The biggest discount real estate firm is closing it's doors and contemplating bankruptcy because of the down turn in the marketplace.  Here is a link to the article : http://njrereport.com/index.php/2007/09/27/so-long-foxtons/

We in the industry all knew that when the market cooled, the discount model would not and could not work. In a hot market not much was needed to sell a home quickly, but a las those that sold with a full service full commission realtor DID sell for more.  Now that the market has grown very stagnant with rising inventory, it takes much more time, marketing and the "extras" that a full service realtor can and does give.   Commissions are also on the rise, and those agents that were in it to ride the wave will soon find that it's tough to make money in the Real Estate world. 

Now more than ever it's important to to chose the right agent, one that will work hard and get your home sold! 

When you go discount, you are getting what you paid for. 

When going to buy or sell a home, your first step should be finding a honest and hard-working realtor.


When going to buy or sell a home, your first step should be finding an honest and hard-working realtor. You can find a real estate agent by keeping an eye out for advertisements, calling your local real estate broker, or through the internet.

The role of a real estate agent is to represent your best interests in a real estate transaction. They work off of a commission, normally 6% of the sales price of the home. In most cases, that commission is split equally between the realtor representing the buyer and the realtor representing the seller. For a person buying a home, the service of the real estate agent is free, because commission is paid by the seller. The buyer, however, is responsible for most of the closing costs. The closing costs will be explained to you by your realtor and will be on the documents you sign when you go to the title company. Closing costs can also be negotiated on during the contract process.

The real estate agent, through their broker, has access to all of the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listed homes in your area of interest. If you are a home buyer, the realtor can provide you with information about homes for sale that meet your criteria. They will then bring you to these homes and let you inside to see them. If you are selling a home, the realtor will list your home in the MLS, post a "For Sale" sign in your yard, and hold open houses to attract buyers. Be wary of discount realtors that offer to list your home for a lower commission. Studies show that, in most cases, your home will stay on the market longer and you end up selling it for a lower price than what you intended.

A real estate transaction is a complicated process that involves many steps and is best done with the help of a trained, licensed professional. A realtor can save you the headache of dealing with the other party in the sale, getting together the cont