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The Phone Rings, Seller Says... I Watched 60 Minutes - I'm Not Paying 6%!

Ok, this blog will probably be about as long as the phone call I received a few hours ago. My phone rings, I offer my typical enthusiastic greeting that sometimes makes people question if "I'm on something"... But, it works for me. Usually! Here's how the conversation went:

Caller: Hi, is this Sue Nelson?

Me: Yes, it is. How may I help you?

Caller: I need to sell my home, I found you online and you seem to know your stuff. BUT - before we go any further, I want you to know that I've been watching TV and I'm not paying 6%!

Me: Chuckle... Let me guess, 60 minutes? More chuckles...

Caller: Yes! (he wasn't laughing) How low of a commission are you willing to offer me?

Me (realizing this guy is serious now): Well sir, there are occasions that I can offer a discounted commission depending on the circumstances. However, if you are looking for discount service - then I'm not the agent for you.

Caller: OK thank you - BYE!

Since the call ended, I've thought of a lot of things I probably could have or should have said. It was just such a funny phone call to me, that I had a hard time taking him serious. I probably shouldn't have laughed... but I couldn't help it!

Posted by Sue Nelson, Broker/Associate Las Vegas Real Estate ~Team Rhino~ on 05/30/2007 11:37 PM

Comments (30)

sellers, selling, homes, crazy, las vegas, real estate, realtor, real estate agent, silly

Post is included in group: Las Vegas Real Estate

30 Comments on The Phone Rings, Seller Says... I Watched 60 Minutes - I'm Not Paying 6%!

MAY

2007

He called me next!! No, he didn't just kidding! we are in the same market place, so I could say that. :)
But if he had, what would you have wanted me to add? I think your reply was great! Keep up the great work!

Eveline

Eveline: I was thinking that if he were a rational man, I could explain to him that what an agent "charges" & what they "cost" are two different things. That just because he pays less commission (Redfin), doesn't mean he will put more money in his pocket. And all the other statistics we know to be true... But then, that's only if he were a rational man!! :)

I don't know what you could have said, he had his mind made up.

Personally, I may have said "Yes, I watched 60 Minutes, too. I know that the media is always 100% truthful and accurate in everything they report, I believe everything I see on TV."

actually, go to YouTube.com and look up "Leslie Stool 16 Minutes" and watch that video. it's a hoot.

Commissions are negotiable, so he could pay even pay 7% if he liked.

Karen: Perfect. I love that video, especially Leslie's wig!

David: Exactly. I normally don't laugh at people like that, but he was just comical.

MAY

2007

I like your reply. If you are not a discount broker what else were you going to tell him?

Sometimes, there is just nothing you can do!

If somebody were to take that hard of a line up front....imagine how difficult it would have been working for them! I wouldn't lose any sleep...

Mana: There was lots I could tell him, but probably very little he would hear right?

Todd: Agreed!

Kaushik: Honestly, that is the one thing I was thinking of while talking to him. You are absolutely right!

If he started the conversation like that it would have been down hill anyway.

Sounded like a problem from the get go. That wasn't much of a conversation.

I am not even a Realtor and that makes me absolutely irrate for you. I am so upset with that story and how it has hurt so many Realtors. It is a shame that anyone should be losing business because of this. I know it's not the end of the world, but it really is a shame. Thanks for letting us know this, my heart goes out to you.

I agree with Kaushik. He sounds like he would have been a lulu to work with.

I can't remember how many times I've gotten a call where the first or second sentence was "How much do you charge?"

My stock answer is - 10% minimum.

I usually get a "Why so much?"

My stock answer is "Because I'm worth it."

That usually separates the serious from the curious.

Now, if you list and sell that home in short order do YOU get a sales bonus, as a listing agent, for "over performing"?

When the initial conversation falls into the rates charged arena I usually figure they are looking for a discount. Wouldn't it be nice to have a caller call up and say "I want to sell at a reasonable price in a reasonable time with very little trouble, AND I do not care what it costs - if its done right!" Yeah, right...wouldn't it be nice to win the lottery!

Laughing was the best response you could have given. I will try to remember to do that when it is my turn.

Good morning everyone... While I was sleeping you guys' have been busy. You'll all be happy to know, I didn't lose a wink of sleep over Mr. Congeniality!

Thank you all for the great comments & suggestions. I really like 10% minimum. That should get their attention.

Sue,

I think whatever you said possibly would fallen on deaf ears. That said I probably would have taken the conversation a little farther and learn what his property was, his motivation to sell and what he was expecting in way of commission.

Ginger

Ginger: You couldn't be more correct. If I could've avoided the laughter, I probably would have gotten further into the conversation. Maybe on the next one!

I want to remind everyone to be careful with how you talk to other agents about your pricing. See the following for a review Talking About Prices

Caleb: I dont disagree with the fact that we need to be careful. I never discussed what I charge or what a discount might entail. I was just describing the conversation I had. But I do see your point. Thanks for the friendly reminder.

Thanks Sue. It was only meant as a friendly reminder. I am not indicating your post is a violation.

I would have a small chuckle with an eye roll (which,unfortunately, he would not have seen). Gotta love the media.

Let them see what no commission gets them.

Exactly to both!

I guess it proberly wouldn't have been feasible to ask him if he would consider cutting his pay check. ;)

JUN

2007

Edith: That's always a fun comeback. They act like YOU'VE LOST YOUR MIND! :)

I laugh to myself everytime I read my comment.....LOL < here I go again>

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