It’s so funny that you mention the clarity thing. Realtors rant and rave about having to be the only ones who have to make their profit so clear – they argue that you don’t know the mark up on a washer and dryer – why should you know it on a real estate transaction. I think that argument is very dangerous. Here’s a link to that debate where I pretty much shoot down the concept: http://www.bloodhoundrealty.com/BloodhoundBlog/?p=1493

For all of the disclosure in a transaction the overwhelming paperwork tends to cloud the situation. Maybe I’ll do a post on how to hunt down all of the expenses in a transaction; but then again – that could take a long time!

Thanks Ben.

I think the one thing I might add is ‘Learn where everyone’s interests are.’ Know how your loan officer gets paid. Know how your realtor gets paid. Know how your settlement agent gets paid. That way you can work with them in a mutually cooperative way.

It’s a sad fact that nearly everyone a buyer works with gets paid in a more or less hidden way; it would be better if one paid one’s own realtor an hourly rate, for instance. But failing that, know where everyone’s interests are.