Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am in the beginning stages of preparing my home for the market and will have a real estate agent swing by my place this weekend to go over my property and give me her expert opinion on what I should leave alone, touch up, or downright remodel in order to get the most money out of my home.
The agent is essentially the best friend of my mortgage handler, whom I actually hang out with from time to time, and comes highly recommended. Of course I plan to use this agent when I put my house on the market but there is one thing I am not sure about:
Does she expect compensation from the initial visit? Or would working with her later on be her "payment"?
I have spoken with her a few times already, and she has sold in my development in the past, yet the topic of compensation has not come up.
I feel she should get something for her time and expert opinion, but not sure what. Should I tip her $100? $200? A decent bottle of wine? Or nothing?
I also wonder if she assumes that I know "the deal" when it comes to such matters. I don't.
I am in the beginning stages of preparing my home for the market and will have a real estate agent swing by my place this weekend to go over my property and give me her expert opinion on what I should leave alone, touch up, or downright remodel in order to get the most money out of my home.
The agent is essentially the best friend of my mortgage handler, whom I actually hang out with from time to time, and comes highly recommended. Of course I plan to use this agent when I put my house on the market but there is one thing I am not sure about:
Does she expect compensation from the initial visit? Or would working with her later on be her "payment"?
I have spoken with her a few times already, and she has sold in my development in the past, yet the topic of compensation has not come up.
I feel she should get something for her time and expert opinion, but not sure what. Should I tip her $100? $200? A decent bottle of wine? Or nothing?
I also wonder if she assumes that I know "the deal" when it comes to such matters. I don't.
So, what is the protocol here?
I don't think compensation is required at all.
You cannot go wrong with a nice bottle of wine, ever, however.
Not "required" or expected, but certainly a very nice gesture.
Getting paid for selling the listing and any ancillary business the listing generates should be compensation enough for a pre-listing consultation.
I agree that it is most likely that the agent is looking at this as both a free service to you and a first step toward getting you as a customer but it wouldn't hurt to just ask.
You cannot go wrong with a nice bottle of wine, ever, however.
Not "required" or expected, but certainly a very nice gesture.
Getting paid for selling the listing and any ancillary business the listing generates should be compensation enough for a pre-listing consultation.
I would ask if they drink wine first and what kind is their favorite. I know a realtor who is in sobriety (friend of a friend that was at a recent party) . I guess he would graciously accept it and offer it to a friend, but some people can't have alcohol around them.
No one can expect compensation. If ti's not discussed before hand no compensation is due. If any service ever demands money and it's not discussed beforehand call the cops.
Thanks for the replies. I'll pick up a bottle of wine. If her advice can net even just a few hundred more in the selling price it will be worth it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by so954
No one can expect compensation. If ti's not discussed before hand no compensation is due. If any service ever demands money and it's not discussed beforehand call the cops.
I understand it is all a part of the hustle but no one works for free, either.
I'm new to this and didn't know if I was getting the "friend" deal or not.
Thanks for the replies. I'll pick up a bottle of wine. If her advice can net even just a few hundred more in the selling price it will be worth it.
I understand it is all a part of the hustle but no one works for free, either.
I'm new to this and didn't know if I was getting the "friend" deal or not.
Real estate agents do work for free until someone buys a home. I went and saw some properties, only one had real potential. The RE agent is working for free. If I don't buy a home he showed me he lost gas money and time. I don't feel indebted to him.
Real estate agents do work for free until someone buys a home. I went and saw some properties, only one had real potential. The RE agent is working for free. If I don't buy a home he showed me he lost gas money and time. I don't feel indebted to him.
Some people appreciate other people.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
