Sell Your Home and Save Thousands on the Commission

by Irwin, Robert

• ISBN13: 9780471548515
• ISBN10: 0471548510
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-04-12
• Publisher: WILEY

Summary

Pay a lower commission-and keep more of your money! Most homeowners assume that everyone pays the same six percent on Realtor commissions. But, in fact, some people pay much less and some people pay much more. And with today's overheated housing market, it seems like most homes practically sell themselves. Is it really worth paying a Realtor tens of thousands of dollars to find a buyer for a home that's in high demand? There are actually many ways to lower the commission you pay-all it takes is knowledge of the selling process and basic negotiating skills. In this helpful, comprehensive guide, Robert Irwin teaches you everything you need to know to get a better deal. He presents a detailed, precise explanation of how the commission system works, and proven strategies and tactics for keeping more of your equity. You'll learn how to lower-and even eliminate-the commission by taking advantage of such little known options as: Using a discount agent Negotiating for rebates or reduced rates Offering flat fees or cash bonuses Basing commissions on speed of sale and other factors Creating your own listing agreement Paying for services rendered rather than percentage Finding a buyer yourself and paying only for the closing Six percent doesn't sound like much. But for many homeowners, six percent is a fortune better spent on something else. In a booming real estate market, it pays to consider the alternatives-and you'll find them all in this handy, helpful guide.

Author Biography

Robert Irwin has written more than fifty books on real estate, including Improve the Value of Your Home Up to $100,000, also available from Wiley. His Tips and Traps series has sold more than one million copies. Learn more about Mr. Irwin at robertirwin.com.

Table of Contents

Preface.

1. Are You Paying Too High a Commission?

2. Follow the Money Trail.

3. Know What You Want from Your Agent.

4. Discount Agents.

5. Negotiating Rebates and Reduced Rates.

6. What About a Flat Fee?

7. Basing the Commission on the Price.

8. Basing the Commission on the Speed of Sale.

9. Create Your Own Listing Agreement.

10. Tricks for Getting the Agent to Work Hard.

11. Paying Just for Services Performed.

12. Selling on Your Own.

13. What Your Home is Actually Worth.

14. Save on Your Closing Costs.

Appendix 1. Adding Value: Fixing Up Your House.

Appendix 2. Adding Value: Workng on Landscaping.