Buyer Beware! The Truth About Real Estate Brokers And Multiple Listing Services

By Bob Miles

Most people believe that if they hire a real estate broker, then only that broker will help them find a buyer. In many cases, however, this is not true. Most brokers have access to multiple listing services, which allow a broker to list the concerned real estate with many brokers with the understanding that if another broker locates a suitable buyer for the first broker’s client, then the two brokers will share the commission. This is good for brokers because they can earn money from buyers who may not be looking for the type of property their own clients are selling; it is good for sellers because for the same price they can take advantage of the efforts of many brokers instead of just one; and it is good for buyers because many brokers representing many different sellers will be looking for them.

Brokers perform two different functions – the ‘listing broker’ represents the seller, and the ‘showing broker’ shows the real estate to potential buyers. Although most people assume that these two functions are carried out by the same person with respect to a particular piece of real estate, with multiple listing services this isn’t necessarily the case. In many cases the showing broker has received authorization to show the house from the listing broker. This is important because although the buyer may assume that the showing broker represents him, in fact the showing broker represents the seller’s interests, not his. In response to this situation, and increasing number of potential buyers are concluding broker’s contracts with their own brokers to make sure they are receiving (relatively) unbiased information about the real estate that is shown to them. If you are a buyer, it would certainly be a good idea to conclude such an arrangement. Although you will have to pay for it, consider how much money you have to lose by buying a house that you will later regret buying. Of course, this arrangement offers new opportunities for corruption as well – imagine a broker secretly representing buyer and seller at the same time and receiving commission from both!

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DISCLAIMER: The foregoing is intended for reference purposes only and not as legal advice.

About the Author: Real Estate Law in Plain English explains real estate law without the legalese.

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Fort Lauderdale Real Estate | Imperial Point Homes For Sale |Realtor Pick Of The Week

By Mike Benton

Imperial Point is a beautiful, highly sought after neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, FL. One of the most appealing aspects of this community is location; this area is located east of I-95, just west of Federal Highway near the beaches, downtown areas, A rated schools, and most notably, Pinecrest private school. This is one of the few areas located on the east side of Fort Lauderdale with a family neighborhood feel to the community. The area is comprised of single family homes, town homes, and a few residential condo buildings. Imperial Point is one of the most well known family neighborhoods on the east side of Fort Lauderdale.

Imperial Point homes are known for their charming architecture, larger lots, tropical lawns, and close proximity to the finer amenities of Fort Lauderdale. Most have in ground pools and two car garages with private, fenced yards. There are both dry lot homes and waterfront homes located on ocean access canals with private docks and one fixed bridge in Imperial Point. Boat lovers can have it all: live in a family neighborhood near the beach while docking the boat at home for an affordable price. Most homes in Imperial Point cost an average of $200,000 to over $500,000 for the waterfront homes in the neighborhood. Currently, there are two single family homes for sale in Imperial Point located on waterfront lots with ocean access that are listed under $400,000. Both of these listings are in excellent shape with no true need for improvements.

The most expensive home for sale in Imperial Point as of January 23, 2012, is a remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom pool home for $510,000. This home is located on a quieter street outside of the mainstream traffic in Imperial Point, and it includes some of the finest upgrades available. The home is also situated on a larger lot, making this a more valuable property investment in the Imperial Point community. The least expensive home in Imperial Point is a bank owned 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located on the northwest side of the development. Though this home needs some work, it would be an excellent investment for an investor or first time home buyer looking to gain some serious equity in their new home.

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Imperial Point is located close to two of the best schools in the state of Florida. If you have children who will be attending school in the area, you should know that you have excellent choices for both private and public schooling in this neighborhood. There are some areas of Imperial Point that are within walking distance to Bayview Elementary School, an A rated public elementary school in this area. Bayview has won several national recognition awards for excellence and is widely known as one of the best public elementary schools in the state of Florida. On the other end of the financial tuition spectrum is Pinecrest Day School, another nationally recognized school which produces a record number of scholars and athletes. Imperial Point is a located very close to Pinecrest, with some of the schools on the north end of the Imperial Point development being within close walking or biking distance to this school as well. Families with children in Imperial Point will be glad to know that they have two excellent choices, both public and private schools.

Our favorite pick of the day in Imperial Point is a beautiful, two story home located on the west side of the development. This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is a beautiful yellow brick house with impeccably designed interior and a tropical style deep water pool in the back. We love the colonial feel of this home, combined with the hardwood flooring, fireplace, and new picture windows. This is one of the many houses for sale in Fort Lauderdale that have been reduced in price, and this home is currently listed for $400,000. If you want to live in a traditional style, 2 story home in Fort Lauderdale near the beach without compromising the feel of a family neighborhood, this home may be for you. The property taxes are in the moderate price range without claiming a Homestead exemption, so you have the ability to lower these taxes if you decide to claim Homestead exemption on this property.

Here are a few photos of our favorite single family home for sale in Fort Lauderdale this week:

Thats it for our Florida real estate pick of the week! Imperial Point is one of our top choices for family neighborhood living, especially for our clients who want to live near the beach or downtown areas. Meet us here again next week for more of our favorite homes and condos for sale in Fort Lauderdale FL!

About the Author: Mike Benton is a Fort Lauderdale realtor with over a decade of experience in real estate development and sales. Whether you want to learn more about the best

Fort Lauderdale real estate

orfindthe best

Fort Lauderdale homes for sale

, visit

FortLauderdaleForeclosures.org

.

Source:

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