There is a huge myth regarding what agents charge. The assumption is that all agents are the same. So they choose the lowest fee. They believe they are smart. If the fee is low and the pro charges more, they pick Agent A. They think they saved $5,000. But this is false economy. The low fee agent is usually the most expensive in the end. Why? They achieve a lower price. The gap in the final figure is much more than the commission difference.
Consider this. If they give up their own money, will they fight for your equity? They can't. They fold instantly. When a buyer offers low, they advise: "It is a good offer." They want volume. They don't care about your extra $10k. Brad Smith negotiates hard. We know our worth.
I watch vendors locally miss out on huge sums for a small discount. It is sad. You have one shot. You want the top dollar. You pay for performance. If the agent gets $20,000 more, even with a higher rate, you win. That is the net result. Look at the net, not the expense.
You Get What You Pay For
Understand the distinction between cheap and good. A cheap suit and a tailored one are not the same. Real estate agents gawler are no different. Some are basic. They list online and wait for the phone to ring. That is zero skill. Why pay for that?.
A negotiator creates competition. We work the database. We advise on presentation. We write compelling ads. Key point: we close. When a buyer says "$600,000 is my limit", the amateur accepts. The pro knows how to get them to $620,000. That extra $20,000 is your money. That is value.
Budget brokers need quantity. They need to sell 10 houses to survive. They are too busy to negotiate properly. You are a transaction. I limit my listings. To give attention on your sale. My fee allows me to give 100%. Don't be a number.
Why The Best Negotiators Charge More
Negotiation is not arguing. It is a science. Knowing silence and when to shut up. Understanding signals. Using leverage. An expert pushes the price against themselves. We use the market to elevate value.
It is learned to master. It is worth money. You engage us for this skill. Not for the photo. We are there to talk cash. If they are scared, money evaporates. They ask for reductions rather than negotiating. It is easier to crunch a seller than to push a buyer. Discounters reduce. Great agents lift buyers.
Interview question: "Tell me a story of a recent negotiation." Hear what they say. Should they say "It was easy," be careful. You need "The offer was $500k, I worked them to $530k." That is the winner. Brad Smith negotiates. That is my promise.
Marketing Budgets: Who Pays For What?
Cheap agents often offer "advertising included." Attractive? Wrong. Nothing is free. If marketing is "free", they cut corners. Basic listing. Bad pictures. You get no signboard. Why? it is their cost. They minimize cost.
To sell for a premium price, you need premium marketing. Highlight ad. Drone shots. 3D tours. Social media ads. This costs money. It casts a wide net. Volume creates price. Bidding wars = profit. Cutting ad spend and miss one buyer, the result drops. Poor return.
I recommend investing in marketing. No corners cut. We do it properly to get the result. Your investment. Give it the best chance. Don't be invisible for a small saving. It creates the result.
The "Buying The Listing" Trick
A common scam of cheap agents promising a high price. They tell you it is worth millions when market value is less. The goal is to win the job. You hire them believing the lie. Then, no offers. They blame the market. They reduce it to $600k. You get market value eventually.
You picked the cheat. The one who told the truth who was accurate was rejected. Don't punish honesty. If it sounds too good to be true, be suspicious. Where is the evidence?. No data, it is a lie. I value correctly. I base it on facts. My price might be less, I hit the target. I often exceed it with hard work, not false hope.
Protect yourself. There are tricks. Look for integrity. Select the person reality, not what you want to hear. That is the partner who gets results for the max.
How To Spot A great Agent
In the appraisal, quiz them:
1. Explain negotiation.
2. Can you show me your track record?.
3. How do you handle multiple find out how resource offers?.
4. Why is your fee higher/lower?.
5. What is your marketing strategy?.
How they respond reveals the truth. If they are unsure, next. If they have a process, sign them. If they discount immediately, do not sign. If they can't defend their income, they will give away yours.
I welcome these questions. I love the interview. I am ready. I deliver. Let's work together. Not on price, I get results. Quality pays for itself in the end.