Jan. 31, 2007 - Why I gave the nice young couple $13,000

This isn't the real couple, who I gave the $13,000 to, but I think they demonstrate the point.  From the minute I met them, I knew they were going to be a joy to work with.  They were pleasant and happy and we all really got along so well.  Even before we went out to look at property, at our very first meeting sitting at the table, I took out a piece of paper and made some calculations based on our discussion.  I said, "I' am going to give you $12,000 toward your closing costs" (turned out to be closer to $13,000 at the end.)

They were very surprised.  They had already hired me, and couldn't understand why I offered them something they didn't ask for.  It was just a gut feeling.  I knew they wouldn't argue with me when I asked for the key to their townhome so that I could stage it while they were away.  I knew that they weren't going to play stupid mind games, trying to beat every last dime in order to save a  penny.

It was a little scary, because I prefer to make these commission negotiations at the end, when we really know how much work was involved.  But somehow I just knew, I trusted my gut, and I was correct.  We became great friends and I enjoyed them so much it wasn't like working at all.  We even gave them some furniture for their new home and painted out the garage on the old home to sell it, in addition to staging it.

Sometimes the best way to negotiate a fair price for the service, is to not make it so hard on the agent, by asking a lot of irrelevant questions.  By being reasonable in your expectations and above all...just being good and nice people who are a pleasure to work with.

Feb. 12, 2007 - re: Why I gave the nice young couple $13,000

Are we supposed to read this and think..."aww she's such a great person"?

You're so arrogant.

Feb. 12, 2007 - re: Why I gave the nice young couple $13,000

It was part of a larger piece I was doing on RCG.  I agree out of context it looks a little wierd.  It's part of an experiment I was doing with commission issues last year.

Maybe you're supposed to learn that you don't need to kick tires and beat people over the head to get a fair shake in life. 

Maybe I'm just telling a story that acually happened for no good reason.  Take from it what you will...think what you will.  You apparently were "sickened" :)  I would say I feel sorry for anyone who is sickened by this story.  What's your favorite story?  Gore and bloody guts?  That stuff sickens me. I guess "Sickened is in the eye of the beholder".