Worrying about what you pay, instead of what you get, is a mistake that will cost a seller thousands in the current Real Estate market.

• Pick a quality agent from a local brokerage and expect professional service.
• List with a discount brokerage and expect a discounted offer.
• Put a sign in your yard that says "I'm cheap" or "I'm desperate" and expect cheap buyers writing cheap offers.

Q. Is a Real Estate commission negotiable?

A. Yes. First let's look at the services being provided and the costs that are associated with them. We should talk about the commission that you are requesting and I will need to decide whether or not I am willing to work for the commission that you want to pay. It's a business decision for both of us.

Q. Should I increase the commission offered to the buyers agent?

A. No. The commission must be the same as other homes in the area and price range, and anything above that should be applied to a price reduction. Extra commissions are bonuses, but I can't sell a house because it pays me more.

Q. Will you list my house for a lower commission?

A. Yes. The commission is negotiable. If we set the price well below market value to reduce the costs associated with marketing the house. Most seller's would benefit from listing closer to market value and paying the extra commission.

Q. What if you list the house and sell it, will you take less?

A. No. If we are lucky enough for this to happen Mr. Seller, you win. If I bring a qualified buyer to your house and we have the luxury of having the agent the knows the house the best show it, you win. If I can tell them why it is worth the list price and show them the comparables that where used to establish the list price, you win.

Q. What is more important, the price or the commission?

A. The Price. Don't make the mistake of focusing on commission when listing your house. Pricing your home correctly is the single most important factor in determining when or if your home sells. 

If you are a seller and your first concern is the commission (big red flag) , you will start out with the wrong agent and end up with less money in your pocket. Experienced agents want to help you get the most they can for your property and just want a fair commission from the close of the deal.

Seller's that allow their agent to guide them through the sales process will benefit. Successful Real Estate agents in today's market bring local knowledge and transaction skills that net sellers more and provide smooth timely closings. If you want less service and less knowledge, go with a discount service, and expect to get what you pay for.

Steve Hirschler