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I used the same agent to sell my house that I had used to purchase it years before. He automatically discounted his commission.
I did the same with one house some years ago. Wish I hadn't. She was very good at finding us a house when we were buyers, then lured me into using her to sell our house for a significantly discounted commission on her side. Big mistake. HUGE.
That said, it was MY mistake for not doing my due diligence on her skills/background as a seller's agent.
Additionally, don't focus on "two deals."
Focus on "one client."
Client acquisition and education are time-consuming, and you are already a client with a relationship. That is a nice plus for the agent, and for you, too.
Using the same agent puts you in the position of knowing that you won't have to share your personal information, finances, status of your sale, motivations, etc, with a second person.
Good point, she will also get the sale of this new house should we (probably) decide to sell again in a couple of years. I do have to say that yes, she's that good, so much so that even if she says "no" I'd still use her as I know I'll get the best deal on both sides that I possible could.
BTW,
I know from watching posts here over the years a lot of the agents on here ARE that good as well, that's why I come here to ask such things...
Would you ask a mechanic to reduce his costs if you bring him 2 cars to fix? Or a restaurant to reduce their costs for dinner if you bring a friend, or promise to come back in a month? Or a dr to reduce his costs if you bring your kid in for a procedure a month after you have one done? Or if you buy a luxury car and 3 weeks later buy another, should the Salesman not get his regular commission? Should a pilot get his salary cut because you flew the same route a month later and he was your pilot?
If the agent gets your house sold quickly and smoothly, do you not think they earned their commission? If the do a good job as your buyers agent, did they not earn it?
I understand your viewpoint, but I do look at multiple business opportunities as a bargaining chip. I expect a discount from my insurance agent if I bring multiple policy business, and I expect one if I go to a car dealership to buy a car for myself and my partner as well.
The flip side of this question is to ask: "What would YOU be willing to do to get a client to use your services for multiple transactions?" I mean, being a known quantity is great and all—but what are you going to do if suddenly your tried-and-true client has a niece that they want to give a shot? Let them walk out the door, or give them an incentive to stay with you?
I did the same with one house some years ago. Wish I hadn't. She was very good at finding us a house when we were buyers, then lured me into using her to sell our house for a significantly discounted commission on her side. Big mistake. HUGE.
That said, it was MY mistake for not doing my due diligence on her skills/background as a seller's agent.
I also regret the decision. I didn't know until we were selling that he messed up when I was buying. Then he gave me bad advice.
He missed a permit issue when I purchased, and I didn't find out until I was under contract to sell. It was HUD home, so it was as-is, but there was a permit that never had the final inspection done. I feel it still should have been caught during my purchase process. Anyway, my buyer backed out. At this point, I had already moved out of state since it was under contract and was now in a have-to-sell situation. The reason I was moving back is because my pay had been frozen for years and I was struggling to make ends meet, so he knew I didn't have extra money to correct anything. He advised to just leave it and disclose it, because they may have wanted to rip out walls to inspect. I didn't have the money for major repairs, so I just disclosed. Months and months go by. I was now looking into doing a deed in lieu because I was out of savings. Finally, I decided to try and get the final inspection done. It was approved. (Mind you this is 7 months later.) I now have nothing to disclose, but a stale listing. It finally sold 9 months after listing and I had to bring cash to the table. Neighbor on the same street with the same floor plan listed within a week of me. My house had more upgrades (covered front porch, fireplace, large back deck, shed, better flooring, landscaping, etc...). They sold in two weeks for $139K. I sold in 9 months for $114K. My poor choice in realtors cost me dearly. Had I just went with the inspection from the get-go, my listing wouldn't have been stale and maybe I could have even gotten my original buyer back.
Status:
"Made the Retirement Run in under 12 parsecs!!!"
(set 4 days ago)
Location: Cary, NC
43,074 posts, read 76,623,012 times
Reputation: 45393
Chuck Norris asked me to reduce my commission.
He wept.
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