What's the advantage of having a realtor?

Go it alone or get a new realtor. In my experience, however, "going it alone" is unlikely to yield anything positive on the negotiating front. It may also cause you to waste precious time in a building that is unlikely to accept your coop application.

I've been going it alone but noting that the broker is "to be determined."

I can pretty much find the places I'd like to see on my own through Streeteasy or the New York Times.

When I do find the place that I want, I may decide to have a broker I like represent me in the negotiation process and application (coop) process. A number of brokers who will do such work will often rebate a share of their commission in such cases. Selling brokers, of course, would be delighted if they can keep the entire brokerage fee.

Does the "to be determined" work?
You're able to sign in with that at open houses?

I went through the same thing as you when I almost purchased a place in 2007. My broker barely did any work, did not help in negotiations, etc. Fortunately, the deal fell throug b/c someone came in above me. I just closed on a condo and based on my prior experience, decided to go it alone. I negotiated the purchase price with the seller's broker. When we agreed on a price, I said since I don't have a broker I want another 3% off (or alternatively, since I am a lawyer, I can just go get a broker's license and they can give me the 3%). They agreed on another 3% off. I understand the large brokerage companies typically don't make that type of deal. I was dealing with a smaller firm. But anyway, just fyi, it can be done. The seller's broker helped me with the package for the management company. If you need more help (e.g. for a co-op board package), I bet you can get a broker to help you by paying per hour.

I do flat-fee board package consulting, though I'm not cheap; I assume most agents will at this point.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

along Ali's line, and something we discussed before..Im starting to do flat fee buyer consulting for those buyers that want my property valuation/bidding strategy services after they target a property to make a move for.

its interesting to see where the demand comes from, as technology improves and buyers have more tools

I haven't had any problem signing in, "to be determined." Selling brokers are happy to have me there.

Kind of classic "unbundling." Buy what you need.

And I do respect the help that I can get from a buyside broker - I just don't need the full package of services. Truly not a believer in being "penny wise, pound foolish."

here is my experience.
I prefer to go alone because the selling broker is more likely to negotiate since he does not need to split the commission. I have run into 2 situations

1. I asked if the price is negotiable. selling broker asks if i have a broker. I say "no" and he says "then the price is negotiable"
2. selling broker took my offer to the owner even though there was another offer higher than mine because he was willing to take a smaller commission since he did not have to split the commission

i do not know why buyers use a broker.
am i missing something?
I am only looking at condos so i do not worry about board approval.

Not convinced in the majority of deals you will save money without a buyer broker. Most firms have the commission set at from 4%(direct deal) to 6%, many are just a straight 5%-6%. Especially in this market when sellers are just looking for ANY qualified buyer that can close/hit their price. My buyers can "fire" me at any stage if they think that they would get a better deal without me. Our commission rebates add a known value to the deal, anywhere from 1.5 to 2 points. That works for everyone on every deal.

Keith(broker)
The Burkhardt Group