Stop Choosing Agents Based On Cheap Fees

Sellers often misunderstand real estate commissions. They think that all agents are the same. So they choose 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 money in the pocket. This is wrong. The discount broker costs you the most in the end. The reason? The result is poorer. The gap in the final figure is often far bigger than the small saving.

Consider this. If they can't defend their own full fee, will they fight for your money? They won't. They fold instantly. When the heat is on, the discounter says: "Take it." They want volume. The last dollar doesn't matter. Brad Smith negotiates hard. Because we value our skill.

I witness owners locally lose $20,000 or $30,000 to save pennies. It breaks my heart. You have one shot. 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. Look at the net, not what you pay.

You Get What You Pay For

There is a difference between price and result. McDonalds and fine dining differ greatly. Salespeople are the same. Some just open doors. They upload photos and wait for the phone to ring. That is easy. That is not service.

A skilled agent builds value. We work the database. We style the home. We write compelling ads. Crucially: we deal. When a buyer says "$600,000 is my limit", the cheap agent believes them. I know how to get them to $620,000. That extra $20,000 is pure profit. That is skill.

Budget brokers rely on volume. They need to sell 10 houses to survive. They rush to maximize your price. They treat you like a number. I limit my listings. To give attention for you. My commission enables me to serve you best. Don't be a number.

How Negotiation Skills Impact Your Pocket

Negotiation is not arguing. It is psychology. Knowing silence and when to listen. Understanding signals. Building pressure. An expert gets more money without them knowing. We use the market to elevate value.

It takes practice to perfect. It is worth money. You employ me for this reason. Not for the sticker. 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. Simpler to beat you down than to get more. Discounters reduce. Good agents build.

Interview question: "Tell me a story of a recent negotiation." Watch them. Should they say "It sold quick," be careful. You want to hear "The offer was $500k, I worked them to $530k." Hire that one. I fight for you. I guarantee it.

Marketing Budgets: Who Pays For What?

Cheap agents often offer "advertising included." Great deal? No. Someone pays. When it is included, they go cheap. You get the small ad. Cheap snaps. Small sign. Why? it is their cost. They minimize cost.

To sell for a premium price, you need the best. Top spot online. Professional photography. 3D tours. Social media ads. It isn't cheap. It reaches more people. More buyers = more competition. Demand equals value. If you save $1,000 on marketing and fail to reach someone, it costs you value. Not smart.

I advise investing in marketing. We do it right. We spend what is needed to find the buyer. It is your asset. Showcase it. Don't hide it in the dark to save a grand. Marketing works.

Beware Of Over-Quoting Agents

A dirty tactic of cheap agents lying about value. They tell you you will get a huge price when reality is lower. The goal is to win the job. You sign with them out of greed. Later, it doesn't sell. They make excuses. They ask for price drops to where it should be. And you sell for $600k after wasting time.

You chose the fake. The honest agent who said $600k missed out. Be smart. If an agent promises 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 through negotiation, not by lying at the start.

Be aware. There are tricks. Look for integrity. Select the person who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. That is the expert who gets results at the top.

How To Spot A great Agent

In the appraisal, ask these questions:
1. How do you negotiate?.
2. Can you show me your track record?.
3. What if have a look information we get two bids?.
4. Justify your commission.
5. How will you find buyers?.

How they respond reveals the truth. If they waffle, next. If they have a process, sign them. If they discount immediately, do not sign. If they can't defend their income, they will lose your equity.

Ask me. I love the interview. I am ready. I am confident. Choose Brad Smith. Not on price, I get results. Excellence pays for itself ultimately.