More On Buyer Agency - Savannah Ga Real Estate

Any who knows me, knows I'm a true believer when it comes to buyer agency. Like I've said before, it was the way I was "raised" in this industry, taught by one of the best real estate agents I've known, Jerry Robinson. Jerry died a few years back and I miss him -- he was a master at relationship building.

Jerry's sincerity and passion for his work are what set him apart. He made me passionate, one of those times in your life when you meet someone who changes you. Oh, I had interest in the beginning and I was eager to learn, but Jerry instilled confience and passion.

One of the questions I got often in the beginning was -- Why will you try to get me the best price if it will reduce your commission?

Jerry's answer is the answer I use today. I have mentioned it in previous blogs, but I want to go into the full explanation today to try and resolve this great question once and for all. I will negotiate the price down and accept less commission because I want to be successful and have a long career in real estate based on long-term relationships and referrals.

If I ever get to the point where I am trying squeeze as much commission for myself out of every deal, I hope someone pulls me to side and says - "Mike, you need to find another profession."

My business is built on relationships and doing what I say I will do. Every satisfied client represents two or three clients in the future. Word of mouth marketing is the best marketing -- I think they call it "viral marketing" nowadays. If a buyer agent does what they say they will do, that reduction, today, of commision, will create more in the future. A client who knows the agent was honest and fought for them is not going to forget it and when they know someone is looking for real estate, they will say -- "Use Mike." It's that simple.

I can honestly say that I don't factor in the commission reduction when I negotiate -- it's irrelevant. The goal is to have a satisfied client. The goal is respresentation. The goal is referrals. It all has to do with a mindset that is grounded in long-term thinking and principled service. Jerry taught me that. He practiced it and he lived it -- he believed it and it works.

I know it's difficult for a hungry agent to look past the end of the month - I've been that hungry agent, but long-term thinking and integrity aren't subject to present financial conditions. A buyer agent committed to the principles of representation will not compromise, because they know that the future of their business depends on what they do today.

This isn't pie-in-the-sky idealism, it is good, smart business practice that builds relationships and ensures success. In some cases the buyer agent might be warning you against the negative effects of low-balling, asking for a ridiculously low price, but if you have a buyer agent who seems reluctant to negotiate and you suspect they are trying to get more commission from a higher price, FIRE THE AGENT!