Full commission just for writing an offer?

Wendy: 

The situation you are referring to sometimes makes brokers in my area so angry that they will offer a low commission in the MLS to the Buyer Broker, but, when I call to inquire about it, they ask if I am planning to do everything for my client, including attendance at the home inspection. They then reveal that they are perfectly willing to fully compensate -- They just wanted to know the answer since they had a previous bad experience.  Perhaps the part-time brokers will be disappearing with the tough, competitive market that we are currently experiencing.

I have been in many situations where I have had to pick up the ball and run with it. I don't get all mad, and bad talk the agent. I may try to help them understand their job better, but in the end, they have a BUYER for YOUR LISTING. GIT R SOLD!!!!!!!

I just finished a deal that the agent (local) did not do much. I kept the deal together but only

because I was working for my seller. It is sad to think what would happen if two lazy Realtors did

a deal.

You are very correct, it is frustrating!!  I am a firm believer of Carson Daly's karma concept!

We have more than one MLS in CT, and many times get wacky calls from agents who can only see what is on realtor.com or some advertising website. They may not have an electronic keypad. And, if they don't get something in writing from my broker that says she will agree to pay them a commission, they aren't entitled as they are not members of this MLS. I think because what we are going thru in CT is very very political, we are a bit more understanding, although none the less aggravated at the situation. But, I sure make them show up and work for their money!!!

In our board we have the right in the Listing Agreement to state what percent the out of our MLS selling agent can get.  Like... in our mls.. 3%  ... OUTSIDE  can be from 0% to 1.5% or the full 3%.  It is part of the MLS print out and available to all agents to see.

There are 0any scenarios and different situations. In our small county there are 3 different MLS, and though they all use Supra, you would not get in if it is not your area. Now agents are often list everywhere, and it is really a problem.

The best solution is not to use supra and use a combo lock, and we now think of switching to combo locks 100%, as we also get people comong from Palm Coast.

So, we do not make a big deal. I will gladly arrange showing , opening to inspectors, all for the Buyer.

Hi Wendy,

Unfortunately, there are still far too many agents out there who are willing to take advantage of someone who takes their responsibilities seriously.  You still have to look out for your client's best interest and they take full advantage of that.  Wish I had an answer.

Wendy, it seems as if it would be more appropriate to offer a referral to you or another agent in the area who is dedicated to taking care of the buyer's needs.  You should not be in the position to do the work for the buyer's agent.  That said, i can see your dilema in that you want to take care of your clients and ensure that every opportunity to market their home is explored.

Wendy, I accept referrals from "out of the area" agents, not co- brokering.  I have had too many offers from agents who only want a paycheck and do not do their client justice.  I end up working both sides of the transaction for half the commission.  Been there, done that.  Don't do it anymore. 

I had a buyer call me on my listing asking to see it. When I asked if they were working with someone, then they told me that their agent is on Oahu.  I went ahead and showed them the house. They decide to buy it. Yea! I was happy to make the sale in this slower market.  Their realtor was not keeping up with the escrow, so when I reminded her that the buyer's additional deposit was due at the end of the inspection period, she asked to schedule the inspection and extend the inspection period. My seller agreed.

Well, lucky me! The buyer was doing their own inspection and I got to meet them at the house, again without their agent. Oops, he forgot his ladder and he wanted to go back the next day again. Well, I went ahead and met him at the house the next day. How stupid do I sound here? (I did learn from this and he didn't fall off his ladder) Long story short, a few days later, on the last day of their extended inspection period at 6:00 PM, the other agent faxes me the cancellation notice. No one is at my office, so I find out the next morning.  She did not even give me a personal phone call.

I talked this over with a 30 year agent, and he told me how he handles off island realtors with buyers.  They can refer them to him and he will take just 1% commission on the buyer's side, and give the other 2% goes to the off island realtor, or they can refer to another local realtor, or they can be at the showing. He tells them straight up that he will not show his listings to a buyer with a realtor unless their realtor is present. This sounds good, but how would a seller feel about this? Would they think I am turning away potential buyers if I refuse showings?

Good post and interesting comments.  Personally, I'm a believer in referrals.  I realize we're licensed in the state of California, but I don't believe we should represent clients within the whole state!  I think it's the lack of educating the consumer in the importance of choosing a Realtor...and understanding what all it is we do...and the benefit to them in selecting a local agent for the area they want to buy/sell in.   I would love to see some of my NAR/CAR dues go to educating the consumer on our profession...other than a generic 'call your Realtor' commercial.