Special offer

CAN YOU GIVE ME A BREAK ON THE COMMISSION? AFTER ALL I DID SELL IT MYSELF!

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty 352-209-4044

A recent listing that I had and just closed was located in a lovely community.  Lockbox on the door, sign in the window (Deed restrictions forbid signs on the lawn).

The home had been listed for 3 months at higher than market value, we had few showings and no offers.  We lowered the price but not enough.  Finally someone knocked on their door, THEY FOOLISHLY LET THEM IN!  This gentleman negotiated far more than I would have allowed but he preyed on a vulnerable woman.

After the deal was verbally negotiated the seller called me and excitedly said "GUESS WHAT?  I JUST SOLD MY HOUSE!"  I asked her to tell me how she did it.  Listening to the story I started hearing her suggesting that she no longer needed my services... UH NO!

Can you give me a break on the commission?  After all, I did sell it myself!  

All too often sellers think that once there is a contract that the work is over, NOT!  Actually the work is just beginning.  I asked the seller for the buyer's information so I could write the contract, she hesitated.  I asked again and she paused again, I stated that we have a contract that she is obligated to and I have performed my part and will continue to do so, but she is obligated to follow through with her side as well.  

At long last she gave over the information, we closed in 5 days!

Why would people want to take money out of your pocket when the most crucial process that an agent will take you through is just ahead?  No!  I can't give you a break on the commission, I actually helped sell your home as well, they did see the sign didn't they?  Not only that, I will earn my money by doing my due diligence in protecting you with proper documentation and closing procedures because that is truly what brings value to the table.  It is not the showings, the open houses, the pretty flyers and all of the other fluff, it is the legalities, the closing procedures and safety nets that we make available to you Mr & Mrs Seller that make a Realtor of vital value.

Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Sara:  When a buyer knocks on the door of a home that is for sale and under contract with a Realtor, the best thing a seller can do is to have that buyer contact their agent so that the potential offer can be carefully considered!  Just as happened to this seller you know, sellers who try to negotiate the sale of their home without consulting their Realtor are leaving themselves open to being taken advantage of.   

Apr 22, 2012 12:26 AM
Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

Glad it worked out for you. That actually happened to my inlaws years and years ago and I believe they did work out a commission break with the agent.

Apr 22, 2012 12:26 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Excellent point Sara, that the sign, ads etc are the 'fluff' the legalities and negotiating is what is important in our job. We had the same experience years ago, only our client didn't ask for our commission, but she regreted opening the door to the buyer because he continually ignored the proper protocal and kept knocking on her door for various things until the day of moving!

Apr 22, 2012 12:36 AM
Todd Hays
Exit Real Estate Professionals - Spokane, WA

I have to admit, if the buyers were not represented, and they actually talked directly to the seller first, I would have given them a 2% break. Even if it was my marketing that drove them there. If I procured the buyer, and there is no question to that fact, no discount. Not wrong or right, that’s just my take.

Apr 22, 2012 12:37 AM
Sara Homan
Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty 352-209-4044 - Ocala, FL
Realtor, Homes, Farms & 55+

Jane,  Absolutely!

Jill,  Commission is negotiable, it is up to the parties involved.

Al & Peggy,  That is also a good point, one never knows what challenges await in a transaction so why give up the money you will likely have to earn by employing your expertise before you actually earn it?

Todd, It's still a free world and that is your choice.  This was mine.  So glad we all have the right to choose how we individually will run our business.  I don't regret my decision, I earned it by the work I did.

Apr 22, 2012 12:58 AM
Anonymous
emee

why would a seller think they can take money out of your pocket? redistribution of your wealth to them... isnt that the new way to do crooked things... UMM anyone ever heard of honoring your oath? congress are you listening?...

Apr 22, 2012 06:10 AM
#6
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Hi Sara, an offer means that the work has just begun! If the buyer is unrepresented you'll have double handholding to do .. after all who's going to make sure that his financing is in order and all deadlines are met - just to name a couple?

Did your seller understand that the reason this gentleman came knocking was because of your efforts in the first place?

Apr 22, 2012 01:38 PM