Straight Talk Real Estate with Ken Poletski

What happens if the seller doesn’t cover your agent’s full compensation? And what happens after your Buyer Brokerage Agreement ends? In this episode, I break down two key areas buyers need to understand: compensation gaps—using a real-world 3% vs 2.5% example—and the protection period that may still apply even after your agreement expires. This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the home-bu...

Most buyers think writing an offer is all about price. But that’s only part of the story. What many don’t realize is that your Buyer Brokerage Agreement directly impacts how your offer is structured, how it’s presented, and how competitive it actually is. In this episode, I break down how compensation, representation, and the agreement you signed all show up when it’s time to write an offer. This...

Most buyers think the seller pays everything when it comes to real estate. That’s what they’ve heard. That’s what they’ve been told. But the reality is… it’s not always that simple. In this episode, I break down how real estate agents actually get paid, where that money comes from, and what it means for you as a buyer—especially when the numbers don’t line up the way you expect. We’ll talk about h...

Most buyers don’t realize they’re in a dual agency situation… until they’re already writing an offer. You walk into an open house, start talking to the listing agent, and it feels easy to keep working with them. But what most people don’t understand is—at that point, you may not have someone fully representing you anymore. In this episode, I break down what dual agency really is, when it happens,...

Most buyers don’t fully understand who actually represents them in a real estate transaction—and that can make a big difference when it comes to guidance, negotiation, and protection. In this episode, I break down exclusive vs non-exclusive buyer agency so you understand how each works, what you’re agreeing to, and how it impacts your home buying experience. If you’re getting ready to buy, this is...

When you sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement, you’re not just agreeing to work with an agent—you’re agreeing to a specific timeframe and, in many cases, a defined area. Most buyers don’t realize how long they may be committed or how broad that agreement can be if it’s not clearly defined. In this episode, I break down the term and area sections so you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to, how i...

Before you start looking at homes, you’re going to be asked to sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement. Most buyers don’t fully understand what it is—or why it matters. In this first episode, I break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what you’re signing, who represents you, and how it impacts your home buying process. This is the foundation for everything that follows, and understanding it upfr...

In this episode of Straight Talk Real Estate, Ken Poletski breaks down the 5 key people every buyer needs in a real estate transaction: your agent, lender, inspector, appraiser, and closing agent. Understanding each role—and how they impact your deal—can be the difference between a smooth closing and costly mistakes. If you're buying a home, this is a must-know breakdown to help you move forw...