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Can you throw in some chickens and a cow?

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty Washington LLC

Can you throw in some chickens and a cow?

Now that I have your attention, has anybody ever tried to barter with you on your commission?

I went to a listing presentation the other day and of course at the end of my presentation we started talking about compensation or what we like to call it, commission.  I told the couple what my commission was and they began looking at each other.  I asked them what their concerns were and they asked if I could step out of the room for a moment while they talked.  I gathered my materials and took them to my car.  I then went back and sat in the foyer and waited to be called back into the room.

The man came out and got me and when I returned to the room they asked if I would consider taking their pickup truck in lieu of my commission.  I joked "Is it paid for?" They were serious.

I then smiled and explained how our commission was broken down and that I only take my commission in monetary amounts. (My managing broker would have the cow!) As an independent contractor my hands are tied but when I began to think about it, if I owned my own company, I could probably take a commission by whatever means I wanted. (As long as it is above board and taxes are paid to all the municipalities,state, and the feds.)

  • Is this a common practice in other parts of the country?
  • Does your state real estate license prohibit bartering? 
  • Does your contract with your company encourage monies only?

Has anybody ever tried to barter with you on your commission?

 

This post was authored and photo taken by Paul Henderson. ©2013, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul HendersonRE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 

 

Clip Art provided by Microsoft!

Posted by

 and courtesy of 

Paul S. Henderson, Residential Real Estate Broker 

Tacoma Washington 

Realtor ® BPOR, CRS, GRI, CDPE

Fathom Realty WA LLC

Serving

South Puget Sound in Washington State

 

 

 

 

Paul's Service Area


 

 

As a Residential Broker and Relocation Specialist, I sell homes in or around ,Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Steilacoom,  University Place, DuPont and Hartstene Pointe in Washington State.
Please visit my website at http://www.hartstenepointe.com to search for information 

(all information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed or warranted in any way)

Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated, Thank-you!

(As a member of the NWMLS, this blog post is intended to comply with NWMLS rules as pertaining to blogging.)

isspfmtysmily

iaa

 

Comments(10)

Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance
Paul, that was goodin right thar! Wuz da pickup a 4 wheeler? No I mean did it have all four wheels? The general public thinks we: 1) Don't do enough to earn our commission. 2) Get to keep all the commission for ourselves 3) Have no overhead that needs to be paid out of the commission 4) Are a public service that is free to use and abuse. I find that we must justify our existence each and every day to our public. It's just human nature to be suspect, deny, avoid, and yes...Barter. Thanks for the blog.
Apr 02, 2013 07:42 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Paul, Bartering would be a bit cumbersome in paying our broker and figuring taxes.  That said, if someone wanted to put in a new HVAC system for us and that was their skill set, I just might be tempted to trade services for that.  Bill

Apr 02, 2013 09:20 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Norman, after working with several people who make far more than me I am never ashamed of my commission. I do explain to them where the money goes. 

Bill, I know several tradesmen who barter a lot. It is common place in several communities. I don't know how the real Estate business would handle it...

Apr 03, 2013 01:04 AM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Paul,

Just when you think you've heard it all...along comes another post to prove me wrong. No bartering here, just cold, hard cash.

Rich

Apr 03, 2013 03:49 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

My Dad was a broker and he would do deals like this. He ended up with a sailboat once. I would entertain this scenario if the truck was worth it and was legal consideration per the CA dept of Real Estate. Of course I would have to place a call to my accountant ... getting on her bad side is NOT a good idea. Suggested!

Apr 03, 2013 06:30 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Barter yes ..but only with cold hard cash

Apr 03, 2013 09:02 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I think this must be commonplace where these people are originally  from down south. It is a very interesting business plan that would except bartering... 

Apr 04, 2013 03:00 AM
Gayle Beyer
Welcome Center Realty 772-336-8583, FLA777 - Port St Lucie, FL
Port St Lucie FL Real Estate Broker

I would suggest they sell the truck, then have the funds to pay me. I work for myseld but still not sure of the legality in Port St Lucie FL as all amounts and compensation have to go on the HUD and disclosed to the buyer too. Interesting though. If it were something I really wanted I guess I would look into it.

Apr 04, 2013 06:57 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

It is an interesting question you must admit Gayle...

Apr 04, 2013 05:41 PM
John G. Johnston
John G. Johnston & Associates, LLC - Westcliffe, CO
An Exclusive Buyer's Agent ~ Westcliffe, CO

Paul   Great blog!  I own the company so I have some freedom.  The funny part is when I'm showing properties I tell my buyers if they get it I get the ATV, pickup or whatever...just joking!  More than once we have negotiated for and got the furniture, ATV, snow blower and the 'whatever'.  So far, nada for me!

Apr 05, 2013 04:11 PM