I can beat this drum until my hands are raw. We just took another listing, even though another competing firm was willing to list it for less than a full commission. It’s quite apparent that certain Realtors have a difficult time understanding their self worth. It’s a shame that they don’t realize how much they’re belittling not only themselves but the industry at large.
Perhaps in their mind they don’t distinguish the difference between “listing” a home and actually working to get it sold.
Agent Message
- When you mimick a competitor by matching their reduced commission, you are essentially telling the public that the service you offer is not worth more than anyone else’s. (Think about that.)
- If people can perceive value, they will pay for it. Otherwise everyone would drive the least expensive car and eat solely at fast food restaurants.
- What message do you think you are sending to the seller about your negotiating skills when you compromise your commission?
Message to Home Sellers
- It’s against all sound principles of buisness to think that a company can cut fees without cutting services. If a Realtor is compromising their commission, your services will be compromised also.
- Ask yourself, when you recieve estimates for repair work to your home, do you always hire the person who gives you the lowest bid? Or do you often hire the one whose work is the best quality?
- Do you really think that it’s prudent to disarm yourself by offering a lower commission and cutting services? Or is it wiser to incent Realtors to procure a higher price from the buyer by offering a full commission?
- Which homeowner below do you think will receive more qualified applicants?:
Help Wanted:
- Full-Time Handyman – $20 per hour
- Full-Time Handyman – $20 per hour plus health benefits
- Full-Time Handyman – $20 per hour with health benefits and 401K
Some people wear high end suits, drive European sports cars and then hire discount brokers to sell one of their largest investments. It’s simply not rational.
Is your goal to list your home with the Realtor who offers the lowest commission or to net the most amount of money with the sale of your home?
