Special offer

The Agent Bonus

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Coastal Properties BROK.995683208

    I am still on the fence regarding the agent bonus. There are some ethical issues that come to mind,mainly that as buyer's agents we should be looking out for our CLIENT'S best interest, not our pocketbook.  That being said, I have never felt strongly enough to turn down a bonus at closing.

     Outside of my commission, I disclose every cent earned from the transaction. Want a home warranty Mr. seller?? Great, I get 60 bucks off this transaction. I do the same with the agent bonus. When narrowing the list, I tell my buyers about the agent bonus.

     My fear is the bonus would cause me to give less than objective advice. And there is the rub. The bonus is designed to get the house to stand out from the herd. Want 1,500 bucks? Convince your buyer to sign on the dotted line.  Things get messy in escrow? Now you are not losing 3%, but rather 3% AND 1,500 bucks.

   I have found that the best way to be ethical is not to test the limits. In a busy month there is no doubt that I could be objective. But what about a slow one? Probably. When it comes to our client's best interest probably does not cut it. Thoughts??

   

 

Posted by

Searching for a Top real estate agent in Destin Florida ? Need help selling your Emerald Cost home? Either way call Doug today!

Doug Rogers

Real Estate Agent 

RE/MAX Coastal Properties 

Destin Florida 32541

 

 

(318) 613-1994

 Equal opportunity housing. Doug Rogers is a licensed real estate professional in Florida and Louisiana. Each office independently owned and operated

 

 

 

Comments (3)

June Piper-Brandon
Coldwell Banker Realty - Columbia, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

A few years ago I was affiliated with a local company that encouraged it's agents to pass that agent bonus on to their client.  To this day I have practiced that as a buyer's agent. 

May 18, 2010 02:24 AM
Sam White
College Station, TX
Integrated Marketing - Bryan College Station,

Although I see an agent bonus on occasion, I've never received one. I usually point out to buyers when showing a property that the listing agent has offered a "bribe," so they are always in the loop!

May 18, 2010 02:36 AM
Jenna Dixon
Momentum Real Estate Group LLC - Marietta, GA
55 & Over | New Constructions | Horse Farms

I sit on no fences about agent bonuses.  I see them offered all the time.  It has never induced me to show one property over another without a bonus.  In 6 years, I have only sold one home that offered a bonus.  It was disclosed to the buyer and deposited into my bank account with the rest of my commission. 

I see no difference between a cash bonus or a higher commission %.  My clients know that this is my job & how much I do or DO NOT get paid makes no difference to them as long as they get the home that they want.

May 18, 2010 02:46 AM