Too good to be true? ~ 4.5% commission~ (3%, negotiation, new agent, percent)

[kitty3]

I've been interviewing agents to pick the best one to list my home (or perhaps sell FSBO, or use Assist-to-Sell.....not sure yet)
A couple of the agents said it would be the usual 6%. But one said she'd charge 4.5%, two and a half percent to the buyers agent, and she'd keep two percent for herself. This was not a negotiation, this is what she told me she'd charge. When I asked why, she said "I like to help people out, give them a little break". Hmmmm....your thoughts?
And what about this? Will a buyers agent even show my house to potential buyers if they know they'll only be getting two and a half percent commission?

[mindy410]

Hi, i know alot of people on here will say no. But my realtor did it for 4% and I had 25 showings and maybe a possible two offers comming in tomorrow. So I would say yes, at least in MA they do. Mindy Good Luck

[Beena]

I know a lot of realtors who will do it for 1%.

After all...3% of zero is zero.

[kevcrawford]

Is she a new agent? That's weird for her to just offer that up. I don't take listings for less than 6%, because I know how expensive it is to "properly" market a home. If I list a home and it sells in a few days, meaning that I didn't have to spend much on it, I MAY cut them a deal. Most Realtors that come in with that being the first thing they say are new or bad. We were all new once, so I understand that she needs business, but I'd ask her to go into detail as to why. If she's new, she may be gung ho to work and get that listing sold. Who knows.

[Brandon Hoffman]

You normally get what you pay for. She's taking less than market norm there so you'll probably get less service, skill, and/ or marketing. Taking less is what lesser agents do who know they can't compete with the top dogs. They buy listings, either by taking less or saying they can sell for more. Seller beware.

[bentlebee]

That could help the realtors to get more clients and more happy people, I'm all for it. 6% is way to much, maybe if you have a client that wants to see 30 or more homes than 6% is okay other wise it ridiculous high, specially in my case since I have always done most myself. So I will never pay 6% again.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Originally Posted by Beena

I know a lot of realtors who will do it for 1%.

After all...3% of zero is zero.

What on earth is 3% of zero is zero supposed to mean here?

[kitty3]

Actually she's not new, she's been an agent for many years. Maybe it's her way of getting more listings in a 'down' market?
I interviewed a total of three agents (including her). Is that enough to choose one to sell your house? They all seemed similar in the fact that they will list your house on the MLS, will print up a brochure, take some pics, mention your house to other agents, put an ad in the local paper, do an open house if you want. What else do agents do? Do they hook you up with the title company stuff? The legal paperwork?

[PotterGeek]

I'd stay the heck away from Assist 2 Sell. Period. Been there, done that. Our Assist 2 Sell office closed shortly after my listing contract expired with them.

Maybe they operate differently in other areas, though...

[Brandon Hoffman]

Originally Posted by leavingbyron

I'd stay the heck away from Assist 2 Sell. Period. Been there, done that. Our Assist 2 Sell office closed shortly after my listing contract expired with them.

Maybe they operate differently in other areas, though...

Ours is the worst company in our market.