The Hidden Cost Of A Discount Agent In Gawler

There is a huge myth regarding real estate commissions. They think that all agents are the same. So they choose the discount agent. 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 at settlement. Why? The result is poorer. The lost value is much more than the saving in fees.

Consider this. If they give up their own income, how will they negotiate your house price? They don't. They fold instantly. When the heat is on, the discounter says: "Take it." They want volume. The last dollar doesn't matter. A good agent pushes for more. We know our worth.

I witness owners locally lose $20,000 or $30,000 to save pennies. It breaks my heart. You have one shot. You need the maximum price. You pay for performance. If the agent gets a premium, and the fee is slightly higher, you are $15,000 better off. That is the net result. Focus on what you keep, not what you pay.

You Get What You Pay For

Understand the distinction between cheap and good. A cheap suit and a tailored one are worlds apart. Local agents are no different. Some just open doors. They upload photos and hope. That is zero skill. You could do that.

A negotiator creates competition. We chase leads. We manage the look. We use psychology. Key point: we deal. When a buyer says "$600,000 is my limit", the cheap agent believes them. The pro knows they have more. That increase is your money. That is value.

Cheap agents need quantity. They need bulk sales to make a living. They don't have time to spend time on you. You are just another sale. I limit my listings. So I can dedicate time for you. I charge correctly to do the job properly. Don't hire the busy fool.

Why The Best Negotiators Charge More

It's not fighting. It is psychology. Knowing silence and when to listen. Understanding signals. Building pressure. A master can make a buyer increase their offer against themselves. We use competition to drive the price up.

It takes practice to master. It is worth money. You employ me for this reason. Not for the sticker. You pay us to handle the money conversation. If they are scared, you lose. They ask for reductions instead of lifting the buyer. Easier to lower price than to push a buyer. Bad agents lower price. Great agents lift buyers.

Ask the agent: "Show me a deal you did." Watch them. Should they say "It sold quick," be careful. You want to hear "The offer was $500k, I worked them to $530k." That is who you want. Brad Smith negotiates. That is my promise.

Why Free Marketing Is A Myth

You might hear "no marketing costs." Sounds good? Be careful. Someone pays. If they pay, they spend the minimum. Bottom tier. Bad pictures. You get no signboard. Because it is their cost. They minimize cost.

To sell for a premium price, you need the best. Top spot online. Professional photography. Virtual styling. Targeted marketing. It isn't cheap. It reaches more people. More buyers = more competition. Demand equals value. Cutting ad spend and miss one buyer, it costs you value. That is bad math.

My strategy is vendor paid marketing. No corners cut. We spend what is needed to sell well. Your investment. Give it the best chance. Don't be invisible to save a grand. It creates the result.

The False Promise Of A High Price

Another trick of bad agents is over-quoting. They promise it is worth millions when market value is less. Why? to flatter you. You sign with them believing the lie. Then, it sits there. They blame the market. They ask for price drops to where it should be. And you sell for $600k eventually.

But you hired the liar. The good agent who was real lost the job. Don't reward lies. If the price seems high a crazy number, ask for proof. Where is the evidence?. No data, they are buying the listing. I tell the truth. Evidence based. I might be conservative, but I deliver. We beat it through negotiation, not by lying at the start.

Be aware. It is a game. Choose honesty. Find the one the hard truth, not fluff. That is the guide who succeeds for the best price.

Questions You Must Ask Before Signing

When interviewing, quiz them:
1. How do you negotiate?.
2. Can you show me your track record?.
3. How do you auction?.
4. Why is find out more page your fee higher/lower?.
5. What is your marketing strategy?.

How they respond reveals the truth. If they are unsure, walk away. If they are sharp, sign them. If they cut commission without a fight, do not sign. If they fold, they will cost you.

Grill me. Test me. I am prepared. I know my value. Pick me. Not on price, I get results. And the best is always free with the final price.