I sold a house last year that had a bonus attached, I too was unaware of it until after the contract was submitted to the builder's agent. She also told me about the promotion. It wouldn't make me show a house, over another - in fact, I pay no attention to commission fees until we get close to closing. It's not the reason I do what I do - although, the money is a good thing. 

Hello Debbie,  interesting, we have a $790000 home and not getting many showing, will have to think about this.  Thanks

Hi Debbie -- this is always a thought-provoking conversation --- when I do notice a bonus associated with a property -- my immediate thought is "gimmick - why not just lower the price?".  Have there been success stories -- sure but I'm not a strong proponent of the selling bonus -- there are other avenues I suggest that will help the home get more showings and the ultimate goal -- an accepted offer.   Of course, I have yet to turn down a bonus when it is part of a transaction.    

Hi, Debbie...I agree. Letting people know that there is a selling bonus is a great way to stir up some action. That's why I try to explain to sellers that it's not a good idea to give the cooperating agent less than is typically found in a particular market. Some agents just won't put the house on their show list, unless a buyer requests it.

Debbie, Honestly, I don't look at the commission when showing homes to my buyers but I'm realistic, I know some do! When the listing is not getting the activity, you have to try anything and everything within reason and law to generate interest. Offering Bonus might just do it! I've seen cruises being offered, tickets to theme parks, spa treatments and of course good ole $$$ works best!

You know, I DO look at the commission to the selling office when showing properties.  I DO NOT rule out lower coomssions when showing homes to my clients, because I have a duty to show them everything on the market, however, it IS nice when a seller gives an incentive to sell. 

Debbie, The motivation in todays market is to just get the buyer a home. Then move on to the next buyer, I sometimes think I would pay the listing agent if I could just find a home for my buyers and they are happy and move on.

Money has never motivated me..........but that's another story.  When I was in real estate, a "selling bonus" wouldn't get me there with a client unless it was something they were truly interested in..........the clients best interest should always be the #1 priority, not what goes in your pocket at the end of the day.  I guess if something pays a lower commission for some reason, some agents wouldn't show it?  Hmmmmmm........what if it's exactly what their client is looking for?  Is no "bucks" better than "less bucks"?

Debbie, I don't think bonuses for agents really make that much difference but of course when our Buyer likes a home that the seller is offering a bonus's to the agent... yes we get motivated.

I personally think if the Seller is going to give a bonus it should be toward the Buyers closing cost etc then again why not just lower the price. 

Debbie, condition and making sure the listing fits the buyer's needs are the primary priorities. The "bonus" is the cherry on the whipping cream. Enjoy your day!

Debbie, personally I've never shown a house because of a bonus. But I know plenty of agents who have.

Debbie, I think that a bonus or increased commission can help.  Of course the condition and cleanliness of the  home are paramount.  I would like to add that many agents skim through lists of properties with either larger selling commissions or bonuses and then remember these properties when the typical listing is forgotten. They also go on to mention these listings to friends and other agents that they know. This heightened awareness is always nice.

Interesting question and even more interesting responses. I think it will make a difference, but as you say it gives you a great reason to promote the property.

Bonus?  Naaa, just the right realtor with the right marketing program and you have a successful sale.

Like I always say, any agent can list a home, but only certain agents actually can SELL THE HOME. 

We have one firm locally that boasts they have 69% of the listings in a neighborhood, but our office had 90% of the sales in the neighborhood. 

What is more important?  The listing or the CLOSING. 

Curious on your thoughts on extra commission versus throwing in builder's extras.  Will a $2,500 commission or a MONSTER $2,500 TV for the buyer drive the behavior.  Or other upgrades...

Debbie: I've always felt funny about getting offered an extra bonus. But you mention it was a NEW home that had gotten a little stale on the market. You did not say it was overpriced. In this case, it sounds like it might have resurrected the interest of the agents again to show it. But their buyer would still have needed to like it enough to buy it. We had an agent here several years ago who would make the bonus commission based on a full priced offer! That, I always thought, was VERY problematic (to be kind).

Great posting Debbie, I have offered a bonus from time to time on my listings, not sure if it helped or not, but I am always a little disappointed in other investors who think that they are making money by bullying their agents into a lower commission.  It makes me wonder how motivated their agent and the other agents on the mls are to show these homes.

A selling bonus can be a very effective strategy.  However, a bonus will not usually help if the basic value is not offered.