Home > Blogs > Matthew O'Shea > Matthew O'Shea's (osheamatt) Blog

Part Timers and Buyer Rebates? NOT FOR ME...

By Matthew O'Shea

Real Estate Agent with Prudential Ambassador Real Estate

January 28, 2009 01:44 PM

I am a fulltime Realtor as a seller's and buyer's agent, and spend a majority of my day focusing my marketing campaign, showing homes, doing listing presentations, and going to closings. I pride myself on having expert knowledge of the markets I operate in, and give 110% to my clients. You can say that I love what I do.

So it came as a huge surprise to me that I lost a client because when they asked me to rebate a percentage of my commission I was unwilling to do so. I am sorry folks, but I am not going to give away a hard earned commission because the economy is bad, or because other agents are offering rebates. I AM NOT A PART TIME AGENT. The hours I spend away from family and home to fulfill the needs of my clients to their ultimate satisfaction is a testament to my success. I will not give away comissions because other Realtors offer a rebate. I do not know of another fulltime Reator that justifies giving away hard earned money just to gain a sale.

I am not against part time Realtors. Sure we all have to take a test and pay our dues, but success defines the top Realtors from the rest. Their are a number of part time real estate company's in my local markets, and they do well. But when I avergae 8-10 hours a day working for my clients and get lumped in together with the part timers, I get a little upset by this.

I am against buyer rebates. If you want a rebate, go to a rebate Realtor.

Tell me what you think...

Re-Blog

Comments(10)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

J. Philip Faranda

Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY

Associate Broker / Office Manager

Rebates and discount business models don't work in the long run. Don't be surprised if that person comes back to you when they see what they are getting with the other agent.

Jan 28, 2009 01:47 PM

Maria Morton

Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO

Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

I think they're a bad idea and, in some states, against the law.

Jan 28, 2009 01:52 PM

Marty Kampmeier

Prudential First Realty - McHenry, IL

I sold real estate for 8 years and took a break a few years back. I decided to take an 8 hour a day job and get paid for it every two weeks. The reason I did that was how badly I was getting beat up for rebates, lower commissions, and the " what ELSE" can you do for me attitude. I gave 110% to my clients and when they started wanting to take my paycheck in addition to my 110% time, it was time for me to take a break. I got back into Real Estate full time a few months back and will not take cuts or rebates on commission and my clients are seeing what a valuable asset I am to them. I learned a valuable lesson and am a much better agent to my clients for that!!

Jan 28, 2009 01:57 PM

Angelia Garcia

Pure Realtors - Dallas, TX

Hi Matthew,

I agree with you. Since when did it become okay to basically bribe a buyer into working with you. I am recently working with a high end buyer and he asked for a rebate. I answered since this was a short sale the lender would designate what the Realtors actually got. He hasn't asked again.

Jan 28, 2009 01:58 PM

Pat Tasker

Shorewest Realtors - Germantown, WI

Your Milwaukee Metro Area Agent (WI)

My theory is "if they don't think my work is worth X% that I charge, they don't deserve to work with me! It may sound conceited, but I am a professional. I have spent thousands educating myself, so that I am able to provide the best services to my clients and customers...You cant get Nordstroms service, products or quality at Walmart prices....THERE IS A DIFFERENCE....there are always going to be some people that the amount of money matters to them MORE than the services they receive...THOSE people are not for me!

Jan 28, 2009 01:59 PM

Richard Dolbeare

Inactive - Wailuku, HI

Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

The next time I get asked to share my commission, I'm going to propose an income-sharing agreement where they also share their income with me. I'm sure that will achieve the same results as you experienced when you declined but I'll enjoy the moment.

Jan 28, 2009 02:15 PM

Teresa Harris

Lake Real Estate, LLC - Denver, NC

Denver . Lake Norman . Charlotte

I really haven't had the honor of this type situation (but I know it's lurking) but of the other agents in our firm that have done such each have said they didn't think the buyer and/or seller thought any more of them for doing this. So after the last one our bic said no more.

Great post Matthew...just a suggestion though I would have made it members only.

Jan 28, 2009 02:25 PM

Matthew O'Shea

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE

The O'Shea Group at Prudential - 402.310.5977 -

I thank you all for your comments.

Teresa, I posted this to all so that they know how I feel. That is the reason I wrote this blog. Buyers need to know that when you take a rebate, chances are you going to get rebated service. This is how I feel, and everyone needs to know this.

Again, thanks for all the great feedback!

Jan 28, 2009 02:44 PM

Bob & Carolin Benjamin

Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ

East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Agree, why should agents give up what they are to earn --- that makes no sense to us at all.

Jan 28, 2009 03:40 PM

Part Timers and Buyer Rebates? NOT FOR ME...

Comments(10)

Matthew O'Shea

Real Estate Resources

Recent Posts