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Negotiating Skills - defending your commission

By
Real Estate Agent with Linda Welsh Realty Group

This past week, I had a great opportunity to complete the Certified Negotiation Expert Designation (CNE) - an opportunity I have looked forward to for some time.  While I expected to get a smattering of "How-to's" in dealing with different personalities and then honing those skills, it became apparent that were some other added benefits to taking and perhaps reviewing this material from time to time.

One tip which I didn't expect was in defending a commission - as in "If I caved easily in defending my earned commission and the value of my services, what would that say about me when responding to a buyers agent/buyer in defense of the value in your home when it comes to negotiating your sale". 

In short, we use our negotiating skills every day in most everything we do and negotiation does not have to mean an aggressive, win-lose confrontation.  In fact, in most every case, we should consider information, facts, logic, choices and who we are dealing with and their personality - keeping in mind all the while, that Real Estate Professionals will be negotiating with each other for a long time. 

When you approach a situation with facts, options and comparisons,  it will be hard to argue against logic.

Be respectful, gain respect, keep respect and give respect....

Ed Pichette
RE/MAX South Shore Realty - Riverview, FL
RE/MAX South Shore Realty

Linda, congratulations on getting your CNE designation. I just posted an article on designations or lack of by agents in our industry. I found in a buyers market that sellers don't try and beat you down on your commission. They are more realistic about paying a full commission just to be competitive in todays market place.

Sep 27, 2010 12:08 PM
Linda Welsh
Linda Welsh Realty Group - Austin, TX

Thanks for the comment Ed.

In order to stand out in this economy, especially, we all  have to add value to the services we provide.  We won't be able to meet our clients expectations (or even our own) without creative thinking, a level head (hotheads need not apply) and sound business principals and ethics.  This is the perfect time to really educate our buyers and sellers about real value and expertise.

Sep 27, 2010 01:49 PM
Kaera Mims
Liz Moore & Associates - Fort Monroe, VA
Associate Broker, e-PRO, REALTOR; Hampton, Newport News, York Co.

I was just reading about the CNE designation ( but there are a few others I want to get first). Seems like you learned a lot!

Sep 27, 2010 06:06 PM