Friday, April 3, 1998

Buyer agent blues

As a former licensed Real Estate salesman and a present licensed Easement or Right-of-Way Agent with the Texas Real Estate Commission, I can relate to Larry Holmes, Abilene Board of Realtors president, in the March 28 article, "Whose agents are they?" even when not agreeing with all he said.

Having tried to operate as a buyer agent in Abilene, I know there are none in Abilene, unless this has drastically changed.

A buyer agent has to acknowledge to the selling company the intent to solely represent the buyer in the transaction prior to any dealings with the property. I was told by prominent Abilene brokers my commissions would be reduced or the buyer would have to pay my commission. Also, though I was a licensed salesman, they would require one of their salesmen to be present at any time I entered their client's property.

With these restrictions up front it is hard to see how any agent can claim to represent both parties in any agency agreement.

A buyer should acquire the professional service of a buyer agent, if not well versed in the local real estate market. The buyer agent can save you enough through negotiations to cover his commission. Even though a Realtor pledges to treat all fairly, as an agent to the seller he still can't disclose certain things to the buyer, including a negative opinion on a property and fees to ask seller to pay.

JACK FERGUSON

Abilene

Via e-mail

Skilled labor rates

I don't know where you got the information ("Eagle Aviation provides boost to new mechanics," March 26) on the amount of money a new mechanic will make when he graduates from aviation maintenance school, but you must be mistaken.

A new graduate of the school most likely will earn around $8 an hour, at least for the first six months after his graduation.

Experienced mechanics make $10 to $12 an hour here in Abilene.

New graduates will, most likely, only earn $8 an hour and even less if they work for general aviation. Eight dollars an hour is the going rate in Abilene for any semi-skilled job.

People in the air conditioning and heating field make at least that amount and more, depending on which company they work for.

Abilene needs to re-evaluate its going pay scales.

It's time Abilene really started paying what the other cities in Texas are paying to their skilled professionals.

BUSTER KELLY

Abilene

Via e-mail

Board-breaking son

On March 28 the second annual Mid-West Texas Tae Kwon Do Championship was hosted by Master Lim's Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido Academy. There were children as young as 5 and men in their 50s competing. My sense of pride was overwhelming watching my son compete.

Five months ago, my son, who has ADHD, could not sit still for more than five minutes or concentrate on one thing at a time. His Ritalin dosage was increasing, and he was not doing well in school. He had no self-confidence and little coordination. Household chores were out of the question. I enrolled him in Master Lim's in desperation.

Five months later, my son is a green belt, has coordination, confidence and self-discipline. He does daily chores and is on the A/B honor roll in school.

I would like to thank Chip and Glen Ann Townsend for all the love and devotion they give my son. Over the months, I have watched them teach these young minds courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit, the tenets of Tae Kwon Do. The first time my son broke a board, I could not restrain the tears of pride.

I encourage any parents who want their children to develop the right tools of life to check out Master Lim's.

SUZI OSTRANDER

Abilene

Via e-mail