What is The Average Home-Selling Commission Rate in Denver?

"What is the average home-selling commission rate in Denver?" is a question recently posted on Trulia.

And - amazingly - agents were happily answering the question with their opinion of the 'average' or 'normal' fees to buy or sell a home.  One agent even linked to a blog post where she put that info on the internet, where it will be available basically forever.

One problem: Telling home sellers there is a 'standard' fee for real estate services is against the law and if you speak to an attorney or most experienced agents, they will tell you - don't even imply that there is a 'set' or 'standard' fee by using words like, 'normal', 'average', etc.

You can read more about it here:  The United States Department of Justice

But in the meantime, I'll give you my real estate tip of the day:

Try to hire a licensed REALTOR who not only knows the laws that apply to their business, but who will also obey them.

While you're at it, hire an ethical REALTOR, who doesn't disparage other agents based on what they agree to charge for their services.

YOU might not get in trouble if your agent breaks the law, but why not hire someone who is careful to obey the law?  And if you hire someone who engages in unethical practices, how do you know they won't employ unethical practices against you?

Many agents hate discussing the fact that some agents charge less than they do.  They will say things like:

• "That agent who charges less is obviously worth less"  ('Worthless', get it?)

• "If they charge less that's proof they can't even negotiate on their own behalf. So they're not going to be able to negotiate for you." (Do your own research to find out if they can negotiate.  For instance, ask potential agents, what percentage of original list price do their listings sell for?)

• "I charge more because I'm WORTH IT!"  (Do your own research to find out if they're worth it!  How much of their business is in your area? Do they do any more marketing than the less expensive agent?  E.g., provide a property website, 'text for info' number, blog posts, etc.)

• "You get what you pay for." (Take a look at their other listings - how do their photos look, how is their online presence, do they market their listings or do they use their listings to market themselves, read their listing descriptions and ask yourself if they make you feel like you want to buy that house.  Check them out!)

In summary:  Don't pay more for real estate services based on 'talking points'. Meet the agent, talk honestly with them, look at what they've done for others in your area.

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I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly suburbs northwest of Denver.  Read what past clients have said about me.

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