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Asheville Real Estate, North Carolina Luxury Homes, Mountain Real Estate, NC Horse Farms Home | Featured Listings | MLS Search | About Us | Contact Us Horse Farms | Land | Luxury Homes | Condos & Lofts | Waterfront Property | Commercial | 1031 Exchange Phone Asheville Real Estate 828.694.1558 Asheville MLS Search Featured Listings Search Asheville MLS Search Tryon MLS North Carolina Horse Farms North Carolina Horse Farms Featured Horse Farm For Sale Featured Waterfront Horse Farm Featured Equestrian Center For Sale Equestrian Communities North Carolina Land North Carolina Land For Sale Featured Development Land For Sale Featured South Carolina Land For Sale Land Conservancy North Carolina Luxury Homes North Carolina Luxury Homes Asheville Condos and Lofts Asheville Waterfront Homes Featured Asheville Luxury Home Featured Asheville Contemporary Home Featured South Carolina Luxury Home North Carolina Commercial Real Estate 1031 Exchange Real Estate Commercial Real Estate Featured Event Facility For Sale Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency About Us Asheville Real Estate Careers Sitemap Contact Us Member, Realtors Land Institute Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency Uncommon Properties for the Uncommon Lifestyle December 29, 2005 S heelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency is privileged to offer signature services for investors and buyers seeking investment property and gracious living. We serve as national and international buyer's agents for North Carolina luxury homes, horse farms, land, commercial real estate and 1031 exchange property. Our service area spans western North Carolina mountain real estate and upstate South Carolina properties with a focus on real estate in Asheville NC and the nearby towns of Hendersonville, Brevard, and Tryon. If you are looking for exceptional mountain property, please contact us . Western North Carolina MLS Search Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency offers the rare opportunity to search thousands of mountain real estate and luxury homes listings in two Asheville area MLS systems covering more than a dozen counties across western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. Search Asheville MLS listings in the Western North Carolina Regional MLS , an MLS search covering Asheville real estate as well as properties across more than a dozen counties. Search listings in Hendersonville, Waynesville, Mars Hill, Black Mountain, Maggie Valley and Brevard NC. Search Tryon MLS listings in the Polk County MLS , an MLS search that includes real estate in Tryon, Columbus, Saluda, parts of Rutherford County and parts of upstate South Carolina. Some Asheville real estate offerings, including certain exclusive luxury estates and commercial properties are not listed on any public MLS. If you are seeking high end luxury homes, large acreage tracts of land, or commercial real estate in western North Carolina, please contact us to receive information about select properties that meet your requirements. Our Uncommon Real Estate Services At Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency, we dedicate ourselves to the uncommon -- uncommon ideas, uncommon properties, and uncommon service. We're pleased to specialize in properties of unique character. Luxury Homes : As western North Carolina luxury homes specialists, we showcase the most distinctive private estates and luxury properties for national and international buyers. Our expertise spans the luxury real estate market throughout the greater Asheville area, allowing us to present buyers with a portfolio of the most notable estates our region has to offer. Horse Farms : We are pleased to present our equestrian clients with this region's state-of-the-art horse farms and fine equestrian estates. Some of the most exclusive horse farms for sale in North Carolina can be found in our area. We are equestrians serving equestrians and we know North Carolina's premiere horse country by heart. Our featured farm for sale is a meticulous 39-acre equestrian estate near Asheville . The property features a 2001 custom built home with matching barn and fenced pastures for your horses. This horse farm offers exceptional year mountain views and is located only minutes from some of western North Carolinas most beautiful public horse trails. Land : Serving as buyer's agents, we assist investors in locating western North Carolina land. Often, the larger tracts are not listed in the public MLS. We work through a network of regional specialists to identify large acreage tracts of mountain land for sale. Our featured landfor sale is a rare large acreage tract of development land. This 228 acres of land in Waynesville NC is ideal for urban village or mixed use development in keeping with smart growth concepts. 1031 Exchange : Our brokers specialize in western North Carolina 1031 exchange property for those seeking the benefits of a tax deferred exchange. We assist buyers in finding their replacement properties quickly. Commercial Real Estate : With more than twodecades of experience in industrial and commercial real estate sales and acquisitions, SheelahClarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency offersboth industry-wide expertise and regional insight into the western North Carolinacommercial real estate markets. Asheville Real Estate at Its Finest Whether we are working for local sellers, national buyers, or international investors, we maintain personal, client-focused service as the hallmark of our brokerage firm. With licensing in both Carolinas and a quarter century of experience in the commercial and luxury home markets, Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency brings to the table regional know-how, sound business expertise, and world-class solutions. Please contact us to view a portfolio of fine properties that meet your specifications. Credits Programming and Database Development by S2L Design Photograph of Asheville courtesy of David Bonyun Hawaii Real Estate | International Luxury Homes To report problems with this site: administrator@sheelahclarkson.com Asheville Real Estate | Asheville North Carolina MLS | Tryon North Carolina MLS | Asheville Homes For Sale | Asheville Condos North Carolina Luxury Homes | North Carolina Land For Sale | North Carolina Acreage | North Carolina Mountain Real Estate North Carolina Horse Farms | Equestrian Communities | Horse Property | Equestrian Property | North Carolina Mountain Land North Carolina Commercial Real Estate | 1031 Exchange Real Estate | NC Waterfront Property | Sitemap | Links | About Us | Contact Info © 2005 Sheelah Clarkson Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency • PO Box 8804 • Asheville,NC 28814-8804 Phone 828.694.1558 • Fax 828.694.1549 • Email sheelah@sheelahclarkson.com
Land Loans Fixed Rate
First Hawaiian Bank: Hawaii/Guam — Mortgage Options select an online service -------------------- FHB Online FHB Business Online StrataWeb PlanWeb QuickTax Web Cash Manager - Hawaii Web Cash Manager - Guam for a new account -------------------- CREDIT CARDS Gold Aloha AirAwards MasterCard Gold Aloha AirAwards Visa Aloha AirAwards MasterCard Aloha AirAwards Visa Aloha Business AirAwards Business MasterCard Gold MasterCard Diamond Head MasterCard Ukulele MasterCard Gold Visa Mosaic Visa Surfer Visa -------------------- LOANS Morgage Pre-qualification Personal Loan Personal Line of Credit Business FirstLine Business FirstTerm Business Equipment Lease -------------------- CHECKING FirstChecking Discount Checking Regular Checking Bonus Checking Priority Banking Checking Business Checking -------------------- SAVINGS Regular Savings MaxiMizer Savings Certificates of Deposit -------------------- PrimeTime/Primera about products & services Business Services Cash Management Checking Accounts Credit Cards Foreign Exchange Insurance Services Investment Services IRA Leasing Lines and Loans * Home Equity Line of Credit * Personal Loans * Student Loans * Calculators Mortgages Online Banking PrimeTime/Primera Savings and TCDs Small Business Banking Student Banking Trust and Estate Services a branch or ATM Oahu * Oahu - Honolulu * Oahu - East Oahu * Oahu - Windward * Oahu - Northshore * Oahu - Leeward Maui & Lanai Big Island Kauai Guam Saipan First Investment Center Insurance Services Mortgage Banking • Mortgage Options • Mortgage Document Checklist • Current Rates • Foreclosures • Mortgage Glossary • Calculators • Realtor News • Contact Us Compare Options Pre-Qualify Now! Contact Us Mortgage Options For a free analysis and recommendation of the best mortgage loan program for you, please call us at 643-HOME (4663). Click on the options below to learn more about each of our mortgage solutions. You can also use our Online Comparison Tool to compare options side by side. Fixed Rate Mortgage Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Balloon Mortgage First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Absolute Zero Mortgage FHA/VA Flex 100 Rural Housing Service Loan (RHS) Construction Loans Home Improvement Loans Second Mortgage Land Loans Fixed Rate Mortgage Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Interest rate is constant over the life of the loan Features: · Variety of terms available · Finance with as little as 3% down payment · Flexible qualifying guidelines Benefits: · Stable monthly payments · Protection against rising interest rates · Fully amortized over the life of the loan Best Suited For: · Borrowers seeking a set interest rate · Borrowers who want the certainty of knowing their payment amount · Borrowers on a fixed monthly income Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Interest rates and monthly payments can adjust periodically over the life of the loan Features: · Conversion to a fixed rate option available · Initial interest rate may be lower than fixed rate products · Variety of terms available · Annual and lifetime interest rate caps Benefits: · Interest rates and monthly payments can adjust periodically over the life of the loan · Conversion to a fixed rate option available · Initial interest rate may be lower than fixed rate products · Variety of terms available · Annual and lifetime interest rate caps Best Suited For: · Borrowers who expect to move within 5-7 years · Borrowers who anticipate rising incomes · Borrowers who can manage payment changes · Borrowers expecting large cash settlements in the future Balloon Mortgage Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Interest rate is fixed for a set term Features: · Monthly payments amortized over a longer period than the loan term · Balance is due on balloon date · Outstanding balance may be refinanced for qualified borrowers on balloon date Benefits: · Lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgage · Borrower may qualify for higher loan amount · Stable monthly payments for term of loan · Rate re-set feature available after 7-years Best Suited For: · Borrowers who expect to move or refinance within 7 years · Borrowers who want to take advantage of lower short-term rates and can tolerate some uncertainty about future loan terms · Owner occupants and second homeowners First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed or adjustable interest rates Features: · Variety of terms available · As little as 3% down payment · Flexible qualifying guidelines · Fully amortizing · Reduced loan fees Benefits: · Payments go towards equity rather than rent · Minimum down payment enhances buying power · Flexible guidelines may qualify borrower for larger loan amount · Reduced closing costs make buying easier Best Suited For: · First-times home buyers · Borrowers with limited personal funds for down payments and closing costs · Borrowers on modest incomes Absolute Zero Mortgage Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed interest rate loan Features: · 0 points and 0 closing costs · Competitive fixed rate pricing · Finance with as little as 3% down Benefits: · Allows buyers to save on closing costs and use the savings towards their down payment instead · Gives borrowers an opportunity to refinance and reduce their interest rate without paying expensive closing costs make buying easier Best Suited For: · Ideal for those limited on cash to close their loan · Best for those considering a move or refinance in 5-7 years · Ideal for those who want to reduce their rate without paying for points or closing costs · For those with limited down payment who want to buy now instead of later · Restricted to owner occupants FHA/VA Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed or adjustable interest rates Features: · Requires little or no down payment · Flexible qualifying guidelines Benefits: · Low down payment · Certain closing costs may be financed · Less cash on hand required to qualify Best Suited For: · First-time home buyers · Borrowers on modest incomes · Eligible veterans Flex 100 Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed long term rates Features: · No down payment · Able to use "flexible" funds for closing cost such as gifts, grants, or unsecured loans from relatives Benefits: · No income limits · Stable monthly payments for term of the loan · Possibly maximize your tax deduction Best Suited For: · Borrowers with excellent credit · Borrowers on modest incomes · Eligible veterans Rural Housing Service Loan (RHS) Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed long term rates Features: · No down payment · Guaranteed loan to assist eligible households in rural areas Benefits: · No reserves required · May be able to finance all closing costs Best Suited For: · Limited to owner occupants · For borrowers located in rural areas Construction Loans Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed or adjustable interest rates Features: · Interest only payments during the construction period · Permanent financing means applying only once · Competitive pricing Benefits: · Buy your land and build, all with one permanent financing plan · Interest only payments provide some relief on the budget during the construction period · Flexible pricing to meet your construction contract terms Best Suited For: · Those planning to buy land and build within a year · Large dollar home improvement projects Home Improvement Loans Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed long term interest rate loan with competitive pricing Features: · As little as 5% down payment Benefits: · Buy a home and renovate with one loan · Stable monthly payments for term of loan Best Suited For: · Those who are owner occupants, second homeowners and investors · Those who want to buy a "fixer-upper" Second Mortgage Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages Features: · Competitive pricing Benefits: · Use the equity in your home to consolidate higher interest rate loans, purchase automobiles, make home improvements and more. · Does not affect a current low rate first mortgage Best Suited For: · Those with established equity in their homes · Best for shorter term obligations Land Loans Pre-Qualify Online Rates: · Fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages available Features: · Competitive pricing Benefits: · Buy the land now, build later · Recieve a discount on fees when applying for a construction loan at First Hawaiian Bank within a 1-year period Best Suited For: · Those seeking to invest in land, but not ready to build just yet About Us | Career Opportunities | Bancwestcorp.com | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | Site Map | Contact Us
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Denver real estate; site map Relocation buyers need extra help, learning about the area, schools, drive times and finding the best neighborhood to suit your lifestyle isn't easy. I can assist you with a relocation package tailored to your needs. [ Click Here for More ] Personalize your search and have results delivered to your inbox daily. This HomeFinder service is the most popular of all. [ Click Here for More ] Select featured homes offering a virtual tour, so you can enjoy a tour from the comforts of your home anytime, day or night. [ Click Here for More ] only search Denver Real Estate Site Denver Real Estate Site Map ~2 ~3 ~4 Colorado Home Buying Process A Step-by-step guide; the process of buying a home The home buying process outlined, how to purchase a colorado home from finance to closing. Denver real estate; How to Qualify for a Mortgage Qualify for a mortgage easily, just understand the process and what you will need to bring for the lender. Closing costs in Colorado, Denver real estate; relocation info- An explanation of Closing costs in Colorado as offered by a Denver real estate agent Your Colorado home buying questions answered - Denver FAQ's Home buying questions answered for Colorado home buyers as offered by a Denver metro agent. Common Mistakes to avoid when searching for a Denver home Learn about mistakes to avoid for home buyers contemplating a house purchase in Colorado Denver real estate; earnest money Earnest money and other up front costs when buying a home FICO scores explained Learn about FICO scores and how they effect your credit rating Denver real estate; financial glossary Financial terms explained regarding Denver real estate home purchase Denver real estate; financing your home Denver real estate: finacing your home, various mortgages explained Denver real estate; locking in your interest rate The process of buying a home, when to lock your loan? Standard loan application - take a peek and know what to expect... Be prepared fill out this home loan application for your Colorado mortgage loan. Denver real estate; when to get loan approval Denver real estate: getting a mortgage loan approved Links to Denver Metro Employers - get a job buy a house! Mom said, Get a job so you can buy a house...start here! Getting a VA loan Veterans should take advantage of the benefits of VA loans, how to get one PMI - Private mortgage insurance. Do I need it? Why? PMI, yes you may need it, but there are alternatives... Things to do in Colorado Denver amenities: Colorado ski areas Colorado ski areas are conveniently close to Denver A Denver metro resident's favorite places A random collection of favorite places and things to do in and around Denver, Colorado. Recreation in Colorado - outdoor things to do in and around Denver A list and links of things to do in Colorado Denver metro shopping A partial list of the great shopping Denver has to offer Denver sports Spectator sports in Denver Denver; things to do with kids Denver activities to do with the kids, company and maybe just for yourself! Denver real estate; site map Denver real estate: relocation, listings with photos e-mailed to you. relocation package offered to home buyers Request Denver relocation info - real estate services Request your personal Denver relocation package, offered by a LOCAL Denver metro broker, specializing in Buyer Relocation Get a Denver relocation package- from a Colorado realtor A LOCAL Buyer Broker offers Denver real estate information; request a relocation package (home buyers only please!) [ 1 ][2][ 3 ][ 4 ] Kristal Kraft , ABR, CIPS, CRS Licensed real estate broker selling Colorado Since 1984 The Berkshire Group - Metro Brokers 1485 S. Colorado Blvd. #300, Denver, CO. U.S.A. 800-319-7738 toll free | 303-589-2022 direct | 303-753-9965 fax Kristal@TheBerkshireGroup.net 1998-2005, Reflective Motion Inc. | Agents Only | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Site Credits | Site Map ~2 ~3 ~4 Denver Relocation | Buy a Home In Denver | Sell a Home in Denver | Denver Map | Denver Neighborhood Profiles | Denver Sales Statistics | International Real Estate | A Bio | My Favorite Places | Real Estate Resources Denver Loft Homes | The Berkshire Group | Buy and Sell Denver | We Sell Denver | Denver Colorado Real Estate | Denver Blog
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Find Apartments For Rent and House Rentals on Yahoo! Real Estate Find Apartments For Rent and House Rentals Choose Location Home Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent Home Loans Moving & Insurance Tools My Real Estate Features Classifieds • List Your Vacancy Moving Center • Moving Quotes • Out of State Moves • Truck Rentals • Auto Transport • Moving Checklist Rentals Resources • Free Credit Reports • Roommates • Renter's Insurance • Renter's Library • Rent vs. Own Calculator Local Information • Neighborhood Profiles • School Reports • City Guides • Find a Job • Search Homes For Sale Buying & Selling Cars • Buy a Car • Sell Your Car Search Apartment and House Rentals City & State, or Zip: Property Type: All Types Apartments Condo_Townhouse Corporate_Temporary Other Room for Rent Senior Housing Single Family Home Vacation Rental/Timeshare --------------------- Potential Renter or Roommate Price Range: $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 $900 $1,000 $1,100 $1,200 $1,300 $1,400 $1,500 $1,750 $2,000 $2,250 $2,500 $3,000 $4,000 to No Max $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 $900 $1,000 $1,100 $1,200 $1,300 $1,400 $1,500 $1,750 $2,000 $2,250 $2,500 $3,000 $4,000 Beds: Any 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ Baths: Any 1+ 1 1/2+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ Advanced Search New! Rent Your Apartment or House with the Help of Yahoo! Classifieds. Generate leads quickly with placement in front of millions of Yahoo! users. Your ad runs for 21 days URL link to another Web site Post up to six photos Full property description Rent Your Property Today! Roommate Center Need a Room? Have a Room? Search Available Rooms Search Available Roommates Post an Ad Post an Ad Resource Center Insurance Services Learn purchase protection tips & home and safety prevention Moving Services Get a quote from a local, national, or international mover; find out about other options Moving Checklist Plan your move Moving Articles Read about how-to articles on moving Sponsored Links Michigan Property Management Services We offer property management services for rentals, cottages, cabins, condos and homes throughout Western Michigan and Lake Michigan. www.waterfrontmich.com Free Rental Property Management iiProperty is a free property management service for owners who self-manage. Find buyers and tenants by creating free listings and posting them online. Easily manage multiple listings. www.iiproperty.com Vacation Property Mgmt Software/Services Turn-key property management software designed for the individual vacation rental property owner. Affordable property management by owner software and services. www.vtbo.com (Become a Sponsor) Partner Spotlight Featured Sponsor Find a Local REALTOR by HomeGain • Find & Compare REALTORS • Get Home Prices Home Services by ServiceMaster Clean, Fix and Improve your Home Get an Estimate or call 1-866-843-2834 Real Estate News Can separated couple sell two houses in one year? Dec 20, 2005, Inman News Realty Reality: HOA Members have Greater Access to Records Dec 20, 2005, Realty Times Demystifying Escrow For First-Time Home Buyers Dec 15, 2005, RealEstateJournal.com Housing starts rise, core inflation tame Dec 20, 2005, Yahoo! Finance Dubai firm in 26.6-billion-dollar Saudi project (AFP) Dec 20, 2005, Yahoo! News Number of New Homes Increase for a Strong Year Dec 20, 2005, Quicken Loans more real estate news Homes For Sale - Apartments For Rent - Current Mortgage Rates - Real Estate Agents - Local - Yellow Pages
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Smartmoney.com: Consumer Action: Ten Things Your Real Estate Broker Won't Tell You Thursday December 29, 2005 3:23 PM ET U.S. Markets close in: :37 Search (choose an option below) Quote Charting Earnings Ratings Competition Financials Profile Key Statistics Insiders Site Search News (Enter Symbol) advanced search SmartMoney Select My Portfolio Tools Maps Stocks Advanced Trading Funds ETFs Personal Finance Autos Career Journal College Planning Debt Management Health Care Insurance Life LTC Insurance Real Estate Retirement Tax Guide Economy & Bonds Small Business SmartMoney TV SmartMoney Magazine SmartMoney University Business Travel Technology SmartMoney Mobile Holiday Survival Guide Select Homepage Stock Screener Market Map 1000 Fund Screener Stock Compare Fund Map 1000 Fund Compare XStream Quotes More... 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Editor's Picks Features Ten Things Real-Life Index Advertisement 4.25% APY with hsbcdirect.com Online Savings. Earn 8X the national savings average and make money into big money. No minimums. No monthly fees. Member FDIC. Email This Story Print This Story Save This Story Send Us Your Comments Add this column to your News Alerts (New!) 1. "Your open house is really a party for me." Hire a real estate broker to sell your home and one of the first things he'll likely suggest is hosting an open house, so potential buyers can casually check out your property on a weekend afternoon. While open houses are promoted as a great way of finding a buyer, a National Association of Realtors study found that their success rate is a mere 2%. No matter. Having an open house serves another important purpose — for the broker. "It gives him a database of clients," says Sean McNeill, an independent real estate broker based in New York City who says that he doesn't like open houses, preferring to match clients with appropriate buyers. "At open houses, you get all kinds of people walking in. Some are [trying] to see how much they should sell their own places for; others just want to get a look at what's out there." All are perfect pickings for a broker looking to increase his roster of buyers and sellers. "Think about it," McNeill says. "The broker is devoting a couple hours of a weekend. He won't do that unless it helps him in a big way." 2. "My fees are negotiable." Brokers like to make it sound as if their fees are engraved in stone, but that's rarely the case — especially in a brisk market, when brokers fiercely compete for properties they can unload fast. This past summer one broker in the Midwest says he lowered his fee by a full percentage point because there was so much demand for good properties that he needed leverage. Indeed, says the broker, who asked not to be named, sellers should shop around for broker's fees. He suggests these negotiating tactics: "If somebody's willing to commit to me for selling one place and buying another, I give a discount. If you're in a particularly desirable neighborhood with a house that will bring a lot of traffic" — say, at an open house — "that can be used, because the broker will use the flow of people to get potential customers. And with some [smaller] brokers, all you need to do is ask and they'll lower the commission." 3. "Think you've had no offers? Actually, there've been several." Legally, the broker you hire to sell your home is obligated to tell you about all offers that come in. In reality, some don't. Perhaps he thinks the offer is insultingly low for you, but more likely, "the broker thinks it's too low for his own purposes. He wants to hold out for a bigger commission," says McNeill. Or else there's an outside broker (or "co-broker") circling your house, and the primary broker is waiting for one of his own clients to make an offer so he can keep the full 6% to himself. "You must be clear with your broker that you want to be informed of all offers," McNeill says. "Otherwise, you may be leaving him to make decisions that you should be making." Check the listing agreement drawn up when you hire the broker; if the promise to disclose all offers isn't listed explicitly, insist that it be added. 4. "I talk about you behind your back." You spot your dream house as you're driving through a neighborhood and call the broker listed on the For Sale sign. That's how a lot of buyers stumble on a broker — who, in turn, happily shows you other houses, asking about your needs, laughing at your jokes. It's easy to get loose-lipped and forget whom you're dealing with: someone else's agent. "Legally, brokers are obligated to provide their sellers with any information that can help them get the best prices for their homes," says Stephen Israel, president of Buyer's Edge, a Bethesda, Md.-based company that represents homebuyers. "If you tell the broker that you're willing to pay $500,000 but want to offer $450,000, they'll pass that on to the seller. They have to." Also, some brokerage companies encourage prospective buyers to get preapproved for loans. While that can make a buyer more attractive to a lender, it also tells a broker whether a buyer can afford a $600,000 house when he's trying to haggle on a $400,000 property. "When somebody asks for [a preapproval], find out who they're representing," says Israel, acknowledging that such details can short-circuit your negotiating leverage. "If they represent a seller — or someone in their office does — they shouldn't have it. The broker may tell you she will be impartial, but how can she be?" 5. "Sometimes I forget whose side I'm on." The past 10 years have seen the proliferation of the buyer broker, agents who are supposed to work strictly in the buyer's interest, helping him get a fair price on a home as well as avoid pitfalls along the way. Unfortunately, things don't always unfold so nicely. While buyers may think they're getting a broker who isn't commission-hungry, many buyer agents are just that: They usually get about 3%, the same amount any broker typically earns when he gets involved with another agent's listing. "Buyer brokers are sometimes too focused on closing the sale and getting that commission," says Max Gordon, an Overland Park, Kan.-based real estate broker and attorney, so it's often in their best interest to see you pay as high a price as possible. Even worse, some brokers who call themselves buyer advocates are actually working for companies that also represent sellers. "Brokerages offer bonuses to buyer agents if they sell an in-house listing," says Israel. A good way to get a broker who has no such conflicts of interest: The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, whose Web site (www.naeba.com) can help you find a buyer agent near you who pledges to help you get the best deal possible and has no ties to sellers' agents; many even work on a fee structure rather than on commission. Page 1 | 2 Consumer Action Archive To license this content, click here ADVERTISEMENTS Click here to get your FREE report -- The Motley Fools´ 2 Top Picks. 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