The Hidden Cost Of A Discount Agent In Gawler

Most people are wrong about agent fees. People believe agents do the same job. They pick the cheapest one. They think they are saving money. If the fee is low and the pro charges more, they choose the discounter. They calculate saving $5,000. But this is false economy. The cheapest agent loses you money at settlement. Why? Because they sell your home for less. The lost value is much more than the saving in fees.

Think about it. If they give up their own income, how will they negotiate your equity? They can't. They roll over straight away. When a buyer offers low, they advise: "You should sell." They want the quick sale. They don't fight. A pro pushes for more. We know our worth.

I see sellers locally lose $20,000 or $30,000 for a small discount. It breaks my heart. You have one shot. You want the top dollar. You pay for performance. If the agent gets a premium, and the fee is slightly higher, you make more profit. That is the net result. Look at the net, not what you pay.

Price vs. Performance In Real Estate

There is a difference between price and result. McDonalds and fine dining are not the same. Local agents 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 creates competition. We chase leads. We manage the look. We write compelling ads. Crucially: we deal. When the offer is "$600,000 is my limit", the order taker writes it up. I know how to squeeze. The gap pays the fee 4 times over. That is performance.

Discounters churn and burn. They need bulk sales to make a living. They don't have time to spend time on you. You are a transaction. I focus on quality. To work harder on your sale. My fee allows me to do the job properly. Avoid the churner.

Why The Best Negotiators Charge More

It's not fighting. It is a science. Knowing tactics and staying calm. Reading people. Using leverage. A master pushes the price willingly. We use scripts to get the max.

It is learned to get right. It is gold. You engage us to do this. Not for the sticker. You pay us to talk cash. If they are scared, 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 lift a buyer. 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. You want to hear "The offer was $500k, I worked them to $530k." Hire that one. I love the deal. I guarantee it.

Marketing Budgets: Who Pays For What?

You might hear "advertising included." Great deal? No. Someone pays. If they pay, they spend the minimum. Bottom tier. Bad pictures. You get no signboard. Because they are paying. They want to spend less.

For the best result, you need exposure. Premiere listing on RealEstate.com.au. Video. Floorplans. Facebook boost. It is an investment. But it finds more buyers. More eyes = more offers. Competition = higher price. Being cheap on ads and miss one buyer, the result drops. Poor return.

My strategy is you pay for ads. No corners cut. We do it properly to sell well. It is your asset. Light it up. Don't hide it in the dark for a small saving. It creates the result.

Beware Of Over-Quoting Agents

Another trick of bad agents lying about value. They tell you you will get a huge price when it is worth $600k. The goal is to win the job. You sign with them out of greed. Later, it doesn't sell. They make excuses. They crunch you down to the real value. It sells low after months of stress.

You picked the cheat. The one who told the truth who said $600k missed out. Don't reward lies. If it sounds too good way more than others, check the data. Where is the evidence?. No data, they are buying the listing. Brad Smith gives honest appraisals. Data leads me. I might be conservative, I hit the target. I often exceed it through negotiation, not empty promises.

Be aware. It is a game. Choose honesty. Select the person who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. That is the expert who gets results for the max.

How To Spot A great Agent

In the appraisal, quiz them:
1. Explain negotiation.
2. Can you show me your track record?.
3. How do you handle find out more online multiple offers?.
4. Why is your fee higher/lower?.
5. What is your marketing strategy?.

Their answers will tell you everything. If they stumble, don't hire them. If they are confident, hire them. If they drop their fee as soon as you ask, don't hire them. If they fold, they will cost you.

Grill me. Challenge me. I am prepared. I know my value. Pick me. Not because I am cheap, but because I am the best. And the best costs nothing with the final price.