Would you, the seller, split the commission with me?

If you list your house for sale with me, when it sells would you split the commission with me? 

No, that's not a trick question. Let's say you list your house with me, and you offer to pay a 6 percent commission. But, let's say, I come up with the buyer myself, and don't need to split the commission 50-50 with another company. What if I split it with you instead? I'll take 3 percent of the selling price, and let you keep the other 3 percent.

You would get full service. No corners cut. I would bring 16 years of experience in the local real estate market to you as my client. Would you be interested in saving half of the commission?

Here are some other advantages you'll get from Michael Dixon Realty: 

• Your house will get its own unique page on the Internet. It will stand alone with no competition from other properties on that page.
• Your house will be covered by a home warranty* for your buyer's first year of ownership -- a buyer's incentive, free from me.
• Your house will have a virtual tour on one of my real estate websites and photos on all of my websites as well as the Multiple Listing Service.
• Your house will be featured on all 3 of my websites and syndicated to 40 Internet search sites such as Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com.  

These are everyday advantages of a Michael Dixon Realty listing in addition to the possibility of paying a lower commission. My low operating costs make it possible for me to share the savings with my clients.

What about that asterisk (*) above? I provide a one-year home warranty for a property that sells for $85,000 or more. If a buyer prefers a Lowe's gift card valued at $400, I will happily give the buyer that choice. It's my way of saying, "Thank you for doing business with me."

There's a reason why my company's slogan is: "This Is Real Estate Today."

Which is the biggest real estate company in Americus, Ga.?

  Which is the largest real estate company in Americus, Ga.? Well, it's not Michael Dixon Realty -- unless you consider this:

Beautiful land available in Schley County, Georgia

'Patton Hill Trace' -- Choose one of four 15-acre homesites and mini-ranches. Partly open, partly wooded. Restrictive covenants. Paved road frontage. County water available.  $65,000 each.

For the developer, nature lover or person seeking serenity in the country, this 152-acre naturally wooded tract offers piney knolls for homesites and mixed hardwood creek bottom with possible pond site. $514,500 for all.  

In addition, there's a 6.57-acre lot in the northwestern corner of Ga. Hwy. 240 and Concord Church Road that's just right for a homesite or possible commercial use. A church, an old country store, and a small "courthouse" occupy the other corners. See for yourself. $42,000.

Own a piece of history. The former Patton Hill post office is one of two properties in Schley County on the National Register of Historic Places.  Officially the Schley Post Office, it served the Concord community from 1888 to 1905. On the National Register it is listed as the Woodall-Patton House and Post Office. The house is not livable, but may be restorable. It comes with one acre of land. $8,000.

'Patton Hill Trace' is located on Ga. Hwy. 240, 3 miles west of the four-laned US 19 in Schley County, Ga. For more information, call Michael Dixon, 229-924-3089. 

P.S. -- Are you looking for the absolute most-for-your-money home in Schley County? You'll find it at 884 Candy Cane Lane. Priced below the owner's original cost, and with all sorts of improvements, this corner property is perfect for country living just minutes from Ellaville or Americus. It has three bedrooms plus a finished loft that could be a fourth sleeping area, office or playroom. $269,900.
 

See this property at
michaeldixonrealty.com, 
americusgarealestate.com or
clientrealty.net.    

Is your home For Sale by Owner?

  Actually, every house (land or commercial property) is for sale by the owner. Only the owner can sell the property and transfer ownership to someone else. Real estate agents market property, but only the owner can sell it.

What you don't know could cost you money.

  For example, commissions, or broker's fees. I don't tell you what I charge, you tell me what you'll pay. Let's see if we can get together, and what you'll get for your money. You can pay either a percentage of the selling price, or a flat fee. The point is, commissions are negotiable just like anything else.  

  You may want full service; that is, you turn the selling of your property entirely over to your agent, who takes care of everything the law allows, and you basically just get a check for your proceeds at closing. On the other hand, you as seller may wish to be more engaged in the process, and may prefer to share duties with the agent. In that case, you and the agent might agree on a reduced fee.

  Michael Dixon Realty has always offered choices to sellers, choices that other companies may not even mention.

  Did you know that if Michael Dixon lists your property and is successful in bringing the buyer to the table, you will get a break on the commission? In other words, if the buyer comes through Michael and not another company, then Michael does not have to split the commission 50-50 with the other broker. In that case, Michael can afford to work for a 4 percent commission, for example, instead of 6 percent. You get a one-third discount. Michael is the only broker in the Americus area, or probably anywhere around, who voluntarily gives you a break on your cost to sell. You walk away with a little more money in your pocket, and Michael is happy with what he got as well.

  To put it another way, the last time you sold real estate and paid the typical 6 percent commission, even when your broker did not have to split it with another company, your commission with Michael would have been 4 percent if no other company was involved.

  On a different but related subject: Who sells your house, or your land, or your commercial property? Is it the real estate broker or agent? No. They market your property, but only you can sell it. The broker and agent advertise the property, promote it to prospective buyers, and try to get offers on it, but only you can sell it. That's your decision. The broker and agent try to help you find a buyer, but only you can say yes to an offer. You can decide not to sell your property by never accepting an offer. It's your choice.

  A word to buyers: I try to work with buyers who have been preapproved for a mortgage loan. Preapproval is based on meeting certain conditions of the lender; it's a positive step in the right direction. If you're interested in buying a house, you should talk to a mortgage lender before you talk to a real estate agent. Give your lender the information needed to be preapproved up to an amount for a loan. Get a preapproval letter from your lender, and share this with your real estate agent. Your preapproval letter tells a seller that you are financially able to buy his or her property. Many sellers won't accept an offer from you if you're not preapproved. They don't want to tie up their property in a contract with someone who may not be able to get financing. It just makes sense.

  If you are a buyer working through me as your agent, and you buy a property for $85,000 or more, I will give you a home warranty. This warranty will cover the repair or replacement of major parts of your house if they break down during your first year of ownership. You will have to pay a service charge, but the cost of the repair or replacement will be paid by the warranty company. If you prefer, I'll give you a Lowe's gift card valued at $400.00. Your choice. It's my way of saying thanks for your business. I'm the only broker anywhere around who does this, by the way.

  All real estate companies are not the same. Shop around when you're ready to list your property or to buy.

How much would you pay me to have an office?

 Would you pay me as much as you pay other real estate brokers if I had an office?

 If I rented an office, would you help pay the rent? If I owned the office, would you help me pay the mortgage? The utilities? The property tax? The insurance? The maintenance? The yard work? The secretary? Would you pay to sit in my chairs, or my sofa? Would you help pay for my conference table? 

 What if, on the other hand, I had none of the above expenses, but could provide you with the level of service you want at practically no cost to myself? What if we sat at my dining table, or yours, to go over documents? What if my low operating costs enabled me to adjust my fees accordingly?

 What if I put your listed property on my three real estate search sites on the Internet? What if I created a web page just for your listing on the Internet with links to it on my websites -- websites that get hundreds of visits every month? 

 What if I syndicated your listed property to more than 40 real estate search sites on the Internet -- many more than other brokers provide?   

 If I provided all of the above amenities and services without the expense of an office, would you still want me to have one? What if I could do it all at a lower cost -- to me and to you? Would you be interested? 

 Call me at 229-924-3089, or email me at michael@michaeldixonrealty.com. Thank you.    

Do you need your own real estate agent?

  You are looking to buy a house. Should you look with the listing agent, or should you have your own agent?

  It's usually OK to look with the listing agent if you bear in mind: the listing agent is working for the seller, not you.

  Even if you know the listing agent, that agent is in a contract with the seller to represent the seller's best interest. 

  You have choices. You can work with the seller's agent. You can work with your own agent. Or you can work with an agent who is not legally representing either seller or buyer, but is working as a facilitator. 

  If you want your own agent, you must have a written, signed agreement with that agent, called an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement. In such an agreement, you are the agent's client. You will work with that agent exclusively, and the agent will represent you in any real estate transaction.

  If you are not the agent's client, then you are a "customer." The agent must be honest with you, but is not allowed to give you advice. For example, the agent is not allowed to recommend a price to offer for a property, or advise you about the property, if you are a customer.

  Likewise, an agent who is representing neither you nor the seller, but is acting only as a facilitator, is not allowed to give you advice about a property. If you want the agent's advice, then enter into a brokerage agreement with the agent. 

  I can show you any and all properties in the Americus Area Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as your agent, or as the seller's agent, or as a facilitator. If you'd like to talk about it, please call me at 229-924-3089 or email me at michael@michaeldixonrealty.com.        

What? Your real estate agent isn't doing this for you?

  Real estate Seller, when your agent, himself or herself, procures the buyer for your property, and there's no second company taking half of the sales commission, will your agent reduce the commission to 4 percent? No? 

  Is your agent providing a one-year home warranty at his or her own expense as an incentive to a buyer to buy your home? No?

  Real estate Buyer, is your agent giving you, as a thank-you gift, a home warranty covering the major systems in your home for your first year of ownership? So if the roof starts leaking or the air conditioner conks out, you can get it fixed by paying a one-time service fee, usually $100 or less? No? 

  Did your agent get a letter of pre-approval from your mortgage lender that will give your offer VIP treatment with a seller, and give you an advantage over buyers without a pre-approval letter? No? 

  If you're a real estate buyer or seller, and you answered no to any of these questions, you should talk to Michael Dixon. Michael provides full service, just like the "big" guys, but he offers buyer and seller incentives they don't. 

  Michael has provided personal and professional service to real estate buyers and sellers in Americus, Sumter County, Ellaville, Schley County, and all around for more than 15 years. Talk to him about a buying or selling plan tailored for you. 229-924-3089.       

Are you a discount broker?

Q: Are you a discount broker?

Why do real estate agents get paid so much?

Q: Is anything selling in Americus and Sumter County?

Some things are beyond my control

   There's nothing I would rather do than sell your house -- actually, to help YOU sell it -- because until you sell it I'm working for nothing. My commission is the only pay I receive no matter how much time I devote to you and your property. So, of course, like you I want to sell the house and get a check.

  If it were totally up to me, we probably would have sold your house already. But it's not. There are some things I can't control, such as:

  The house. Is the house inviting and attractive? When prospective buyers first drive up to your house, before they get out of their car, do they get a good impression? When they first enter your house are they eager to see more, or silently wish they had passed it by? Is it clean and neat, free of clutter, free of pet odors or food odors? Are the kitchen and bathrooms sparkling? Unless you can answer yes to these questions, your house is not ready to be shown. I have no control over your house.

  The price. Is your asking price competitive? Is your house priced to sell? Please keep in mind, your house is competing with many others similar to yours in some basic ways. Buyers may look at a dozen or more houses before making an offer on one of them. No one expects you to "give it away," but if your house is not priced competitively it may not make it onto a buyer's short list. As your REALTOR I know what similar properties are selling for, and what you can reasonably expect to get for yours, but I have no control over your asking price.

  The market. We are in the worst real estate market in the memory of most agents. The market is flooded with foreclosed properties, all of them competing with yours for a buyer. Some of them are selling for much less than they would in a market where supply and demand are in balance. Those days are gone for the foreseeable future, a fact we just have to get used to. But, let's say, you need to sell your house. Your real estate agent wants to help you get the best price for it (because his or her commission is based on your selling price). However, the eventual selling price is not necessarily what we WANT it to be but what the market determines it to be. I'll try to find a buyer for your house, but I have no control over the market.

  In fact, neither of us controls the real estate market. You can control your house and your asking price, but not the market. Your agent is as much a victim of a down market as you are. Working together, we just have to make the best of a bad situation. Fortunately, here in the Americus and Sumter County area some property is changing ownership. The market may not be what we experienced years ago when it was brisk, but it's not dead either. At least some property that is priced to sell is selling. Property that's not priced to sell isn't selling.

  When a REALTOR can bring together a motivated seller and a qualified buyer, things happen. In that case, the REALTOR has some control over the process. That's when real estate gets sold.

For real estate agents, it's no performance, no pay

  For real estate agents, it's no performance, no pay

  We often hear a seller of real estate speak of "hiring" an agent. Loosely speaking, the seller may "hire" an agent, but technically the agent remains an independent contractor. The contract between the two parties specifies this contractual relationship versus an employer-employee relationship. As the word "agent" implies, the agent acts in the seller's best interest but is not the seller's employee.

  If the agent were "hired," he or she could also be "fired." Again, this is true only in a broad sense, but not technically. Just as it takes both parties to enter into a contract -- a listing agreement -- it takes both parties to terminate the contract by mutually agreeing to do so. A seller should bear in mind that he or she is obligated to pay the broker's commission if the property is sold during the term of the listing agreement, and that the broker is entitled to his commission under some circumstances even after the expiration of the listing. This is the broker's "protection period."

  The seller and his or her agent should go over the contract together and know each other's obligations before signing. Once signed, the listing agreement is a legally binding contract that can be enforced under state laws. Do not lightly enter into a contract. If you wish to terminate a listing agreement, talk with your broker and try to mutually agree to terminate.

  As the seller's agent, the broker (and broker's agent, if any) will be paid a commission as a percentage of the selling price of the property. However, it is the broker's duty under the listing agreement to procure a buyer who makes an offer acceptable to the seller, and to shepherd the transaction up to the moment of closing by an attorney. Until that moment the broker (and any agent) is/are working for free, and taking a risk that he or she will be able to take the transaction to closing. Only at closing does the seller's agent get paid. The commission is paid to the listing broker, who may share it with an agent of the listing broker or with another broker, the selling broker.

  The agent gets paid for performance, not for time spent working with the seller and buyer. Many cases exist of agents being able to put a property under contract with a buyer within one or two days of taking the listing, and closing the deal in less than one month's time. It might seem to the seller that the agent did not put much time or effort into the transaction and, therefore, has not earned a full commission. But the agent does not get paid for his or her time. The agent is paid for performance. Even when the deal gets closed in short order, the agent has earned the commission by performing his or her duties under the contract.

  Remember that sales commissions are negotiable, and a seller may want to talk with the agent about a flexible fee arrangemnt. Michael Dixon Realty is open to working for a full commission for full service or a partial commission for performing only some duties, letting the seller perform others. For example, the seller may want the agent to advertise the property and procure qualified buyers to look at it, but the seller wants to show the property and negotiate an agreement with a buyer. Once an agreement is reached, the agent would prepare the Purchase and Sale Agreement according to the terms agreed to by the buyer and seller, get the necessary signatures, and schedule a closing with an attorney.

  Michael Dixon routinely offers to work for a lower commission rate if he procures the buyer himself and does not have to split the commission with another company. In that case Michael handles both the buyer's and seller's sides of the transaction, and does so for less than the full commission. Conditions apply, but this option is available to the seller in most cases.

  As a reminder, the real estate agent gets paid only for performance, not for time spent. No performance, no pay.

What I won't do as your Realtor

What I won't do as your Realtor:

Can't I sell my own house better than a real estate agent?

Q: Can't I sell my own house better than a real estate agent?

A: That's certainly possible. It depends on your answers to some questions:

   -- Will you always be available to show the house when a potential buyer wants to see it?

   -- Will you market the property effectively including an easy-to-find presence on the Internet?

   -- Can you detach yourself from the house emotionally and handle criticism and objections like a pro?

   -- Are you a good negotiator who remains calm under pressure?

   -- Can you create a binding legal agreement with a buyer that protects you against a default?

   -- Can you follow up with a buyer to make sure he or she is obtaining financing and meeting other obligations?
  
   If you're not fully confident in your ability to meet these requirements, you'd be smart to turn the marketing of your property over to a professional. Untold numbers of sellers have started with a For Sale by Owner sign in the yard only to turn to a real estate agent after months of frustration.

   A common mistake sellers make is overpricing their property. This is easy to do because of the seller's emotional involvement and a desire to recoup all of the costs of improvements made over the years. Unfortunately, this approach flies in the face of reality in too many cases. The market value of your property is not necessarily what you think it is "worth." And some improvements don't translate into a higher selling price.

   You and your buyer must agree on a value in order to get the property sold. Clinging to a subjective concept like "worth" may prevent you and your buyer from ever reaching at an agreement. A real estate agent can help you arrive at a value for your property based on objective criteria, and keep you from having unrealistic expectations and the disappointment they produce.

   One real estate company, mine, will actually advertise For Sale by Owner property free of charge or obligation. Why would I do this? For one thing, it costs me nothing except a little time to take pictures and put the property on one of my Internet websites. Since the property is not listed with me, I can't lose something I don't have. But, who knows, some day you may decide to list the property with a REALTOR, and you may choose me. At least I'll have a shot at it.

   What's more, while your property is displayed on my website I may get calls on it. You may agree to let me show the property, and prepare the written agreement if there's an offer and you accept it. In that case you can compensate me with a partial commission based on my level of involvement. It's a win-win-win situation for you, the buyer and for me.

   If you'd like to talk with me about your property, and consider your options, call me at 229-924-3089. Would you like to get an idea of the value of your property in today's real estate market? Would you like to know what properties comparable to yours are selling for? Call or email me at: michael@michaeldixonrealty.com.                     

How do REALTORS decide what commission to charge?

Q: How do REALTORS decide how much commission to charge?

A: Different REALTORS have different ways of setting commission rates. There's no "standard" commission rate, but in any locality you may find there is a typical rate. In the Americus area a typical rate is 6 percent. However, commissions, or brokerage fees, are negotiable, and not set in stone.

   Let's look at the 6 percent rate just for an example. Real estate agents and their brokers have to consider the strong possibility that two companies, the listing company and the selling company, will be splitting the commission. The split is almost always 50-50. In that case, each company gets 3 percent of the selling price. Within the company, the broker must take part of his company's 3 percent commission off the top to cover operating costs. If the company is a franchise, it pays a franchise fee in addition to such costs as rent or mortgage payment on the office, maintenance and repair, utilities, property taxes, insurance of various kinds, staff wages and benefits, and office machines and supplies.

   After deducting operating costs off the top, the broker and the agent who listed or sold the property split the remaining commission. The agent, who did most of the work, gets a very small percentage of the selling price as his or her commission. The agent needs to sell more than $1 million worth of real estate in a year to make any real money. Many agents earn less that $20,000 a year, especially in today's depressed market. Brokers -- with  one notable exception -- need multiple agents closing sales to keep their company going.

   Commissions on high-end properties such as expensive homes or commercial properties, often are less than 6 percent. Commissions of 5 percent or 4 percent are not uncommon.

   What if the listing company is also the selling company, and there's no commission split? Then the company gets the whole commission, and both the broker and the agent get to keep more of it. An exception to this practice is Michael Dixon Realty. When Michael is both the listing and selling agent, he gives the seller a break on the commission, taking 4 percent instead of 6 percent, for example. In some cases, he'll take 4 percent or a flat fee that guarantees him a bottom line commission.* This is fair compensation for Michael, and it let's his seller take more dollars to the bank after closing.

   While we're at it, let's sweeten the deal some more. Michael gives his buyer who got pre-approved for financing before making an offer on a property a home warranty covering the house for the first year of ownership. Or if the buyer prefers, he or she may choose a Lowe's gift card valued at $400.00.* The home warranty or the gift card provide an incentive to a buyer to buy a particular house, thereby benefiting both buyer and seller. It's a way for Michael to say "thank you" for your business.

   If you're going to be listing property for sale, or looking to buy, shop around for a broker with benefits. Michael's Internet-based company has no overhead. He is only too happy to share the savings, with no corners cut on service. After all, service is the name of the game. If you're buying or selling real estate, remember my company slogan: This Is Real Estate Today. 

* conditions apply.               

Q and A: Who pays closing costs?

Q: Who pays the closing costs?

A: In the 2011 Purchase and Sale Agreement used by Georgia REALTORS the various fees and charges called "closing costs" are paid by the buyer. These costs are identified in paragraph 5 of the agreement (usually called the "contract"). They include a host of fees and charges paid to the closing attorney and the buyer's lender.

   However, the buyer may ask the seller to contribute money for closing costs. In many cases, an amount for closing costs has been estimated by the buyer's agent, and the buyer asks the seller to contribute the estimated amount. The seller may agree to contribute the entire estimated amount, part of it, or none of it. Why would a seller agree to contribute toward closing costs? Answer: That often is the only way the buyer will be able to purchase the property; therefore, if the seller wants to sell the property to that particular buyer, the seller must cover the closing costs. That amount will be in addition to the seller's other costs of closing.

   Buyer requests for seller contributions to closing costs are common in today's real estate transactions. Sellers should discuss with their agents how they will respond to such requests, and be prepared for them. Bear in mind that contributing toward the buyer's closing costs may make the difference between selling your property or not selling it. If a seller agrees to contribute a certain amount for closing costs, and not all of it is needed, the unspent amount remains with the seller. In practice, buyers usually spend the entire amount.

Q: What if I change my mind about buying the property after entering into a contract?
 
A: In the Purchase and Sale Agreement, paragraph 11, the buyer is given a choice of buying the property with a "due diligence period" or buying it "as is." A due diligence period is a number of days, for example, 10, in which the buyer may proceed with his or her loan application and inspect the property. During the due diligence period the buyer has the option of terminating the contract for any reason. To exercise this option the buyer must give written notice to the seller before the end of the due diligence period. If the buyer does not opt out of the agreement by the deadline, then the buyer is obligated to take the property "as is."

   As the buyer you may choose the option to terminate the agreement within the due diligence period, but after that you are on the hook to buy the property.

   

Finding Your Buyer

Can we take it as a given that somewhere out there in the world is the person, couple or entity that is going to buy your property? We don't know who, and we don't know where that buyer is located. Our job is to find him or her or it. How can we do this?

My 100% Money Back Guarantee

    Customer satisfaction is the sine qua non of my real estate business. In that rare case where my customer may not be totally happy with my services, I offer a 100% money back guarantee. If you're my customer, you have nothing to lose.  

Your REALTOR can't sell your house

  In fact, no REALTOR can sell your house -- or your commercial building or your land. REALTORS don't "sell" real estate. REALTORS market real estate -- they list it, they advertise it, they promote it, they tell people about it, they show it to prospectve buyers, they try to get offers on it -- but they don't sell it. Only you, the owner of the real estate, the title holder, can sell it, can transfer the title to a new owner.

Questions I get asked all the time

Why do I advertise For-Sale-by-Owner (FSBO) properties on my websites?

Two of my four real estate websites allow me to show FSBOs. And why not? They enhance my websites by giving visitors more properties to look at. I have nothing to lose (except a little time) since the properties aren't my listings anyway, and may never be. If I help a seller advertise a FSBO property, and that seller later wants some help selling the property, he or she may turn to me. They may list the property with me, or ask me to do the necessary paperwork if they have a buyer lined up. In that case the commission would be based on the level of service they require. It would be a win-win situation, so why should I not offer to help owners sell their property?

What happens to my earnest money deposit? Will I get it back?

Your earnest money is held for you by a real estate broker in his or her trust account at a bank. My trust account is at the Tripp Street branch of Wachovia Bank in Americus. Your earnest money is a deposit, not a down payment. It will come back to you as a credit when you close your purchase of the property you're buying. You'll see it on your copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement on the left side of the first page. It shows you're getting a credit toward the purchase price for the amount of your earnest money deposit.

You'll get your earnest money back if you are unable to get a mortgage loan. When you enter into a contract to buy real estate you will have a certain amount of time to obtain your mortgage loan. If you are turned down, you should get a "letter of denial" from your lender, and you'll get a refund for your earnest money from the broker holding it.

Can you lose your earnest money? Yes, you probably will lose your earnest money if you default on your contract to buy the property. In that case the broker may, at his or her discretion, give the earnest money to the seller. The purpose of earnest money is to protect the seller against a buyer's default. After all, the seller has taken his or her property off the market because you promised to buy it. The seller may have missed other chances to sell the property after it was taken off the market. Therefore, if you default on your contract, the seller gets your earnest money.

How much do you charge?

This question is about the sales commission or brokerage fee. Commissions vary and are negotiable between the seller of real estate and the broker. A typical commission for residential property in Americus, Ellaville and vicinity is 6 percent of the selling price. It's not a "standard" fee, it's just a typical one. Why 6 percent? It often happens that you list your property with one company, but a different company shows the property and procures the buyer. Therefore, the two companies must split the commission; in most cases, it's 50-50. Each company would get only 3 percent of the selling price. Agents can't afford to work for less than that. Here's why:

In most real estate companies the broker must deduct operating costs off the top of the commission. What's left is then divided between the real estate agent and the broker. The agent winds up with a fraction of that 6 percent commission.

In my own case, since I work alone, and from my home, I have minimal operating costs. I can give the seller a break on the commission when I am both the listing agent and the selling agent for the property. That means I don't have to split the commission with another company, and I can work for 4 percent of the selling price. I take care of both sides of the transaction for one-third less than the 6 percent you would pay otherwise. You and your buyer still get full service, and we walk away from the closing with more in the amount of our check.

Attitudes about real estate commissions intrigue me. Most of us think nothing of leaving a 15 or 20 percent tip on the table in a restaurant, even when the service may not have been all that great. Yet a REALTOR performs a valuable service in one of the most important transactions someone can make, buying or selling real estate, and the client may think a 6 percent "tip" is too much. In dollars it looks like a lot of money, but as a percentage of the selling price it's small.

Do you have any real estate related questions? Please call me at 229-924-3089 or email me at michael@michaeldixonrealty.com. You also can go to my website michaeldixonrealty.com and use the "Talk to Me" box on the left side of the page. No need to give your name or phone number.

Sample questions: Should you always get a house inspected? Answer: Yes. Can you get a warranty on the house you buy? Answer: Yes, and I'll tell you how to get a one-year warranty for free. Should you always get pre-approved for a mortgage loan? Answer: Yes, and I'll tell you how being pre-approved is worth $400.00 to you.