Are Realtors worth the commission they charge? Or not?

So, I had to laugh the other day when I was staging a property here in Denver. While I was placing furniture and accessories, I was aware that the Realtor was there scrubbing marks off doors and walls. She had her son in the backyard, raking leaves, picking up scattered debris and cleaning windows and doors. After that, she was out front spraying out the garage, dusting the front door and replacing the door mat with a fresh new mat. 

As I watched her, I couldn't help but laugh to myself about the many times I have heard people say that Realtors don't earn their commissions. This Realtor embraces the notion that she has the obligation to do everything she possibly can to get her clients property sold for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

This "notion" is what sets the bar for high performing Realtors. Her marketing plan is comprehensive, targeting the buyer who is most likely to purchase in this suburban neighborhood. She has counseled her clients about doing the things that are going to garner them the highest return on their investment and protect their hard earned equity. Attending to maintenance issues and making sure the property is well staged are two ways she has provided her clients with the opportunity to receive top dollar. 

I am sure that there are Realtors who have earned the criticism that has been fostered by those that truly do put a sign in the yard,  place the property on MLS and show up to collect their commission check. This particular Realtor, and to be honest, most of the successful Realtors, I have had the pleasure to work with, do in fact earn every dollar they make. They go above and beyond to support and counsel their clients in the venture to sell their property for the optimum price. After all the craziness of the past couple of years, they are still standing, still growing, still believing and are the keepers of the flame. Rock on Rhonda! You epitomize what home sellers and home buyers want in the Real Estate professional they choose. I hope your clients know how fortunate they are.