WASILLA
Ask Cora
Hey Cora, my buddy claims that if I spot my own house online, I can skip paying a real estate agent. Is that true, or does my wallet still have to go on a diet? Signed, Skippy Skeptical Dear Skippy, what a wild idea! But, as much as I’d love for there to be a secret “DIY House Hunter Discount,” that’s not how it works. Grab your beverage of choice and settle in— I’m about to break this down like a Lego set at a toddler’s birthday party.
Let’s start with who’s who in the land of “For Sale” signs. In Alaska, real estate pros are called licensees, not “agents.” Why? Because “agent” made it sound like they were your undercover sidekick, when really, they worked for the broker (the big cheese at their company). The state decided to call them “licensees” instead—simple, right? Next, we’ll just call everyone “Dave” for less confusion, but I digress. Then, along came “representation.” This isn’t a lawyer in a fancy suit; it’s a State-issued document to clarify who’s rooting for whom. There are four flavors:
• Seller Representation: The licensee is Team Seller, keeping secrets tighter than a sealed pickle jar and giving the seller all the pro tips.
• Buyer Representation: The licensee is your home-buying BFF, keeping your secrets, fighting for your interests, and hopefully steering you away from haunted houses.
• Specific Assistance: The licensee is basically Switzerland: they’re helping you but not really representing you. If you want a champion in your corner, you’ll need to get your own licensee.
• Neutral Licensee: No one’s getting special treatment. You and the seller handshake a deal, and the licensee is just there to make
Experience Matters!
sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted. It’s like a referee at a kid’s soccer game—just keeping things orderly. Still with me? Good. Next up is the Buyer Service Agreement. This bad boy is a contract that says, “Hey, let’s team up for a set amount of time!” It spells out how your licensee gets paid. Sometimes, the seller covers the cost (jackpot!), sometimes you split it, and sometimes you pay it all. Either way, you’ve got to sign this before any house tours—think of it as the permission slip for grown-ups.
Now, about finding houses: In today’s world, buyers are online more than cats in YouTube videos. Most people find their own dream home at 2 AM in their pajamas. Licensees love it when you come with a list, because it means you’ve already stalked the schools, scoped out the commute, and even checked the neighborhood pizza options. You’ll pick your house online, but your licensee is the one who gets you through the door and past the “Beware of Dog” sign.
Writing contracts: This is where the licensee truly earns their keep. They know how to craft a contract that covers closing dates, mysterious fees, and whether that weird garden gnome stays with the property. You want a pro handling the fine print, so you don’t accidentally agree to buy two houses or the neighbor’s goat.
Negotiations are next: Your licensee is a mas-
ter negotiator. Don’t expect them to get you a mansion for the price of a sandwich, but they’ll work their magic to get you the best deal. It’s not WWE SmackDown—good negotiations mean everyone feels like a winner (and no one gets hit with a folding chair).
Repairs: Welcome to Round Two. After the inspection, you may have to request repairs. This is trickier than convincing a toddler to eat broccoli. Sellers sometimes take repair requests as a personal insult (“I lived with that leaky faucet for 20 years and loved every drip!”). Luckily, your licensee knows how to navigate these touchy waters, and sometimes can even guesstimate the cost of fixing that 1970s avocadogreen toilet.
Behind the scenes, there’s a never-ending todo list: well reports, septic inspections, HOA drama, furnace checkups, roof bids, legal stuff, liens, estate issues—the list reads like a soap opera script. Your licensee juggles it all while you dream about paint swatches.
At closing, everybody breathes a sigh of relief. The numbers work, the paperwork’s done, and you get the keys. By this point, your licensee deserves a parade—or at least a large coffee with whip!
So, Skippy, to put it simply: finding your own house online might make you feel like a real estate rockstar, but it doesn’t get you out of paying your realtor. These days, buyers put in the screen time to find their home, but your licensee is there to handle the real-life plot twists, paperwork, and negotiations—all so you can get from “click to closing” with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Remember, experience matters and I am loaded with it! So call me if you need to be represented.
Well-kept ranch on acre lot. Just 10 minutes from Wasilla. Easy access to shopping and schools. Beautifully maintained lawn, lilac trees, and space for gardening. Comfortable and functional layout. Lasting appeal!
