Special offer

Does Your Boss Ask You to Discount?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with iTexas Realty Co.

When I wrote this, it was midnight and I had just closed my real estate office and was at "lunch".  I wrote it up on my Blackberry while waiting for my food.

With this schedule, you may be curious what time my day started:

8am

Today, Steve and I have written offers, negotiated offers, done walk-throughs, attended inspections, listed properties, done a little social networking, answered inquiries on our listings and met with a Seller.

 

Full-service. it's a state of Being.

 

The only item that I was unable to complete was a look at recent sales in an out-of-the way neighborhood, for someone who I know wants me to discount my commission, yet offer them full service and all of the marketing and professional effort that entails.  Unfortunately they left me a voice mail late in the day and I was unable to address it at the time.

All I can say after a day like today: If you want discount service, I wish that I could call you in November when I don't have so many serious Buyers and Sellers to take care of!  Before then, I won't have much time to explain to you why I won't do the full job, for less compensation. 

Wait!

You already know why!  At your office, no one expects you to work for less money, while working the same hours and producing the same result.  What would you say to your boss if you were asked to do this?

 

I thought so.

 

I won't say that, but I will call you tomorrow.

 

Posted by

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas  

If you are planning to Buy or Sell a home or land in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country, we'd be happy to get you moved on with your life! Get to know us and our Real Estate Brokerage: You can go to our blog, website, Pinterest, Facebook page or just,call to chat: 210-492-6683 

www.iTexasRealty.com     info@iTexasRealty.com

 

Follow Me on Pinterest

 

Comments(9)

Jennifer Archambeault
Cardani Group, REALTORS® - Austin Texas - Austin, TX
An Austin Texas Realtor

Sara - you hit the nail on the head here! 

Jun 30, 2010 04:40 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I love it Sara.  I have had buyers ask me how much I am going to give them back.  BUYERS!  who don't pay us a penny in the first place.  Grrrrr!

Jun 30, 2010 09:46 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Sara always interesting when people attempt to go there.  I've learned to head it off at the pass within the first meeting via the interview (listing)  I follow a menu pricing - so they have the choice of which works best for them.  Good for you for all your business - rock is baby!

Jun 30, 2010 10:54 AM
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS
iTexas Realty Co. - San Antonio, TX

Hi Jennifer- Whatever commission rate an individual agent charges, "discounting" is always a hot topic.

Hi Jane-  That's funny!  I've never had a Buyer ask, though I've had some who thought that I should be paid more.  It's nice when your Buyers and/or Sellers see the value of your work!

Hi Anna-  Menu pricing: A perfect example of how Sellers get what they pay for - and choose it directly.  I'm betting that most of your Sellers choose full service.  Not many Sellers want to share in our marketing costs!

Thanks for stopping by to comment!

--Sara

Jun 30, 2010 11:13 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Sara - it depends on their situation. Some don't want any part of the process as their busy with their careers or flying abou,t rarely home. In that case we charge them more than average to accomodate their needs. Most folks 'chose' the normal regualar amount of 'M&M's! lol.  It's still above the norm.

Jun 30, 2010 12:42 PM
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS
iTexas Realty Co. - San Antonio, TX

Hi Anna-

 You provide a great example of how "concierge service" has a value to those who lead very busy lives.  Those people seem confident of the reasons that they hire a professional.  There really is a service level for everyone.

Sara

Jun 30, 2010 02:29 PM
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTOR® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

Sara - It irks me that people consider us less of a professional than other people with whom they do business.  I be they don't ask their doctor to reduce his rates for them.

Jun 30, 2010 04:27 PM
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS
iTexas Realty Co. - San Antonio, TX

Hi Pam-

They probably don't!

Today, I spent more time than I wanted, sending a diplomatic response to a rude-toned offer on one of our listings.  It's all worth it, to keep a Buyer moving forward for our Seller - but is sure does take time that's never seen by the Seller.  Just another part of why this job takes full service - all day.

Sara in San Antonio

Jul 01, 2010 11:30 AM
Carra Riley & Declan Kenyon
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek Ltd - Westminster, CO
Helping people Transition at all ages!

Sara...If buyers/sellers want a discounted rate, they should give their business to a discount brokerage.  There is a reason that Walmart and Nortstroms exist.  If you want full service, you must pay for full service.  I believe that you get what you pay for.

cosmic cow

Jul 02, 2010 06:16 AM