The Hidden Cost Of A Discount Agent In Gawler
Most people are wrong about agent fees. People believe agents do the same job. So they choose the cheapest one. They think it is a saving. If the fee is low and the pro charges more, they go cheap. They think they saved $5,000. This is wrong. The low fee agent 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.
Use logic. If an agent cannot negotiate their own money, how can they defend your house price? They don't. They fold instantly. If a low offer comes, the cheap agent says: "It is a good offer." They need the turnover. They don't care about your extra $10k. Brad Smith fights for every dollar. We are professionals.
I watch vendors in this market drop tens of thousands to save $4,000 in fees. It is tragic. You sell your home once. You want the top dollar. The fee is an investment. If the agent gets $20,000 more, and the fee is slightly higher, you are $15,000 better off. That is what matters. Count the cash in hand, not the expense.
You Get What You Pay For
There is a difference between cheap and good. A Kia and a Ferrari 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 use psychology. Key point: we deal. When a buyer says "$600,000 is my limit", the cheap agent believes them. The pro knows 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 are too busy to maximize your price. They treat you like a number. I limit my listings. So I can dedicate time for you. My commission enables me to give 100%. Don't be a number.
How Negotiation Skills Impact Your Pocket
Negotiation is not arguing. It is psychology. It is knowing when to speak 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 skill. Not to put a sign up. You hire us to handle the money conversation. If your agent is weak, they will cost you. They will suggest you drop your price rather than negotiating. Simpler to beat you down than to get more. Discounters reduce. Good agents build.
Interview question: "Tell me a story how you negotiated." Listen to the answer. If they just say "I got an offer and they accepted," run away. You need "I created a bidding war." Hire that one. I love the deal. I guarantee it.
Understanding Advertising Costs
Cheap agents often offer "advertising included." Great deal? No. Nothing is free. When it is included, they go cheap. You get the small ad. Cheap snaps. Small sign. Why? it is their cost. They save money.
For the best result, you need exposure. Highlight ad. Professional photography. Floorplans. Social media ads. It isn't cheap. It casts a wide net. More eyes = more offers. Competition = higher price. Being cheap on ads and lose a bidder, you might lose $10,000 in price. Not smart.
I advise vendor paid marketing. We do it right. We spend what is needed to sell well. It is your asset. Light it up. Don't scrimp to save a few dollars. It drives the sale.
The "Buying The Listing" Trick
A common scam of cheap agents promising a high price. They say 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 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. Be smart. If an agent promises to be true, check the data. Prove it. If they can't, it is a lie. I tell the truth. Evidence based. I might be lower, but I deliver. I often exceed it with hard work, not false hope.
Watch out. Real estate is full of sharks. Find the ethical agent. Pick the agent the hard truth, not fairytales. That is the guide who will actually sell your home for the best price.
Questions You Must Ask Before Signing
When interviewing, checklist this:
1. Explain negotiation.
2. Prove your results.
3. How do you auction?.
4. Why is helpful guide information your fee higher/lower?.
5. What is your marketing strategy?.
Their answers will tell you everything. If they stumble, next. If they have a process, sign them. If they discount immediately, don't hire them. If they give away their money, they will give away yours.
I welcome these questions. I love the interview. I am ready. I am confident. Let's work together. Not on price, I get results. Quality pays for itself ultimately.