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The Best Does Cost More.

By
Commercial Real Estate Agent with Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker AZ BR 528507000

I saw a post (on another forum) recently, seeking resources for a specific type of professional (a lender).

I posted a pick, based on years of personal experience and numerous successful transactions. I have learned from experience NEVER recommend, period -- and never even SUGGEST anyone I would not defend before a judge.

This time, I had no hesitation. Even in the most challenging situations, this individual and company are consistently efficient, resourceful, responsive and caring toward me, my clients and others involved.

Another response disagreed: "Ehhh . . . that company's fees are too high."

I had to think for a second, because . . . the issue of cost never entered my consciousness.

 

 



Not a single client has ever complained to me about being able to save by going elsewhere, nor indicated they would not use this professional again for any reason. Indeed, many of my clients use this professional for multiple transactions, as we have been fortunate enough to enjoy serving our valued clients many times over the years.

 

In fact, yesterday I heard from a client closed 2 years ago, wanting to send a friend to this pro. Did I have her number handy? The experience resonated, clearly--or they would have taken a path of less resistance.

For my services as a Bullhead City, AZ area commercial real estate broker, I charge fees that vary based on the time, materials, resources, energy and 'grief factor' of the individual 'case'. I've been told that they are higher than others' at times.

On rare occasion, some will balk. And I've walked away from prospectives unwilling to pay what I thought was appropriate.

Because to me, adding value, not decreasing cost  are primary consideration.

Lots of time, money and energy goes into offering the best service, communication, representation and resources to our clients. I figure, I'd rather pay for the best than pay less for less than the best. 

The best costs more. It is also more durable.

In this day and age, why would anyone cut corners on the most important investments of our lives?



Have you calculated replacement cost on a do-over?

 

 

🎶Well if you don't have the answer

Why you still standin' here?

Hey hey hey hey . . .

Just walk away!🎶

 

Comments(11)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Candice - I think these words capture the essence of the argument:

            adding value, not decreasing cost 

Oct 17, 2019 08:47 AM
Candice A. Donofrio

Yeah. It's easy to get caught up in the ego-driven 'I don't want to feel I spent too much' when the truth is, do you want something exceptional? Or something adequate (or a freakin' trainwreck) at a bargain basement price?

Oct 17, 2019 08:50 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Candice- excellent point. Value does not always equate with cost just as cost does not always equal value. If you want good quality, often cost takes a back seat.

Oct 17, 2019 09:13 AM
Candice A. Donofrio

One of my favorite clients says "If you can't be the best, you will have to be the cheapest." LOL
I will never be the cheapest.

Oct 17, 2019 09:21 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Amen Candice,

WE will never be the cheapest. on anything we do.  My father always said, "we are not rich enough to buy cheap!"  We buy what will last, and I have followed his advice through all kinds of times.  Classics always last!  A

Oct 17, 2019 09:52 AM
Candice A. Donofrio

We are not rich enough to buy cheap!  BadaBOOM!

Oct 17, 2019 09:54 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Hey, good post, Candice.  I really like your quote: "If you can't be the best, you will have to be the cheapest."  Lots of meaning in that statement.  Also liked and understoiod very well:  adding value, not decreasing costs.'  Wishing for you a wonderful day in Bullhead, AZ. area. 

Oct 17, 2019 09:54 AM
Candice A. Donofrio

Thank you! We do enough pro-bono; what we do get paid for should be what we are worth!

Oct 17, 2019 10:18 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

What a well written post Candice A. Donofrio I do hope it gets featured as it deserves to be. So much here to unpack and so many quotable elements as others have already mentioned. It is always good to know your own value, and not allow others to assign it to you, so you don't get thrown off course by another persons opinion of value.

Oct 17, 2019 10:22 AM
Candice A. Donofrio

You da man!

Oct 17, 2019 12:16 PM
Candice A. Donofrio

It is always good to know your own value, and not allow others to assign it to you . . .


A huge life lesson. We fall into traps of letting loved ones, kids, clients, define us. In either direction, it is a setup for a spike! LOL

Oct 17, 2019 10:26 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

This was so good I just reposted it. Excellent.

Oct 17, 2019 10:30 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good afternoon Candice. I love this post and couldn't agree with you more. When I was actively listing & selling, I charged more because I did more. When folks balked I asked what would they like me to leave out. 

Oct 17, 2019 12:11 PM
Candice A. Donofrio

LOL right! 

Oct 17, 2019 12:16 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

I like to use the phrase “It’s cheaper for a reason.” It at least makes them think about it.

Oct 17, 2019 02:45 PM
Candice A. Donofrio

Ain't that the truth!

Oct 17, 2019 04:06 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

So many phrases come to mind like you get what you pay for. But I've been working with my lender for 25 years for a reason, and it would never occur to me to even consider if he's a little higher than someone else. Fact of the matter is - he's the best. Period.

Oct 17, 2019 06:39 PM
Candice A. Donofrio
I have one of those too. 20 years. And he was a kid when he started. But he does not screw up.
Oct 17, 2019 07:16 PM
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

A service that costs more doesn't indicate the quality of service is the best. There are many professionals whose fees are more and their service is woefully inadequate or inferior. 

Oct 18, 2019 12:05 AM
Candice A. Donofrio
That combination is usually short-lived.
Oct 18, 2019 03:22 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I went to a large department store one time and bought two items. One was a package of wine glasses and I forget what the other item was. But I do remember when I got the items home I found out that both products were defective. Why? Because I went for cheap, not for quality. A valuable item (or real estate professional) will cost more but will be worth it!

Oct 18, 2019 05:19 AM
Candice A. Donofrio
Yep. Like Kimo said, there are some that will not be worth their fee. But they don't tend to get repeat business or decent cred. Durability.
Oct 18, 2019 05:49 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

And then there are the potential costs you could incur by NOT using the best when things head south! Sadly sometimes the most expensive is NOT the best.

Jeff

Oct 20, 2019 05:38 PM
Candice A. Donofrio

Sometimes!

Oct 21, 2019 04:42 AM