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sandi
Sometimes you get what you pay for and lot of times not even that. If you are dealing with one of your most important investments in life, and you want an agent's help, it isn't all that easy in getting the right one. I thought I went the best way and went with a friend's referral. It turned out that he was a discounter. I thought that was icing on the cake. Well that brown stuff was not fudge icing. I ended up doing a FSBO. Under your circumstances with your husband out of town, you probably need a Realtor's help. If they are stuck on 6%, you really have to shop to get your money's worth. Use Pink's strategy by looking on Realtor. com and finding homes in your area that have the best presentations, such as photos, VT, and description, and interview those agents representing them.
If you are willing to pay the 6% then get in writing exactly what advertising and marketing they will do for your house. Some realtors list your house, put it on the MLS and that's it. They aren't worth the 3% (minus the split with the broker) they will get. If they aren't going to put any effort into selling your house or aren't willing to put it in writing then maybe try forsalebyowner.com and do the MLS option. At least then you can do your own advertising and know it's being done. That's what I did and it isn't anywhere near the cost of the 3%. I have more people call and see the house off my advertising than from the MLS. One thing with going that route is that you get NO representation from the listing agent. I have a friend in real estate that I call for advice and know I can trust. If you don't have any experience or don't have someone you know that does then leave it to a professional agent. NOTE: I said professional agent. They are worth their weight in gold when you get an honest one and if they are professional then they won't mind signing the dotted line as far as what you expect from them as long as it's realistic.
Everyone I talk to is stuck on 6% and won't budge.
Then you aren't pushing hard enough. You are paying the freight.
But make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing. Get 2 or 3 and tell them "well I just had another realtor in and they offered me X%" hey alls fair in love and real estate.
Little tip look at the reators card If they have initials after their name it means they took the trouble to take additional courses in real estate and have the committment and knowledge. GRI, CRES and ABR are good examples off the top of my head. I use ABR which means Accredited Buyer Representative but that does not mean I can't work with sellers too.
You should expect to save a couple of points with a good realtor in these markets
I have to disagree with the alphabets after the name. A person is either ethical or they aren't, and know amount of classes will change that. They are NAR sponsored classes, and although they are great and all, it doesn't necessarily mean you are getting a good agent. It's like saying I'm a Realtor; therefore, I'm more ethical than a real estate agent. Everyone knows that a bunch of hooey. It simply means I am paying ridiculous fees so I can have MLS access.
no
that would be "no amount" not "know amount"
The agents I've talked to tell me that they will put pics and a virtual tour on the MLS listing I have here. I have it on the mls now. But what more do I get for that other 3%? I hear how they don't do print ads (too much money????) and they have a showing agency that sets the appointments and accepts feedback. Well, I want someone to place a phone call to showing agents, to ask questions, to do something pro active. Is that too much to ask? It seems like the ones I've found (and they are all from the most reputable agencies in town) want to do little and reap the rewards. I need more from a full service agent than I get now!!!
I still don't understand what a buyer's agent does that earns them $8,000 just to bring someone to my home. Granted, if I can sell, it's worth the $8,200!!! But if I could reduce it to 2% as opposed to 3%, I could lower the price and still come out breathing! This real estate thing sucks. I'm going to buy a darned tent and move from park to park. That way, when my tent wears out, I can still afford to replace it! Can you tell it's Monday and the frustration level is way out there?
Have a good one, guys!
Check out homegain, hungryagents, and ziprealty. You can should be able to find agents who charge less then 6% at all those places, and still give you most or full service.
Since August 2009
One of the most important roles of a real estate agent is negotiating the sale price and terms of the contract.
As a seller, I might hesitate to use an agent that will easily negotiate a lower commission. If they are willing to do that with their own money - how well do you think they will do when it comes time to negotiate with your money.
Over 80% of the buyers start their search for homes on the internet. Your home should have a strong presence on the internet, that is updated frequently. Lots of excellent photos and a well written description of the home is critical.
Good luck on your sale and I hope sells quickly for you.
Since August 2009
One of the most important roles of a real estate agent is negotiating the sale price and terms of the contract.
As a seller, I might hesitate to use an agent that will easily negotiate a lower commission. If they are willing to do that with their own money - how well do you think they will do when it comes time to negotiate with your money.
Over 80% of the buyers start their search for homes on the internet. Your home should have a strong presence on the internet, that is updated frequently. Lots of excellent photos and a well written description of the home is critical.
Good luck on your sale and I hope sells quickly for you.
Sandi, sounds like you are having a difficult time justifying the use of an agent. Why don't you sell it yourself so there's no worry about what agents charge?
I think that's a great idea Daniel. I find it hard to justify $16,000 for an agent doing very little work. If I could find one that I thought would work for the money, then it might be worth it. Sor far, I've failed. I see agents get listings and then on to search for the next one. I've had agents tell me that they are there to get listings and then they let someone else sell the home. Is that smart? I don't think so! But thanks for the tip!
Not a problem.
A while ago a board of realtors put out a guide as to the steps that a competent Realtor should take before listing, during a listing, the offer and the subsequent sale. It amounts to 180 actions.
My own marketing plan for a potential seller contains 52 separate actions. ( I group a number of the actions under 1 heading hence the smaller number.)
I still believe it comes down to the selection of your agent. Ask for their business plan. Get a copy of it and follow its progress.
My, my Daniel. You sound a bit defensive. I just have a hard time figuring out what an agent does to earn over $16,000 (and that's cheap). I have talked to many REA and all I get is "I'll put it on the internet because that's where every one looks". That is true that people search on line. But is that worth the money? For that kind of money, I want someone to tell me "I will work my butt off to help you sell your home." If it means open houses complete with cookies and fresh flowers to calling every agent that shows my home, I expect that. I think the days of sticking a sign in the ground and waiting for a buyer are over. You have to earn your money now and alot of REA aren't accustomed to doing that. So I would like to find an agent who is content to make $10,000 that would help me! That doesn't sound far fetched to me. And it would be much easier for sellers like to me to reduce the price of our home to help you guys make that money. Because you don't make a penny until the house sells. Would you rather make $10,000 on one sale or $0 on having a listing sit and never sell?
Hi Sandi,
I am an agent in Dallas. Let me ask you this question. If your reduced priced agent can't stand up to you on their own worth and are willing to reduce their commission, how many thousands of dollars of your money are they going to let go of because they can not stand up to the other agent on the worth of your home...just a thought
Also Sandi,
You should expect that! Why would you settle for anything less. Good Real Estate agents DO work their butts off but sellers have to be realistic about what their home is truly worth.
This is an inappropriate place to discuss your dilemma. You should be talking with agents in person. The bottom line is that you aren't placing value in a Realtor's services, so you should sell your house yourself.
Daniel is correct
I thought that what discussion boards were for?
Daniel, if you don't like my discussion, why do you read it? That's what these boards are for. You are just defensive and I'll bet you are the kind of agent I'm avoiding! Thanks my friend and have a wonderful day!
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Is it still possible to find a real estate agent who is willing to do a reduced commission?
sandi9411
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If so, how do I find one? Everyone I talk to is stuck on 6% and won't budge.
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