Should I use a discount broker to sell my Tierra Santa Home?
“What do you think of those discount brokers, the ones who say they’ll sell your home for 1 or 2%? My friend used one and said it was a disaster. Once she called her agent and he didn’t even know who she was. And the service was terrible. But I really like the idea of a 1% commission instead of 6%. Which way would you go?”
***ANSWER:
Disclosure: I’m a full-service real estate broker, so I’m biased.
Here’s what I’ve heard from other agents and the public about the types of firms you mentioned:
1. Their ads don’t disclose they won’t put your home in the MLS at their low rate. But once you call, many “upsell” you into a much higher fee for MLS and other basic services. (Bait & switch?) If you decline the upsell, you basically pay to keep your home a secret from the other 15,000 San Diego County agents and their buyers. Is that what you want?
2. Most normal agents I’ve talked to despise and avoid them whenever possible. They feel they cheapen the profession, mislead the public by saying they provide the same service as normal brokers, and dump all of what should be their work on the broker who brings the buyer to one of their listings.
And now here’s my biased opinion and advice:
1. When you accept an offer, you’re going to sign a 10- to 15-page small-print CONTRACT that you’re never going to read. (In 21 years I’ve never had a client read it word-for-word). That makes you very vulnerable. You need a skilled, experienced agent that you completely trust reviewing that contract and advising you!
2. If a good full-service Realtor can’t get you an extra 2% or 3% for your home, get one who can. They’re definitely out there.
