Full Commission = Full Service
I think it is fair to say that paying 6% commission to a real estate agent in Houston is at this time, not uncommon for the industry. However, it IS negotiable…. and it is always up to you to determine if you choose to pay full price or not. An increasing amount of discount real estate agents are emerging. I think it is a fair to ask “What am I getting for the fee I am paying?” and “Is using a discount real estate agent suitable to my needs?”
It’s also reasonable to believe if you
decide to pay full commission, you
can and should expect a (full) level
of service above and beyond that
of the discount real estate agents.
Buyers are now “e-enabled” and an increasing amount of real estate activity is sourced on the Internet. If you are paying full commission, ask your listing agent …. what value-added services do they bring to the table for addressing the integrated online marketplace?
What NEW “eTools” will you use on my property to make it stand out ONLINE from the 80,000 other listings posted on the MLS?
If the only eTool they are using is posting the listing and photos onto MLS —- well…. so are the discount agents…. so your agent is no longer unique ….. or different …. and in some markets — not even competitive.
It’s up to you…. do your home work and ask the right questions. Believe me, it is still quite possible to pay the full 6% and receive in return a lesser level of exposure for your property than others are getting …. at the same 6% you are paying.
It’s UP TO YOU to Determine Which Agent’s Marketing Will Deliver
the Most Value to YOU — Do the Math!
Additional Links:
- Top Home Seller Mistakes When Selecting A Realtor – By BIll Gassett, Realtor [Jan 6, 2014]
- If the House Isn’t Selling I Can Always Drop the Price
- Agents: Do You Provide the Home Seller Receipts of Your Marketing Expenses?
- Why We Need To Drop the Listing Price of Your Home On the Market
- Median Price vs. Average Price — What Does Median Mean?
- How the MLS Works
- Agents Who Use SMARTePLANS