For sure, first one is free. 

And 2nd - we sign or not a listing agreement.

Sometimes it acts an opportunity to introduce myself or my service. Other times it serves as a confirmation about a decision.  There can be multiple reasons yet it remains FREE from me.

I think Buyers see us as a free service anyway Richie Alan Naggar and I never charged for a listing interview so I think that's the same as a free estimate by Sellers.

     My first meeting with a Buyer or Seller is to determine whether or not we can work together.  After that, I am going to be paid a fee.

I don't like the people I've met that wear out the word 'free'. I do not use it in any of my marketing. No cost - no obligation never appear either.

I actually do not 'partake' of anything that says free.

I still am

It is free when we meet first time with the customers.  As Fred said, after Yes or No. Listing agreement or buyer's agreement and start our agenda.

             I've been offering Free Orientation Consultations for 20 years.

Even in the construction industry vendors will charge to give an estimate and then give a credit back if they get the job. A sign of the times?

Sometimes we do, sometimes we just get to work.

Good question. 

In Northern Virginia I always give clients and potential clients a free no obligation consult whether they are Selling a home or they are Home Buyers

Fred Griffin and I think alike!

But I do advertise my services as free to buyers

If I sense it is a non-sense I am quite busy.  60% of inquires after several session of giving away freebies, I realize people want something they can not have or exist. The worst case scenario you gave your self away for free they go to the listing agent direct and dump you.

I do provide them, Richie, especially to those thinking about selling. Never too early to "get into their heads." I don't necessarily advertise it a lot as everyone seems to do it. But when I have an opportunity to specifically over a no-cost, no-oblifation meeting in order to get face-to-face with someone, I do.

Richie Alan Naggar - my consultation - initial one - is always FREE! And at the end of it, we decide one of the three things --

1. Not to work together

2. Customer does not want to work with me and...

3. I do not want to work with this potential client.

I guess I don’t really understand your question, Richie Alan Naggar 

I don’t get paid unless an escrow closes. Not charge for anything that leads up to closing. No close, no payment.

I use this time to also be determining if they will be horing an agent or going fsbo no matter what. I give enough info to show my expertise, but do not gove away the farm if they are not going to be hiring me. Omce they sign, they get the full service plus... I also am deciding if there home is something i can sell and are they sellers i can work with. 

If I had a nickel for every free consultation, real estate or legal, I have given over my career, charging would not be necessary!

I offer free market analysis.

The past three years there has been a drum beat from the gurus suggesting agents are cheapening themselves by giving too much away.

An elevator speech and consultation are very different things.

By not basing ones business on FREE, they quality of their business can maintain integrity. For example, Everyone can use Active Rain for free. How's that working?

Requiring something (not free) of the student is the best predictor of their intent.

Do you equate a listing agreement as a free consultation?

Every dog has its day Richie. Problem is that was yesterday.

we ALWAYS offer a free consultation... we promote free consultations....

We still offer free CMA's and consultations. Is that not the case in your area Richie Alan Naggar 

I still offer free consultations.

The public all expect a free CMA with a consultation.

WEll, I don't know of anyone who charges

I don't charge for anytime I sit and talk with potential clients.

I am an agent in Port Angeles, Washington, and I offer free market annaylsis. It is a great way to share your professional expertise and educate your future clients. 

I offer a consultation.  I no longer use the word "free".

Let's get real.  Nothing is really "free". Someone always pays in one form or another.

I still do, espically to first time buyers.