There is a huge myth regarding agent fees. People believe all agents are equal. They select the discount agent. They think it is a saving. If the fee is low and the pro charges more, they choose the discounter. The math says $5,000. This is wrong. The cheapest agent is usually the most expensive at settlement. How? They achieve a lower price. The lost value is often far bigger than the small saving.
Consider this. If they give up their own full fee, how will they negotiate your house price? They won't. They roll over instantly. When a buyer offers low, the cheap agent says: "Take it." They want volume. They don't fight. A good agent fights for every dollar. We are professionals.
I watch vendors in gawler real estate lose $20,000 or $30,000 to save pennies. It breaks my heart. It is a one-time event. You need the maximum price. You pay for performance. If I get you a premium, and I cost $5,000 more, you make more profit. That is the net result. Count the cash in hand, not what you pay.
You Get What You Pay For
Understand the distinction between cost and value. A cheap suit and a tailored one are worlds apart. Local agents are no different. Some are order takers. They list online and wait for the phone to ring. That is zero skill. You could do that.
A professional creates competition. We chase leads. We style the home. We market aggressively. And most importantly: we close. When the offer is "$600,000 is my limit", the cheap agent believes them. The pro knows how to squeeze. That extra $20,000 is pure profit. That is skill.
Cheap agents rely on volume. They must sell many to pay bills. They rush to negotiate properly. They treat you like a number. I take fewer clients. To work harder on your result. I charge correctly to do the job properly. Don't hire the busy fool.
Why The Best Negotiators Charge More
It isn't shouting. It is a science. Knowing tactics and staying calm. Reading people. Using leverage. A master can make a buyer increase their offer against themselves. We use the market to elevate value.
It takes practice to perfect. It is worth money. You employ me for this reason. Not to put a sign up. You hire us to handle the money conversation. If your agent is weak, they will cost you. They will suggest you drop your price because they can't get the buyer up. It is easier to crunch a seller than to get more. Discounters reduce. Good agents build.
Interview question: "Tell me a story of a recent negotiation." Listen to the answer. Should they say "It was easy," be careful. Look for "I rejected the first offer." That is who you want. I fight for you. That is my job.
Understanding Advertising Costs
Discounters promise "free marketing." Attractive? Wrong. Nothing is free. When it is included, they go cheap. You get the small ad. Cheap snaps. Basic board. The reason? it is coming out of their pocket. They save money.
To get top dollar, you need premium marketing. Highlight ad. Drone shots. Virtual styling. Targeted marketing. This costs money. It casts a wide net. More eyes = more offers. Competition = higher price. Cutting ad spend and miss one buyer, the result drops. That is bad math.
My strategy is you pay for ads. No corners cut. We do it properly to sell well. Your investment. Light it up. Don't hide it in the dark for a small saving. It creates the result.
The False Promise Of A High Price
Another trick of bad agents is over-quoting. They promise it is worth millions when market value is less. Why? to get you to sign. You hire them out of greed. Later, it doesn't sell. They make excuses. They reduce it to $600k. You get market value eventually.
But you hired the liar. The good agent who was real was rejected. Don't punish honesty. If the price seems high a crazy number, ask for proof. Show me the sales. Without proof, they are faking. I value correctly. I base it on facts. My price might be less, I achieve it. We beat it via strategy, not by lying at the start.
Protect yourself. There are tricks. Look for integrity. Select the person reality, not what you want to hear. That is the partner who will actually sell your home for the best price.
The Interview Checklist For Sellers
When interviewing, checklist this:
1. Explain negotiation.
2. Prove your results.
3. How do you auction?.
4. get more details overview Explain your cost.
5. What is the plan?.
What they say shows their skill. If they waffle, walk away. If they are sharp, they are the one. If they cut commission without a fight, reject them. If they fold, they will cost you.
Ask me. Test me. I am prepared. I am confident. Choose Brad Smith. Not because I am cheap, I get results. Excellence costs nothing ultimately.