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What do Realtors do to earn their money when listing a home? You want me to cut my commission?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Owner/Broker RE/MAX Elite Realty 261013

Most people do not have a clue how much we do to get a home sold.

We had a company meeting this morning and one of the agents brought up a potential client that wanted him to reduce his commission before he even listed the home.  I really don't think that your everyday folks know exactly what we do to earn our money when listing their home.  So, we thought it would be a good idea to come up with a list from start to finish.  There are many things we do that are unseen by the clients and its my job to let them know just what I am doing.  Included are some of cost that they never see.

GETTING A HOME FOR SALE IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS YOU THINK!

1.  Meet them at the home for your first initial look at the homes size, condition, location and maybe even suggest a few helpful hints for those first impressions.  Take lots of notes. Back at the office I am going to take some more of my time doing research on.   

 

  • The legal description of the property.
  • The number of rooms and their sizes.
  • A list of things not attached to the house that you're offering for sale, such as window treatments, carpet, fixtures, swing sets, etc.
  • Past utility bills, property taxes and insurance.
  • Information about your mortgage including the type, terms and assumability.
  • Financing assistance, potentially through your own lender.
  • Any liens against the property.
  • If you live in a condominium or townhouse, include a copy of the association's declaration, bylaws,and financial statement, monthly fees and special assessments.
  • Special items or improvements about the house. (Point out things that may not be apparent on a walk-    through.)
  • Gathering data that will present your house and neighborhood in the best light
  • The positive points about your neighborhood, such as demographic information and proximity to services, shopping, schools and other areas.
  • Any defects that aren't apparent. (Most states require sellers to disclose defects.) Check everything to make sure it works. 
  • Make a list of quick and easy things to do to prepare the home for potential buyers.  
  • Comparable Market Analysis.
  • Helping you set the right price on your home to attract the right buyers and the agents who work with them.
  •  Go over the listing agreement & explain anything that they might not be clear about and get it signed.
  •  Measure all the rooms. gather all the information for the MLS.
  • Take photos
  • Set out signs & flyer box
  • Have keys made, put lock box on house
  • Enter listing on MLS and other Internet listing sites
  • Make a binder with all information about the home to keep on counter
  • Make ads for print advertising and the local mls book
  • Hold a Open House
  • Keep flyer box full
  • Check on the home from time to time especially when vacant
  • Targeting the market with the most likely buyers
  • Screening calls from people who may be more curious than serious about buying
  • Showing your home to the best prospects
  • Representing you during the offer process
  • Doing the necessary paperwork and legwork
  • Guiding you through closing
  • As you can see this is just some of the tasks we Realtors do that you the seller may not be aware of.  Everything on this list cost time and money and a good agents knowledge is priceless.  I did not even mention the cost to run a business, insurance, computers, ink, paper,license fees, anyone can add to that list.  I do NOT cut my commission just to have a listing.  I work hard for my money!
  • It cost money to get a home listed & --->>>

    June Tassillo
    Realtor/Broker
    Classic GMAC
    Off. 828-369-6720  ext. 204
    cell 828-371-2339
    www.JunesRealtor.com

    Posted by

    June Tassillo ~ Owner/Broker/SFR Let me help you with the next phase of your life!

      

     

    June TassilloRe/Max Elite Realty Franklin, NC  

      ~ June Tassillo ~

        Owner/Broker

    RE/MAX Elite Realty

    1296 E. Main St. Franklin, NC 28734

    Cell: (828) 371-2339

    junetassillo@gmail.com

    www.JunesRealtor.com

    If you are Buying, Selling, Relocating or want a Second Home in the Franklin, NC area and need help from a Professional Real Estate Broker, I would be happy to assist you with the next phase of your life! Visit my Web Site & Be my Guest on our MLS and search for properties in Macon County, NC for free.

    Comments (5)

    Kim Curran
    RE/MAX Unlimited of Northern Virginia - Bristow, VA

    Great list June.

    I can understand cutting your commission if they are repeat clients but to ask immediately, they have been watching too much tv!

     

    Jul 28, 2009 11:11 AM
    June Tassillo
    Owner/Broker RE/MAX Elite Realty - Franklin, NC
    Let me help you with the next phase of your life!

    Thanks Kim... It happened to be a builder from another state.  Not my client!

    Jul 29, 2009 09:17 AM
    Barb Szabo, CRS
    RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
    E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

    Good for you June! Beware of anyone who asks you to cut before you have even met with them or  have seen their home.

    Aug 03, 2009 02:36 AM
    June Tassillo
    Owner/Broker RE/MAX Elite Realty - Franklin, NC
    Let me help you with the next phase of your life!

    Barb ~ I am not about to let a builder or any seller just use me.  I work very hard at what I do for a living and need to be paid in return.

    Aug 04, 2009 03:47 AM
    Anonymous
    J Brendan Weeks III

    My $900,000 dollar home purchase meant my realtor got about $50,000 and there is no way they earned that much for about 12 hours of actual work.

    Mar 27, 2019 03:34 PM
    #5