Should a Listing Agent really ask a buyers to pay a short sale transaction fee?

I was holding an open house this weekend in a community that I specialize in. While at the open house I had a conversation with a couple about a short sale llisting in the community that they loved and wanted to purchase. I was told how their offer was accepted by the seller and then turned down by the listing agent because they did not want to pay the listing agent's short sale transaction fee!

I was shocked to hear that the listing agent was trying to get the buyers to pay him to do his job! Basically that is what a short sale transaction fee is! My feeling is that if an agent can't negotiate his own short sale and chooses to pay "an assistant" they it's the listing agent's expense.

I am going to be researching with CAR to find out if this practice is even legal.

What are your thoughts on listing agents charging buyers "short sale negotiator fees"?

Written By Tina Maraj, REALTOR Since 1989! www.TinaMaraj.com

Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador

Follow Me on Twitter http://twitter.com/Tina4Homes