When I wrote this, it was midnight and I had just closed my real estate office and was at "lunch". I wrote it up on my Blackberry while waiting for my food.
With this schedule, you may be curious what time my day started:
8am
Today, Steve and I have written offers, negotiated offers, done walk-throughs, attended inspections, listed properties, done a little social networking, answered inquiries on our listings and met with a Seller.
Full-service. it's a state of Being.
The only item that I was unable to complete was a look at recent sales in an out-of-the way neighborhood, for someone who I know wants me to discount my commission, yet offer them full service and all of the marketing and professional effort that entails. Unfortunately they left me a voice mail late in the day and I was unable to address it at the time.
All I can say after a day like today: If you want discount service, I wish that I could call you in November when I don't have so many serious Buyers and Sellers to take care of! Before then, I won't have much time to explain to you why I won't do the full job, for less compensation.
Wait!
You already know why! At your office, no one expects you to work for less money, while working the same hours and producing the same result. What would you say to your boss if you were asked to do this?
I thought so.
I won't say that, but I will call you tomorrow.
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas
If you are planning to Buy or Sell a home or land in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country, we'd be happy to get you moved on with your life! You can go to our blog, website, Facebook page or just, call to Chat: 210-492-6683
www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com
Sara - you hit the nail on the head here!
I love it Sara. I have had buyers ask me how much I am going to give them back. BUYERS! who don't pay us a penny in the first place. Grrrrr!
Sara always interesting when people attempt to go there. I've learned to head it off at the pass within the first meeting via the interview (listing) I follow a menu pricing - so they have the choice of which works best for them. Good for you for all your business - rock is baby!
Hi Jennifer- Whatever commission rate an individual agent charges, "discounting" is always a hot topic.
Hi Jane- That's funny! I've never had a Buyer ask, though I've had some who thought that I should be paid more. It's nice when your Buyers and/or Sellers see the value of your work!
Hi Anna- Menu pricing: A perfect example of how Sellers get what they pay for - and choose it directly. I'm betting that most of your Sellers choose full service. Not many Sellers want to share in our marketing costs!
Thanks for stopping by to comment!
--Sara
Sara - it depends on their situation. Some don't want any part of the process as their busy with their careers or flying abou,t rarely home. In that case we charge them more than average to accomodate their needs. Most folks 'chose' the normal regualar amount of 'M&M's! lol. It's still above the norm.
Hi Anna-
You provide a great example of how "concierge service" has a value to those who lead very busy lives. Those people seem confident of the reasons that they hire a professional. There really is a service level for everyone.
Sara
Sara - It irks me that people consider us less of a professional than other people with whom they do business. I be they don't ask their doctor to reduce his rates for them.
Hi Pam-
They probably don't!
Today, I spent more time than I wanted, sending a diplomatic response to a rude-toned offer on one of our listings. It's all worth it, to keep a Buyer moving forward for our Seller - but is sure does take time that's never seen by the Seller. Just another part of why this job takes full service - all day.
Sara in San Antonio
Sara...If buyers/sellers want a discounted rate, they should give their business to a discount brokerage. There is a reason that Walmart and Nortstroms exist. If you want full service, you must pay for full service. I believe that you get what you pay for.