How do I tell the realtor who's been helping me look for a house that I've found one without her help, and should I do anything for her or send her something (she's been helping me for several months)?

Since she's spent months of her time and attention helping you, I'm sure that she'll be ecstatic that you finally found the one! Congratulations!! You need to have her write the purchase contract so she is compensated for all of the effort that she spent on you. I think it would be so wrong of you to write the contract with someone else as all the time she has spent with you has basically been volunteer work. It doesn't matter how you found the house! I'm sure she deserves the pay if it's taken several months.

You did sign a representation contract, did you not?

You might want to re-read the content of that contract (each State's is somewhat different). You may quickly discover that you still owe her a commission on the property that you found.

Or was it "found" through another agent? In that case, your new agent may discover the meaning of the term "commissionectomy", or suffer the consequences of an ethics violation. If this appears to be a pattern, they can even lose their license.

Or would you work for someone for several months without compensation, only to have someone else try to collect your paycheck?

If you signed a contract with the realtor..it will state what you must pay them for the work they have done. :)

Not an easy thing to do. I had the same situation when I bought my house. The realtor I had originally hired ended up getting really mad at me and stopped talking to me when she found out. This was 3 years ago and still doesn't acknowledge me; the best part is that we work together

Why didn't you inform her of a house that you liked? How did you submit the offer? Was it though another agent?
That would have been the ethical route to take. Realtors spend time and money helping their clients find a home.

Sherry Ferfes
Century 21 Doug Anderson
Lic#01837842
661-524-5432
sherryferfes@gmail.com

The longer you wait the worst it will get. Just tell her/him. I'm sure they'll be happy enough after you pay them.

I agree with the aswers as well...As a Realtor we only get paid when we give you the keys to your new home. A lot of agents are out for their pay but most are knowledgeble and experieced enough to ensure that your best interests are looked out for and that you get the best deal on the home you choose. Finding the home is the easiest part. negotiating your offer and getting the inspections,appraisal, title & escrow, and financing is the most crucial aspects. Why leave your agent now when you need her the most? Allow her to get paid for her hard work and expertise.

If you didn't sign a contract with her to be the buyer's Agent you don't owe her anything.
However a small sign of appreciation as a plant, a gift card or something would be nice.

I think a small token of your appreciation would be nice. But if you found the house without her help, then just tell her.

all good answers,

what makes your real estate experience? following through with the purchase could be more valuable, you should stick to your promise and relationsgip -with your agent. Guiding you through the transaction is more important than finding a property! This is only a guess, but I would think your agent shared manny valubale things throughout the process, don't throw them away like a dirty rag. use the agent making certain you have the best tools available!