Minimizing Real Estate Agency Commission
If you plan to sell your own home and are not particularly keen on doing it alone, you can still make use of real estate agents without having to pay a high commission. Minimizing the cost of commission can be done in two ways. You either negotiate for a lower agent’s commission or just pay for the services you feel you cannot do yourself.
Negotiating commission has become possible due to the falling trend of commission rates. Agents are also more willing to settle for a lower rate of commission for higher-priced properties since it obviously still leaves them with a comfortable margin. This does not mean to say however that owners of lower-priced house should not try. There is always a chance for homeowners to find the bests deal considering that there are many real estate agents.
Homeowners can try big-named real estate companies which can usually afford decreasing the standard commission rates prevailing in the area. Some are able to offer non-cash rebates. Whether this is acceptable or not to homeowners, they alone can answer.
For homeowners who feel that they can do much better on their own, they can try but can do much better with a little help from real estate agents who are willing to accept payment only for the services they actually render. This is an advantageous option for homeowners although it would require them to do some part of the job. For most homeowners however, doing part of the job in exchange for a much higher selling price is quite acceptable.
Before offering a house for sale in the market, homeowners should make sure that the house is in “selling form”. This would mean having it cleaned, having the necessary repairs made, and removing personal items. Just to have a feel of the real thing, homeowners can invite friends to come over for a look-see as a way of going over the showing process among familiar people. It goes without saying of course that homeowners need to advertise a lot in all possible places where it can be suitably promoted. These include flyers, signs, ads in newspapers, as well as listings in various real estate sites.
One of the most promising options open to homeowners who are selling their homes is to go for real estate agents who charge a flat commission rate usually placed at 0.5%. This is admittedly lower than the standard going rate. A marketing package consisting of onsite signage, photography, brochures, floor plan, and coverage through major property sites is also offered for a price much lower than traditional agencies.
Homeowners however, will have the responsibility of showing their homes to buyers. All the other requirements will be done by the real estate agent. This arrangement does not only lower the commission cost but also provide a personal touch to selling a home.
About the Author
Lorna is a businesswoman who has discovered the advantages of transacting with real estate agents who are willing to accept a lower commission rate.











