I've been giving this advice to people over the years. If you try it, please do let me know what happens; I'm interested in hearing whether it really works!
FIRED THE AGENT
Ms. Lank: I decided to fire my agent after potential buys fell through because he mishandled negotiations. I am now interested in a property that I visited with him. Can I contact the listing agent directly and share the commission if the buy goes through? -- R.J.V.
Answer: You can't share a commission because you're not licensed. If you had a written buyer's broker contract with your first agent, that document will tell what obligations you took on. If you didn't hire that agent in writing, you are free to work with anyone, including that listing agent. Be sure to explain the situation when you contact him or her.
Whether your first broker would claim a share of commission, and whether he would receive it, is not your concern. It would be settled between the brokers involved.
WORRISOME NUMBER
Dear Edith: The house I am considering has the street address number "13." The house seems to be on the market longer than similar houses in the same area. Is "13" a number to avoid, especially when you have to consider you may have to sell this house in the future? -- e-mail
Answer: Some people won't buy a house with that street number, so you may be able to pick up a bargain if it doesn't bother you. Then if you had to sell at a discount, it wouldn't matter so much.
Or perhaps, after you move in, you could petition the local authorities to change your number, assuming there isn't already an "11" and a "15." Or if there is, perhaps you could ask for "11 1/2."