Hi all,
We’re first-time buyers in Colorado and are currently unrepresented. We found a property we like and have been working directly with the listing agent, who is now acting as a transaction-broker.
The seller has agreed to a 6% commission total. Since we don’t have a buyer’s agent, we asked about structuring an offer where the total commission is reduced to 3%, and we adjust our offer price accordingly (so the seller’s net could be similar or better).
The agent pushed back and said he wouldn’t proceed under that structure and implied he wouldn’t want to represent us in that case.
We’re a bit confused on a few things:
• Is the agent still required to present our offer to the seller even if it reduces their commission?
• Is it common for listing agents to refuse to work with unrepresented buyers under alternative commission structures?
• Are we better off bringing in our own agent (possibly with a rebate), or using a real estate attorney instead?
We’re trying to keep things smooth and not create conflict, but also want to make sure we’re not missing something or getting boxed out unfairly.
Any insight or similar experiences would be really appreciated.