Anyone recomend a good buyers agent on STX?

You better read and understand what type agency agreement with the Buyer Broker Representation you are about to sign. Like any contract seek legal help.:S

Lizard, you don't sign a representation contract as a buyer in the states... unless it's different in the VI. Only thing you sign is the contract when you offer on a property.

Ericw,
Don't know what state you reference, But in order to collect a Commission, Fee or any other financial agreement as a licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent it must be in writing, When you use a True Buyer Broker/agent you do sign an agreement even on the big island. Unless the laws changed today.

I'm not qualified to debate the legal or financial issues related to a buyer agent. I am happy to share our excellent experience with Kim Lucas! Like someone else said, we wanted to find a new home in St Croix before we made any decisions about our home in Virginia. Long story short was that we found a wonderful home with Kim's help and decided to move here permanently. We arrived in early November.

Kim played a major role in us finding our new home AND in helping answer a zillion questions about moving here. She worked hard on our behalf. In fact, we would never have known about our new home without Kim, the price had just dropped into our range and Kim told us about it because she understood what we were looking for. The home we bought was not her listing; in fact who had each listing was not even discussed during our search process. We communicated with her by phone and internet all throughout the process. She was a resource to us unlike anyone else we had ever worked with related to real estate.

Again, not joining the debate - just wanted to pass on our wonderful experience with Kim Lucas! I recommend her without exception. I hope everyone comes to St Croix and finds their dream house like we did.

I don't think anyone is trying to say Kim's not an excellent realtor. I think Kim and other may think we are disparaging her and that is not the case. The fact of the matter is the seller always pays commission so the idea of a buyer's realtor is hogwash. But a good realtor and one that stays in business will always represent a buyer ethically and well. It just seems like a way to try to make a niche in a hard market and I can't blame anyone for advertising whatever they want, I just don't believe in a buyer's realtor exists. But every good realtor I know would do the best to get the best place and price for any client that had.

smiarch,
Did you pay a fee directly to Kim or her agency for Buyer Broker Services? Or was her services added onto the contract price or was she a sub agent in that transaction?

Ericw,
Don't know what state you reference, But in order to collect a Commission, Fee or any other financial agreement as a licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent it must be in writing, When you use a True Buyer Broker/agent you do sign an agreement even on the big island. Unless the laws changed today.

Lizard,
I'm in Illinois. The agents info is put into writing at execution of the sales contract. The last page infact, it asks for the buyer's agents info. The buyer never signs anything with their agent. I've bought and sold several homes, and current am selling house now so we can move. I'm well aware how it works here.

Ericw,
So you say now that only at offer to purchase the buyer/sellers last page of the contract spells out the terms and conditions of the Buyer Broker Fee. Well let me ask you this, What in the State of Illinois establishes the Broker/Client relationship. You are not aware of how it works.Check with your Lawyer.

Lizard,
You are wrong. I'm sorry but sometimes I think people on this board just like to hear themselves argue. I've attached a screen shot of that page of the Illinois Realtor Contract that asks for the buyer's broker info. Note it says "for info only" and in no way is it any form of agreement. All it is there for is that there is written buyer's representation so the seller's broker can pay them the percentage of the commission (which is provide on the MLS of what the commission split will be). I never said it was an agreement of conditions... just the broker's INFO. There is no type of agreement with the buyer and a broker. Any brokerage agreement is with the seller and their agent only. I suggest you do your research and know what you're talking about before you start slinging mud.

For all others that have posted positive responses, thank you! Obviously, real estate practices are different everywhere you go!

Ericw,
So you say now that only at offer to purchase the buyer/sellers last page of the contract spells out the terms and conditions of the Buyer Broker Fee. Well let me ask you this, What in the State of Illinois establishes the Broker/Client relationship. You are not aware of how it works.Check with your Lawyer.

http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/Member/memberservices/forms/largeprint/338aLG.pdf

Aussie, thanks for the link. I'm not surprised one is out there, but it is not required to enter in a property contract. It is also not common practice in Illinois and if you were presented with one you'd walk away from that agent. Of course it comes down to character and trust from both parties to form a business relationship.

I'm done with all this run around about Illinois. If you want I can start a new thread just about this. I came on here asking for a recommendation for an agent to help me buy a property on STX.

No problem, Eric. I hope you find just what you're looking for.

No problem, Eric. I hope you find just what you're looking for.

Thanks for the well wishes. I hope so too!

http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/Member/memberservices/forms/largeprint/338aLG.pdf

No mud slinging just fact for your edification again.:P

Thanks, Sara, for the glowing recommendation! Much appreciated!

The sales commission is paid to our firm for our bringing the buyer. The wording indicates that the commission is paid "on behalf of the buyer." The money comes out of the transaction (since it's the buyer who is bringing the money to the table). Our sales contract states that we are agents for the buyer, and not sub-agents. We do not currently require any contracts with our buyer clients, but we do explain agency.

And there IS a difference....between a buyer's agent and a sub-agent. it's explained on our website - www.alist.vi.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone- may all your dreams come true!

Kim Lucas,
If your buyer goes back to a property you have shown them and at a later time they negotiate with another Broker or Owner for the purchase of the property (HOW DO YOU COLLECT YOUR MARKETING FEE). Since you state that your agency agreement is worded in the purchase contract only.

Kim Lucas,
The Realtors Assoc requires a written agreement between Buyer and Buyers Agent, Does your Office belong to the National Assoc of Realtors? Also i know the difference between a Buyers Agent and a Sub Agent! A sub agent already has a written agreement by virtue of the listing agreement with the listing Broker. A "TRUE BUYER AGENCY MUST BE IN WRITING"