Today during a listing appointment we were discussing the commission to be offered to the selling agent. The seller commented that they had seriously considered using a "$200 fee to get in MLS company" and offering the selling agent the entire commission rather than 1/2 the commission. I asked what had changed his mind, and he replied, "You!"
He went on to explain that a) he felt the double commission would be a better incentive for agents with buyers and that b) in general he had a very bad opinion about real estate agents and insurance agents. After talking with Tami and I back in July, however, he had changed his mind, and felt that our professionalism would add value.
Sharon,
That's speaks volumes about about you, congrats!
People are kinda funny. Why would a person offer the full commision for none of the service? Yes, you and I both know all the answers to that question, but in the end, they leave themselves totally UNREPRESENTED and still have to pay the MLS listing brokerage. Go figure.
HOWEVER, the really great thing here, is that WE REALTORS (as represented by Sharon) get a chance to show them: 1) That there are good, honest, conscientious, concerned, agents out there 2) That we really do bring value to the transaction and that we are worth paying for.
GOOD JOB !! SHARON !!
Lynda - Thanks. It's a nice renovated waterfront listing and we like both of the sellers.
Dwight - before sellers decide to be Unrepresented, it would be nice if they could read the letters from our sellers attesting to how very worth our fee we are!
Sam - many thanks. Can I quote you on that in my listing appointments?
Linda - thanks. I must say I was surprised by his answer - especially since he hadn't used my services yet.
Laurie - I appreciate that comment from a fellow professional like you.
William - I think they just focus on a single aspect - which is why I shared other perspectives with him.
Jennifer - It's also what we like them to tell all their friends, colleagues and family.
Maribeth - one bright side of our current market is that most sellers do now recognize not only the value of an agent, but the difference between agents - and they're willing to pay for that difference.
Renee - we generally go to NAR but not this year - too many conferences on each side of it. Would love to meet you, too.
Barbara - Thanks.
Peggy - So glad!
Kimberly - You're right - it isn't a given. Thanks.
Good work Sharon! Most agents I know wouldn't keep the whole thing anyway, and would pass it onto the buyers somehow. He's much better off with you guys!
Margaret - thanks. In a challenging market more and more people understand the value.
Michael - great minds think alike, they say.