http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/378631_divorce11.html

On the other hand, E&O insurance would likely not cover such a model and it would or could be fraught with lots of legal liability.

Craig? Your take?

That’s the part agents don’t understand. Some people don’t want to look at houses with agents, because it makes them feel obligated to buying something some day. Most people only want to commit to buying IF it feels like the right thing to do at the time, and they want the option to rent at the end of it. When they go around with an agent, they feel like they are in advance agreeing to buy something.

I like the idea of someone hiring me to look at their final choice or choices to help them focus on the things an agent sees that buyers sometimes do not. In fact there should be “Second RE Opinion.com” LOL RE is one of the only industries that does not grant the consumer the option of getting a second opinion before making a huge commitment.

Re options it’s good to have folks like Craig as well as the discount brokers. I’d rather pay cash on the barrel for a specified service than leave it for the eventual commission. Partly this is because I want to keep the option of not buying, and I’d feel crappy having a buyer’s agent do lots of work and then not making a commission-generating purchase. I like Ardell’s consulting idea: there are moments when you really want a focused conversation with an expert.

I think you should combine your model with a cheap mls service for maximum benefit to your clients. Say a Craig + MLS4U. I think that would increase the chances of a home being seen and in the mls. Just an example. I think that would be better advice than Craig + no MLS exposure at all. Maybe you do that already. Most FSBOs are willing to pay a buyer agent, so it only costs them a little more to gain maximum exposure.

So yes, “trying” FSBO could be optimal for many, especially with decreasing equity positions. But adding the MLS component would be more of a best effort in that regard.

I’m thinking buyers would benefit from an agent flat fee package similar to the seller MLS4U package. An agent who will come to your final choice and make sure you see what they see. An agent who will come to the inspection and make sure you hear what they hear. I’ve had a few people ask me to come to their final two choices as a consultant for $500. I’ve had a seller want me to come and just give him my full $02 for $500 and be able to call me back if and when the need arises.

It seems there is a need and desire for agent consulting services to complement some of the too stripped down options. Seems the consumer can build a package of services at much less cost by combining a few of them. You might want to show your clients a few options to complement your service that leave them better represented all the way around, both at the house, in the mls, and during contract to close.

Three $1,000 services, for most price ranges, might give them everything they need at a much reduced cost.

As to the neutral comment, I was talking about your website, not your role in any particular transaction. Explain what you can do as an attorney alone and as an attorney working with an agent.