What do Agents Do For the Commission?

I just heard a commercial over the radio from a local real estate brokerage advertising that they will never charge you, the seller, 6% commission. That it was unfair and that they could save you thousands on the commission when you sell your home if you list with them. "How are they doing that?", I thought. I went to their website and their "services menu". What did I find? Basically, no services! Yes, they will list your home for 4% versus a traditional 6%, with 3% going to the buyers agent and 1% going to them. Seems fair and reasonable, right? Wait! That is the ONLY service they offer. They will put your home in the MLS. There are services out there that will do that for MUCH cheaper. What about marketing, negotiating, handling of issues that come up? THAT my friend, is where the REALTOR earns their money. Anybody with a pulse and a real estate license under a broker can simply put your home in the MLS. Although this is an important tool, IT WILL NOT GET YOUR HOME SOLD, that is unless you price it WAY BELOW MARKET. Thus, not saving you thousands, but costing you thousands. You need an experienced agent that knows how to market your home online and to other agents. You need an agent that knows what is effective when it comes to online marketing and how to get your home seen by other buyers and agents around the globe. Simply listing your home in the MLS will not do that. You need proper property photography, effective verbage, and the capablity to get this listing, along with multiple photos, on major websites and search engines.

The next time you consider one of these "caring" real estate agents that claim to be looking out for you, consider the whole cost. Dig deep with your questioning, ask for marketing examples or a marketing portfolio of their current and past listings. Seller BEWARE!

The BW Home Team offers our clients a break on the commission when they sell their home with us and purchase their next home with our team, while offering excellent, aggresive, professional, marketing and negotiating skills. We welcome all your questions!