agent) instead of my own agent? I don’t want to have to pay my buyer’s agent or sign some type of contract with them.”

A buyer asked me this question recently and it highlighted the confusion that still remains regarding exactly how real estate agents are paid. The first thing to note is that if you have an agent represent you in the purchase of a home, that agent will need to be paid somehow for the service they are providing. The payment for that service will be specifically outlined in your Buyer Broker agreement, which is a contract that you will enter into with the agent representing you, prior to submitting an offer. If you choose to have the listing agent represent you, you will still be required to enter into a Buyer Broker agreement with that agent prior to submitting your offer. Writing an offer directly with the listing agent does not negate that step – if a listing agent is representing both buyer and seller, they are due a commission for both sides. 

The Buyer Broker agreement will specify whether your agent is representing you for one specific property, or if you are exclusively working with that agent for any and all purchases. If you have signed an exclusive agreement with an agent, that Realtor may be due a commission even if you buy another property with that listing agent. So make sure that you understand the terms of your agreement – how long does the agreement last, what properties are included, and how much commission will the agent receive in exchange for representing you. If you choose to write a single offer directly with a listing agent, make sure that your Buyer Broker agreement with that agent is for that specific property only. 

Secondly, understand that as a buyer you will always know in advance, prior to finalizing a contractual acceptance, whether or not you will be required to pay an agent out of your own pocket. Most buyers will request, as a condition of their offer, that the seller cover the cost of the obligation set forth in their buyer broker agreement to pay their agent. If the seller does not agree to this term, they would have to counter you back to specifically remove that request, and you would still have to sign that you accept that change. At that point, you have the ability to either agree to cover your agent’s commission yourself, or to walk away from the purchase. You will always be aware of this prior to an acceptance being finalized, so under no circumstance will you find out after entering into a contract that you have to bring in additional money to pay your agent. 

Kari Carson

DRE #01903828

(818) 424-5537

kari@karicarson.com

Neighborhoods Served: La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Greater LA area

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“How important is having a pool when selling a home in La Cañada Flintridge and how much value do buyers place on it?”

This is an excellent question that does not always have a clear answer. It has been my experience that buyers either desperately want a pool or they strongly do NOT want a pool. That being said, both types of buyers are generally willing to compromise if the house itself fits all their other needs.  Remember that the overall value of the property is going to be determined more by the condition and marketing of the home itself than it will be by the inclusion or absence of a pool. 

The biggest factor that influences the added value of a pool is the size and configuration of your lot. If you put a pool in but are able to keep a large area for grass or landscaping, then buyers who don’t want a pool may still be willing to move forward. The same is true for buyers specifically looking for a pool – if it is easy to install a pool in the future and they love the house, they will likely still purchase it without an existing pool.  All this said, neither type of buyer will be happy if the pool takes up the majority of your usable outdoor space.

I recommend taking some caution if you are considering installing a pool specifically to add value to your property. The cost of a pool installation varies so wildly depending on the size and design that it is difficult to say whether you will make a profit or even get a dollar for dollar return when selling.  Currently the inventory in La Canada is so low that the lack of a pool isn’t likely to overly influence a buyer unless something about the lot makes it extremely difficult to install one in the future.  

If instead you are planning on staying in your house for at least five years and plan to use the pool often, the value it adds for your own enjoyment will likely outweigh any concerns about the rate of return on your investment. As long you are careful about the design and location of the pool, the overall value of the home will definitely increase. 

Kari Carson

DRE #01903828

(818) 424-5537

kari@karicarson.com

Neighborhoods Served: La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Greater LA area