Agent discount for being buyers/listing agent (4%, commissions, sales)

[Spicey477]

I’ve bought and sold a lot of houses with Realtors and (FSBO also) over the years and I’ve only had this situation come up once before and I can’t remember what happened. We will be listing our house (that we purchased a year ago using the same agent as a buyer’s agent) and then purchasing another house using her as well. These are all over $1m (all 3 transactions). Would we ask her to discount her fee for listing our current house since she will also be making a lot from our new purchase as well? She is the agent and broker/owner.

[Okey Dokie]

As Mom always said: “All you can do is ask. The worst that will happen is they say no.”

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by Spicey477

I’ve bought and sold a lot of houses with Realtors and (FSBO also) over the years and I’ve only had this situation come up once before and I can’t remember what happened. We will be listing our house (that we purchased a year ago using the same agent as a buyer’s agent) and then purchasing another house using her as well. These are all over $1m (all 3 transactions). Would we ask her to discount her fee for listing our current house since she will also be making a lot from our new purchase as well? She is the agent and broker/owner.

"What can you do for us on fees?"

Let her talk.

We don't know what her fees are, so it is impossible to state what she should do.

[1insider]

Originally Posted by Spicey477

I’ve bought and sold a lot of houses with Realtors and (FSBO also) over the years and I’ve only had this situation come up once before and I can’t remember what happened. We will be listing our house (that we purchased a year ago using the same agent as a buyer’s agent) and then purchasing another house using her as well. These are all over $1m (all 3 transactions). Would we ask her to discount her fee for listing our current house since she will also be making a lot from our new purchase as well? She is the agent and broker/owner.

The first transaction isn't relevant. It would not be inappropriate to ask if she will discount the listing if you commit to using her for the next purchase before you list, not after. It would also be appropriate for her to ask you to make up the difference should your last purchase not pay out at least a certain percentage.

[Diana Holbrook]

Mike's answer is right. This is an arrangement between you and your agent. No one else's ideas or expectations matter.

[rational1]

In the circumstance described (buy and sell using the same agent) I would expect a concession on fees.

If one was not offered I would talk to other agents.

[dontaskwhy]

Originally Posted by rational1

In the circumstance described (buy and sell using the same agent) I would expect a concession on fees.

If one was not offered I would talk to other agents.

Just because a discount isn't offered by the agent doesn't preclude someone for asking about the possibility. A little early for the OP to, "throw the baby out with the bath water". OP, asking for a discount in a multiple property transaction is not unreasonable. No need to hire another agent yet.

Your statement, unlike your username is not necessarily rational.

[Rakin]

Also we don't know the customary commissions in your area. They may already be reduced.

[Spicey477]

Thanks all! I’m 99% using the agent, discount or not as our listing and buying agent, she’s great and has become a friend over the years of working with her. I’ll throw it out to her once we figure out if we are actually buying (moving for the heck of it). ETA: commissions are 2.5/3 around here per transaction. Thanks all!

[johngolf]

In one situation in MA the sales commission was 6% but if the listing agent was also the selling agent, it was 4%