For F-r-e-e-e-e

I always say we are the only breed I know that works for "free" and hopes to get paid! You are not alone , just need to pick and choose more carefully represent those kids with a buyers agency agreement then you WILL get paid for representing them! That is if you have those where you are? Good luck ;)

Three words here to heed:

Buyer's representation agreement.

Get used to asking for the sale before you jump in.

karen, that is good advice. We just had a staff meeting about doing the same thing.

Be careful of the "users"....they are the ones who start the process by asking for your commission and then it gets worse. When you sense you have one of those.....run, it will cost you less in the long run, plus they are never happy, so you don't even get referrals.

In our market, it is common and customary for Realtors to offer a free market analysis.  Usually, this leads to a listing...........or at least the chance of a listing.  But, recently I've had a glut of folks who have asked for a free CMA cause they are considering bankruptcy.  In that case, I feel that there should be a small fee for my time and knowledge. 

Buyers using us as taxi's, is not a new concept!  The trick is to have a preliminary conversation with them before you take them out!

Let them know:  1-You are the expert in this area; 2-You are going to find the right home for them based on the information they provide; 3-You will only show them 3 to 5 homes, and you expect them to write an offer at full price or higher on one of these homes!

If you have the guts to explain these points before you take them out, you will take control of the buyer.  They will respect you.  If they don't agree, show them the door! 

Stay strong and work to find motivated buyers who will respect you for your work.

Tami, you're preaching to the choir on this. I see the point of those who think the cost for selling a house is high. The problem we have as realtors, is the business costs associated with free work, when we don't end up with any commission.