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Agent Bonuses: Seller talked to another Agent from another State Who Said

By Fredrick Buehler, Jr.

Real Estate Broker/Owner with SMART Choice Real Estate

March 30, 2008 10:02 AM

Agent Bonuses: What do You think of them? We'll of course we all like getting one. But do they really work? This weekend one of my sellers who was talking to another agent from another State said that she only looks for homes with bonuses and only shows those!!!! (?) In all of my training and education I was taught, that was a form of steering(?) Now at the time I really didn't think about it, but at the sellers request I put a bonus on he

r property. I should mention the house is a GEM. Perfect ten. And I sadly report there was NO rush of agents to show the home. So Does it really work? If you coould tell me your stories surrounding this issue I'd love to hear.

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Summit Realty Group

Summit Realty Group- The Future of Real Estate Today! - Highlands Ranch, CO

We offer agent bonuses in CO and CA, but we try not to interfere with a deal.

Mar 30, 2008 10:07 AM

Nathan Diones

Regioncy Real Estate - Redlands, CA

I think that may fall under some sort of "steering" But agents should always show property that is in the best interests of their clients.

Mar 30, 2008 10:09 AM

Leesa Finley

RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC

RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

I don't get the whole bonus idea. Either my clients like it or they don't. If i am wrong in thinking this then someone please let me know. I don't go looking for bonuses and if there are two homes silmilar one has a bonus and the other doesn't - it is STILL up to my client and which ones fits their needs the best.

Mar 30, 2008 10:12 AM

Fredrick Buehler, Jr.

SMART Choice Real Estate - Sewell, NJ

I agree. I am not a big fan of the BONUS idea. I'd rather see the Seller lower the price to drive traffic in. No offense.

Mar 30, 2008 10:16 AM

Pam Joffe

Solaris Realty - Tampa, FL

I don't think an agent is able to get a buyer to buy something based only if it has a bonus, and if they try to they lose their buyer as many buyers do their own searches on the internet and may call another agent if theirs is not showing them all the available inventory.

Mar 30, 2008 10:31 AM

Erik Hitzelberger

RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY

Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

I personally never look at the commission rate while searching for homes for my clients. If the house has a bonus, great. If not and my clients are happy, that's all that matters. I don't know whether the agent's actions are considered steering, but I would consider them unethical.

Mar 30, 2008 10:34 AM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Bonuses, believed to be a 'lure' for agents to bring them the buyers are actually a VERY tough obstacle--I almost feel guilty showing one with a bonus because I don't want the client to ever think that I steered them to that particular property should they chose to write an Offer on the property. I've also heard that some agents DO prefer to show only homes with bonuses but, in NC, that is illegal.

Mar 30, 2008 10:47 AM

Sylvia Young

OPTIONS Realty Group - Oakland, CA

Broker-Associate

I don't show homes based on whether or not a bonus is offered to the agent.

I've found that the best lure is to serve food when I hold Brokers Open.

Mar 30, 2008 12:01 PM

Agent Bonuses: Seller talked to another Agent from another State Who Said

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Fredrick Buehler, Jr.

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