Commission- Its' what you net that counts

COMMISSIONS – IT’S WHAT YOU NET THAT COUNTS

If all real estate companies were exactly the same and all offered the same marketing choices, then choosing the company based on who had the lowest commission would in fact be avery viable strategy. In the real world, however, all real estate companies and Realtors are not the same. Some real estate companies advertise more than others, some do more open houses, take better advantage of the internet, and are more cooperative with other Realtors, and generally go that extra mile to expose your property.

Choosing the Realtor based on commission is the worst possible strategy. Think of the commission as fuel. Without enough fuel, your marketing program is going to sputter.Considering this sale is most people’s largest asset, choosing a cheap marketing program is positively reckless.

Let’s talk for a moment about what happens when an agent takes a listing at an unusually low commission simply to obtain the listing. First of all, that agent is betting they are going to be able to turn over your property quickly. All they’ll have to do is put up a sign and throw it in MLS and bang! It will sell. Not so fast. Properties are taking longer to sell. More time will be involved, which means more effort and more showings. Three weeks into the marketing program your agent is panicking, now thinking they made a mistake and priced it too high, and regretting they charged you the commission they did. Their goal is to sell your house and unload it quickly. Every day they have it, it costs them money, so their main objective becomes protecting their bottom line and not yours! The problem is this isn’t a tag sale type item you’re trying to sell, this is your house, your equity, your life savings! I know if it were my home I wouldn’t want someone representing me who was thinking “If I don’t sell thisquick, I could make nothing on this house”

.Please keep in mind that there are a lot of agents out there who are very poor business people, but good talkers, and when your house doesn’t sell in the first week or two, the advertising will stop and so will their efforts. You think you got a good deal on the commission, but if nothing happens with your house, your “good deal”, which sounded to good to be true - in fact was, and now you have a problem. So you see how a low commission can actually cost you money - a lot of money, so as tempting as it may be, think about your netcheck and keep your eye on the big picture and don’t take the bait! Our commission plans are well in line with most companies and may actually be lower than others.

Most people feel, and I agree, that a discount feetranslates into discount service. We will never overcharge you with our fee.The fee will be reasonable and fair. The service you receive, and the marketingefforts we will expend, simply can’t be touched by our competition. When it comes to the sale of your home, you should expect nothing less!

Steve Pate