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Free Real Estate
Reports
What Everyone Should Know About
Real Estate Commissions
Many people have no
idea about real estate commissions. They don’t know what a real estate agent does or how he is paid. The more
you know about commissions, the more likely you will be to select and work with the real estate agent that best
meets your needs.
The first thing you
should know is this… A real estate agent is paid by commission. That means he is not paid a penny until or
unless a real estate transaction is completed. The agent will spend a lot of time and money on your behalf in
anticipation of receiving payment after your real estate transaction is completed. All the money and
time that the real estate puts out your behalf is at his own expense. Not too many people are willing to put out
weeks of work and hundreds of dollars with no guarantee of payment. Real estate is a performance based job. You
either perform or you don’t get paid. It’s that simple. That’s why it is so important to get a good
agent.
There are several types
of real estate agents. To maximize your time and investment, you want to work with a full time professional real
estate agent. He will give you full representation at every step of the sales process. A full time real estate
agent has a fiduciary responsibility to act in your behalf at all times, as if you were present. You really do
want someone covering your back at all times and in all situations. Research shows that a full time real estate
professional will close more real estate transactions for more money in less time. That’s right… you will make
more money by hiring a good full time professional agent.
On the other end of the
spectrum, there are discount real estate agents that will provide minimal or “limited” help in the sales
process. They will list your home; perhaps put it on the multiple listing service. However, they will have no
responsibility to represent you all the time. For example, they will spend no money in marketing your home on a
regular basis. Some will not tour your home with potential buyers. Most will not negotiate for you to get top
dollar for your home. You will be pretty much on your own.
You need to be aware
that buyers are a lot more educated today. They spend hours researching homes on the internet before they even
talk with a real estate agent. You must insure that your home is well presented in the various media that is
available to today’s buyers. You must have a comprehensive marketing plan in place, if you are to maximize your
return.
A good real estate
agent will spend many hours, weeks and dollars in the selling process. The average buyer may look at dozens of
homes before making a decision to buy. A good listing agent may spend over a $1,000 in the first week (after
getting a listing) just to begin marketing your home. The first 30 days a home is on the market is the most
critical. So, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need representation by a full time
professional agent.
Lastly, you must understand
that real estate commissions are negotiable. They may vary from location to location and from one type of real
estate to another type of real estate. For example, real estate commissions for a home may be different from
commercial land. If you want to get maximum return on your investment in minimum time, you want to deal with a
reputable full time realtor.
You must do your homework. Ask
questions. Find out who the best real estate agents are. If you know someone that has recently worked with a
real estate agent, ask about their experience. Ask what commissions are currently being paid to full time
agents. You can’t afford to be bashful. Once you’ve done a little homework, interview two or three agents and
choose the one that will best meet your needs.
Once you’ve done your homework
and selected a good agent, don’t haggle over the commission. The only person that will loose will be you. The
general public today is smarter than you think. When you work with discount agents, I guarantee that buyers will
try to offer as little as possible for your home, after all isn’t that what “discount” is all
about.
One final thought. As a
professional real estate agent, I know how important it is for you to maximize your investment and time. This is
also true of any good real estate agent. Once, you’ve selected a good agent, work hard with the agent to
accomplish your goals. Develop a clear and continual communication so that both of you know what to expect from
each other. Don’t do anything, real estate wise, without communicating with your agent beforehand. It
will save you a lot of time and stress. A good agent is worth every penny of real estate commission you
pay.
Do you have questions or need advice you can count on or
just want to discuss this further?
Don’t waste any more time; pick up the
phone and call me now! I’m here to help!
I offer a Five Star Guarantee. I appreciate your business, loyalty, trust and
referrals. My goal is to provide the very best counsel and advice to meet your real estate needs. If I can assist
you, a relative, friend or co-worker, please give me a call. I look forward to the opportunity to serve
you.
For prompt, courteous, professional
service, call Larry Andrew:
Cell:
801-369-5125
Office: 801-756-2121
Real Estate Commissions
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