My husband and I actually refer to her as "Smellanie."

An agent who represents buyers and sellers could be more inclined to show you only their listings as they stand to make twice the commission. This "dual agent" situation is filled with conflicts of interest too numerous to list here.

A home is likely to be the largest purchase you will ever make... make sure you have an agent who is looking out for YOU. Get an EXCLUSIVE buyer's agent... an agent who only represents buyers.

My wife and I used an exclusive buyer's agent by the name of Malcolm Antell to buy our first home in 2002? and then again to buy our next home in University City in 2007.

After we listened to Malcolm's pitch there was no question that we'd made the right decision.
Malcolm's website is:
http://www.ahomebuyeragent.com/
(215) 545-4000

I'm a fan of Malcolm's but, please shop around... And PLEASE find an agent who is genuinely looking out for you.

They refund 2/3 of the buyer's agent commission back to the buyer.

So basically you get 2% of the purchase price back.

So it sounds like you go to Urban & Bye if you're in the market for higher prices houses and to O'Donnell if you're in the market or lower prices ones. Nothing wrong with that

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We used O'Donnell to buy our home (on the lower end of the price scale) and were in the situation where they were both the buyer's and seller's agent.

I am thrilled with my house but was really unhappy about the series of events we had to go through because of this dual representation. I think it's just really difficult for everyone involved because there's to many motives and conflicts coinciding.

Regarding Melanie, I know her personally and consider her to be a very reputable, responsible and fair person. She is involved in a number of community groups that I also volunteer for and she works hard and donates a lot of herself to this neighborhood.

Melanie has also bought and sold a number of homes on my block (almost all in the lower-mid range) in the last 3 years and everyone involved has told me they were thrilled with her service.

I am surprised to hear such negative comments about her and wonder if they are coming more from the stress of a dual agent situation?

I've heard that Urban & Bye charges a higher commission. 7% instead of the usual 6%. I don't know that for a fact though.

That isn't as much an issue for the buyer, but it sure can be for the seller.

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JAE

It was 6% in 2005.

The maximum is set by PA law.