A client of mine who is selling his house has decided to offer a bonus to the selling agent. These are becoming quite common in the Virginia real estate market as sellers look for a way to sell their homes quickly without giving up too much money.

I strongly dislike these bonuses. Here's why:

1. It's not about the agent! Buying a house is supposed to be about what's best for the buyer. At least if you're an agent representing the buyer. It's never supposed to be about what's best for you!

2. In too many cases, they're not disclosed. Agents must tell the buyers about these bonuses. To not disclose this information is unethical!

3. If it is disclosed, it's surely evident to the buyer that this is money that could instead have been taken off of the listing price and that, therefore, the house is overpriced. It's like the "buy the house, get a car" gimick. Any savvy buyer figures our immediately that this means the house is overpriced by at least the value of the car. (Usually more!) As a buyer's agent I'd tell my clients to knock the amount of the bonus off of the price when we make an offer.

3. If it works, what does that say about the ethics and professionalism of the agents? Would they really show a house that's unsuitable for their client, in hopes of getting the cash? Would they try to influence their buyer's decision in order to cash in?

4. Many of these bonuses come with deadlines. "Good for offer before July 1st" for example. Really?! So, if the house isn't sold by July 1st you're going to be less desperate to sell than you are now? I'm betting I can get that money out of you after that date, one way or another!

5. I don't believe it works. Bottom line, it's another gimick and these almost never work. Sellers are dealing with the savviest, best informed buyers ever, thanks to the internet. Very few are going to be taken in by this kind of thing. Let's be honest, you're offering the bonus because your house is overpriced and you don't want to lower the price. You're not fooling anyone!