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From: qroy@whuxl.UUCP (QROY)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Need advice on bidding on a house
Message-ID: <713@whuxl.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 20-Sep-85 16:51:34 EDT
Article-I.D.: whuxl.713
Posted: Fri Sep 20 16:51:34 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Sep-85 06:15:45 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Whippany
Lines: 34

[property of netbug]

It's that time in my life to settle down and buy a house and live
happily ever after.  However, after dealing with a local real estate agent,
I'm beginning to realize that buying a house is extremely stressful
and time consuming.

First of all the prices are outrageous!  I sincerely believe, that
real estate agents intentionally jack up the listed price of a house
to increase their commission.  So question one:

(1) Does anybody have a formula (or rule of thumb) for coming up with a price
offer, based on the listing price, location and/or other factors?

(2) Is it better to deal exclusively with one realtor or use several?

(3) Should I apply for a mortgage now, before I've found a house, or wait
until I find one?


Any advice on general strategies for dealing with agents and sellers would
be appreciated.

My search is in central NJ, but I think any information would be of interest
to this newsgroup (I don't think there is a net.real-estate, perhaps there 
should be), so use discretion when posting, if you have any doubt, mail me.

Thanks in advance,
	roy
	{ihnp4}!whuxl!qroy