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What Benefits The Real Estate Agent More? A High or A Low Price?

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Real Estate Agent with 410-935-5844 Office 634480

What Benefits The Real Estate Agent More?  A High or A Low Price?

 

The answer:  Neither.

 

The answer is neither because it is the wrong question.

 

It is true that a higher priced property, assuming that it sells at that higher price will typically yield a higher commission for the real estate agent, because commissions are usually a percentage of the sales price.  So, it sounds like the agent would prefer the higher price.

 

It is, also, true, that a higher priced property might sit on the market longer, if it is priced too high, which means that the agent would be getting no commission, which implies that the agent would like to see the price lowered in order to get a sale and, hence, a commission.  In fact, usually, the lower the price, the faster the sale, which means that the agent would be getting a commission sooner.  So, it sounds like the agent would prefer the lower price.

 

A better question might be: what benefits the client more, a higher or a lower price?

 

A real estate agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the client, not to himself or to herself.

 

Most real estate agents are in the business as a career and, therefore, must take their fiduciary responsibility seriously, if they intend to stay in the business.

 

So, the key to pricing a property is to not price it high, to not price it low, but to price it correctly.

 

 

J Perrin Cornell
Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA
Broker, ABR, VAMRES

A comment on "fiducuary responsibility".  Strictly speaking that may not be true. In my state the responsibilities are codified in State Cide. There are portions of it that rise to an even higher level... but your idea is correct. 

Jan 18, 2015 02:51 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Ron Trzcinski - I never even consider what commission I am making when discussing with my clients what price they should list their home at. I provide them with as much info as possible, give them a range, and leave the decision up to them.

Jan 18, 2015 03:29 AM
Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
410-935-5844 Office - Cockeysville, MD

Perrin,

That's interesting, but in Maryland, this is how it is.

Jan 18, 2015 03:52 AM
Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
410-935-5844 Office - Cockeysville, MD

Troy,

I agree that the price, whether listing or offering, is the decision of the client.

Jan 18, 2015 03:55 AM
RVA HomePRO Michael Hottman
RVA HomePRO Realtor with Keller Williams serving Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfiled and Richmond, Virginia - Glen Allen, VA
Helping you achieve goals in life & real estate

The only price that really benefits the agent or the seller is the right price that sells the home.

Jan 18, 2015 11:02 AM
RVA HomePRO Michael Hottman
RVA HomePRO Realtor with Keller Williams serving Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfiled and Richmond, Virginia - Glen Allen, VA
Helping you achieve goals in life & real estate

Without a sale no one wins.

Jan 18, 2015 11:02 AM
Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
410-935-5844 Office - Cockeysville, MD

Michael,

Yes, a price to which both seller and buyer agree.

 

Too high a price certainly does not provide a sale, so a house sitting on the market, instead of a house being sold, does no one any good.

Jan 19, 2015 10:23 AM