Everyone wants to be a real estate agent....

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Thinking back to all of our Real Estate transactions, and we have had quite a few more without realtors than with. Never had any issues.

That said we bought a quarter this spring, and the realtor really earned his keep on this one. I started out with a low ball offer and a long list of conditions. The seller withheld some vital information, and wasn't able to sell it without a lot of creative financing, last resort desperation mortgages, changing title etc. Closing date was extended countless times, many revisions to the contract. The other parties lawyer went on holidays and refused to let anyone else handle it. 4 months later we finally took possession, with some issues still outstanding. Which was great from our point of view, since part of the conditions of the offer to purchase included full access to do anything on the property upon acceptance of offer, but didn't have to make payments for 4 months. Realtor said that was by far the most drawn out sale he's ever been part of of heard of.

Sales people of any type could be eliminated, and society would function just fine. Especially in the information age, the consumer can make an informed decision without the input of a salesperson.

[grassfarmer]

Putting an ad in your local paper is very much limiting the exposure your property may get. Fine if your neighbour wants to buy your land but you may miss out on the the European, or out of province buyer that would pay above market price for it. I've used realtors to buy and sell and feel I have got very good value for money in all the transactions. It's important to find a good one though especially on farm property .....many of the people getting into it as a sideline money maker probably wouldn't have been very effective for me.

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Putting an ad in your local paper is very much limiting the exposure your property may get. Fine if your neighbour wants to buy your land but you may miss out on the the European, or out of province buyer.

Perhaps your presence on this forum could be motivating sellers not to pursue those markets? Maybe they don't want a nosy new neighbor who will be posting pictures and descriptions of their practices, while campaigning to increase their taxes and regulations? Our european neighbors have been excellent neighbors, although their farming careers have been shorter than intended.