Here it is, folks...true confessions, part one.  I'm putting in writing a few thoughts that I want to say regarding a  relationship  with a real estate  agent,   Of course I try and express these sentiments with a bit more diplomacy when talking with current and potential customers.  Here in the blog, they will just tumble out...

1.  I want you to feel like you are my only client...but most of the time you are not. 

I so appreciate those customers who realize that I am usually juggling several clients at once, all in various stages of the buying and selling process.  So when a client calls on Thursday to ask "Can we look at a few  houses tomorrow?" -- chances are I already have my day planned with other appointments and obligations.  Try to give me as much notice as possible--or a few dates when you are free to look--and I'll do my best to make it happen as soon as possible!

2.  I can't answer this question:  Is this a safe area?  How much crime happens around here?

A good question, one that everyone asks when looking at a neighborhood.  However, crime happens everywhere!  If you want to know specifically how much crime is in a certain area, call the local police department or check out www.crimereports.com  .  No agent should represent himself as knowing how much crime happens in a particular geographical area. 

3.  I do not earn 3% commission from each sale. 

Sure, the standard commiision from a sale is 6%, which breaks down to 3% for the listing broker and 3% for the selling broker.  If I make a sale, the 3% goes first  to Prudential, who takes a cut.  Then, the government takes a cut with federal, state and local taxes. Another cut comes out to pay for expenses:  marketing, desk fees, technology fees, E&O insurance, office supplies, postage, copies, gas, etc. After the money trickles down to me, the total amount is usually 50% or less of the initial 3% commission. And sometimes I actually lose money--if I spend several weeks with a buyer who doesn't buy, or marketing a house that doesn't sell or is taken off the market--that's a loss because no sales transaction took place,  so no  income was earned.

Please know the point of this blog is not to complain--I enjoy my job!  And I really enjoy working with all different types of clients.  Some customers are more familiar with how a real estate agent works than others.  I feel it's good to bring these thoughts out there for anyone to think about who is currently using or plans to use a realtor.  Next week:  True Confessions Part 2!

Your comments are welcome email me or visit my website:  maryhutchison.org