Negotiation Skills, Expertise, Liability, Knowledge - all equal Commission!

Back in October, 2010 I had written a post on how hard we work for our commission.  The same is still true two plus years later. For the seller we must:

1. Inform the sellers if there is a discrepancy at either the Assessor's Office or building Department with regard to the number of bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.  and to help them through the process if a room needs to be legalized.
2. Pricing the home correctly so those interested buyers step forward sooner as opposed to later!
3. Listening to the seller to learn what it is they want from us so there are no misunderstandings. Are they motivated? Why are they selling? Relocation? Profit, job promotion, larger home? downsizing? Monetary?
4. Offering a stager if required....
5. marketing expertise - being able to advertise the home effectively, and consistently to continually draw attention and those interested buyers.
6. SEO - Posting blogs about the home, and linking those blog posts to other sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, etc.
7. Give weekly updates on the market, their home in relation to other properties, and feedback, feedback, feedback
8. Offer to take the sellers to see similarly priced homes in the neighborhood so they can understand the  price-point of their home.
9. Asking the sellers what their time-frame is with regard to selling, and do they need assistance in their search for their next home?                                                        
10. Suggesting a seller's home inspection if warranted.
11. Establish a rapport -and a good working relationship.

Every two years in NYS, we are required to take Fair Housing and Ethics Training, and many of us have to complete our 22.5 hours of Continuing Education every two years also. We spend a great deal on research, marketing such as photography, videos, floor plans, luncheons at our listings, photography, giveaways, blog sites, websites, computers, printers, paper and cartridges, brochures......  our car, gas, marketing by way of advertising, lunches with clients, dinners, and it all equals the reason we should not be timid to ask for our commission. We work hard for it, and should not be embarrassed .

Westchester is GREAT!