How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission is today’s hot topic.
Are real estate commissions negotiable? By law, the answer I must give is, Yes. It’s about anti-trust laws. Here’s how to put the most money in your pocket at closing.
That being said, this is a question I often get. Especially, when I am listing a home for sale. It’s not uncommon for the Seller to ask, Is your commission negotiable? To which I will say, “I understand that you want to save on the commission and what i think you’re saying is that what’s most important is putting the money in your pocket at closing, right?”
Those two things are not related. How much you pay a listing agent to list your home versus how much you walk away with at closing are two different issues.
It’s easy to list a home and put it in the MLS. I can teach a 12 year old how to do that.
But if you want Top Dollar for your home that’s going to take a proven marketing plan of action, expert negotiating skills, and certain expertise that only an experienced agent, like me, can deliver.
There are plenty of agents who are willing to discount their commission. It’s the only way they can get your listing. But what’s the outcome.
Just yesterday I was setting up five showings for a buyer I’m working with. One of those properties is listed with a discounter. The very first words out of the agent’s mouth to me was, “The seller is willing to negotiate. Bring us an offer.”
Right there, with those words, the agent was rolling over on their client and potentially costing them thousands of dollars in setting up the negotiations.
Look, when you’re interviewing an agent to sell your home and they expressed a willingness to give up their commission think about this. If they are willing to give up their own money that quickly, what will they do with YOUR money.
My experience is that these agents work on volume and willingly put their interest above their clients and seek to just put a deal together. Behind the scenes they are willing to actually work against their clients.
That’s a dirty little secret in real estate. It’s unethical, and it’s illegal. Yet, it happens every day.
What should you do? Only work with an agent like me. Who will put your interest first and foremost. I will help you get Top Dollar for your home..and in your time frame.
