My "friend" the broker

Dont do business with your friend. . .sounds way too messy. It also sounds like you aren't really such great friends even.

But, but, but, that is part of real estate broker training, sucker and use all your friendships, brokers can't go out and get customers of their own. Its practically a rule of thumb you owe them a living and they violate the most sacred bonds for a buck or two.

broker are like financial advisors--90% of them ae clueless and useless but the other 5% are essential.

There's this thing called the internet, its composed of a series of tubes used to bypass brokers and agents.

If she is actually hurting your ability to buy a place, cut her off. Maybe you can explain it to her. If she is a good friend, she will understand.

Perhaps its better to find someone else, so that things can sort themselves out.

As friend if she's got the ball to push herself on you than you should have the balls to tell her that your fine on your own .

#5 explain this internet thing you speak of? I may have heard about it before. Someone once told me to explore the world wide web, it would open me up to a new way of life.

#4, that only adds up to 95%, what is the 5% remaining, I'd assume douchebags...

#3 & #4 Is it really fair to generalize an entire industry? There are many ethical, hardworking brokers out there earning their living just like everyone else. The most successful brokers rely on repeat and referral business and they work very hard to earn it. You sound way too bitter.

I agree #11 - I just sold my apt. through a broker and had a very good experience. If people think they can do better on a FSBO deal then why don't they just go do it? Why do they need the approval of others on this board? I would like to hear from those who have closed on FSBO deals successsfully - not those who are just intersted in bashing brokers. If there are enough successful FSBO deals reported I am sure people will start to think seriously about giving it a go.

I am glad to hear you had a very good experience. Thank you for sharing that, I know this is an open forum and everyone is entitled to their opinion but sometimes it seems like people seem to focus on the negative instead of sharing useful information.

the listing brokers fiduciary duty is too the seller they must present all offers to the seller not just the ones that they might make more money on.

75% of brokers Ive encountered have been shady beyond belief. You dont need to be educated to be a broker or have good ethics. Many are liars and put forth phony listings/fake info to suck you in. There might be some good ones out there, but I have not met any yet.

Well we just had a great experience with a buy-side broker who worked her ass off (for 3% as she was not the listing broker) during our recent purchase. She was always available via cell phone, or called back the same day with answers to all our questions. She was a great go between and was very helpful when we were assembling our board package. Obviously, I can't speak for all brokers, but that was my experience.

I had the same experience, wifes friend showed us stuff. Was a new broker, and I figured why not. Turns out I found 90% of listings and called her to take me to sales offices, in which I didnt need her to go. She meant well, but frankly only the really experienced brokers bring any real value to buyers. I also believe when you co-broke your at a disadvantage. I would find one broker at each firm, and tell them to show you only thier listings. I would NEVER take a broker to new sales office, as you can get 2-5% off when negotiating without one. The brokers will tell you differently, and its not always true but thier involvement in new sales is retarded. My experience went sour, because I included my broker after the fact at a sales office id been to before, on the presumption that it wouldnt cost me anything. When negotiating I asked him to cut 1% off commission to get deal I wanted(I did find the apt, and had visted sales office 2X before I brought him). I would have been able to chop 2-3% off the price if I hadnt brought her. It created bad feelings, and she claimed she couldnt reduce commish(which I believe isnt true). in the end she made big $$$ for my work, since it was a friend I could live with that, but wouldnt do again

#17 many new devlopments pay the buyers broker 2.5-3% , most large brokerage firms are not really going to give you less than 1/2 % off she was probaly getting half of that , they dont want to set any precedents, but using a broker who knows there way around new devlopments is invaluable ,there are many devolpers who if not pushed will only show and sell you the units they want to move, a good buyers broker will insist on that all units that are not in contract be made avalaible for your client, and dealing with the on-site salesperson is usally not going to do it, you have to escalte it up to a manager, a good broker wil also do his homework and finfd out how many investor units are in the building this can adversley effect your ability to sell later on, and most devolpers will rarley in this market negoiate on price for the premium units in a building espically in the begining of the project, your broker should also be able to advise you on the devolpers track record on brining in projects on time, and not having the maintenace be under priced to get you to buy.. a good buyers broker knows all of these particulars, and more, but I do agree with you the broker has to provide value in order for you to use him, wheter it is a buyers or sellers broker

stay with the larger brokerage houses

The larger reputable firms do not allow their brokers to advertise phony listings. I do have to agree with some of your experiences as I have had bad ones too when trying to do a deal with the same agents. 95% of these agents are inexperienced and work for no name firms. These same firms will cut their commissions but I promise you that you will get what you pay for. One agent was caught advertising Douglas Elliman's exclusives on Craig's List. Stay with the professional firms and you will find ethical hard working agents who will look out for your best interest.