Not being represented? Why? Does it really make sense to call the listing agent directly who does
NOT represent you? (and getting half of the story). If you are planning on buying Rhode Island
real estate, Ron will give you 17 years of his experience at NO charge (the seller pays the commission).
Buying your first home? Downsizing? Upsizing?
Its not always obvious to people how Rhode Island real estate agents get paid. Generally, its
pretty basic: the seller of a piece of Rhode Island real estate agrees on a commission (lets say 5% for
our illustration) to pay the listing broker. The listing broker (the one with his/her sign on the property)
then offers to any other Rhode Island real estate agent a portion of that commission (usually half -
2.5%) to bring them a ready and willing able buyer - prequalified by a bank or mortgage broker - who
makes an acceptable offer on that property.

I've sold hundreds of homes, condominiums, and vacant land - all sorts of Rhode Island residential real
estate. Granted, some folks are very seasoned with buying real estate and may assume that they don't
need help and/or think a Realtor just 'gets in the way'. I would suggest that they may have had the
wrong Realtor in the past who may not have completely understood the concept of negotiation, service,
and bringing value to the table.