Special offer
Nathan Gesner, Broker / Property Manager (American West Realty and Management)

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Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

"If you can't afford to do your deal, then don't do the deal."
It's not our job to pay for their deal.

Mar 31, 2017 08:15 PM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I reduce for family. 

Those who aren't family that ask me to reduce my commission get this response:

"Now, if I were to reduce my commission, what would that tell you about my negotiating skills?  How do you think I would do negotiating a great price for you on the sale?  I'm worth every cent of my stated commission when it comes to negotiating."  They get it - most of the time!

Mar 31, 2017 08:31 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

A good negotiator should not need to reduce their commission to find a solution to their clients problems.

But if they want to give a gift to a friend then that is ok.

Mar 31, 2017 07:43 PM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Only when I will be included on title!   I do not reduce my commission, ever.

Apr 01, 2017 06:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

If it's a repeat customer or one who is both buying and selling at the same time, I do adjust my commission slightly. Otherwise, no.

Apr 01, 2017 04:20 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

It really depends on the situation. I will reduce for a repeat customer or one who is doing both buy/sell with me. 

Apr 01, 2017 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Definitely situation dependent.  

Mar 31, 2017 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Push comes to shove, deal will fall apart, Buyer or Seller is walking away if the deal doesn't go through, everyone has given their maximum, I don't feel like a sap by helping out, clients are worthy.

Mar 31, 2017 08:48 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,899
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Nathan Gesner It is not a good policy to reduce commission, but it depends on the client.

Mar 31, 2017 08:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Nathan Gesner - never thought of that! Though some others have contributed to this, I have not - except once where the buyers were a bit off!

Mar 31, 2017 11:45 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

A friend repeat customer

Mar 31, 2017 11:42 PM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I have reduced the commission modestly when the seller is also buying through me.

Mar 31, 2017 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Each case is different, i will consider all situations and try everything else first, when needed i will. It also depends on the clients attitude

Apr 01, 2017 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

I have to keep the deal from falling apart.  

Apr 01, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Whenever it's smarter than having everything fall apart and completely starting all over again (hours-wise ) !!!

Apr 01, 2017 04:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I'm never willing to unless everyone in the transaction is willing to. It's that simple!

Apr 01, 2017 03:25 AM
Rainmaker
596,545
Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com
Edge Of The Beach Realty - Pawleys Island, SC
Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!

Hey Nathan,  I am one of those Realtors who is firm but flexible. 

If it is a second or third transaction I defiantly give a discount.  Also 

if we are really close to getting a deal done and everyone in the deal is giving and stretching a bit I will too!  I try to be like the person I want them to be.  Flexible not like a mule who sticks their feet in the ground. 

You don't get anywhere that way. 

But on the other hand I do not discount my commission much on the listing side to begin with either, we work hard for every dollar and if I need to give up commission then the seller needs to give up some type of service or advertising.  Every service we give costs time and money and most every seller understands that when I take the time to review it with them. Then they have a choice, sure I can discount the deal if we do not print postcards, or advertize in the local magazine or maybe no open house or lunch or door prize for agents.   Most of my clients enjoy the choices I give and end up understanding the value in a full service Realtor!  

How about you? When do you give a reduction in commission?

Mar 31, 2017 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

You got to call me Daddy please!

Mar 31, 2017 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Depends on every situation individually and the price of the property. 

Mar 31, 2017 08:16 PM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Talk to them about what they do for a living and ask them if they give part of their income in their job if someone asks.  Almost always the answer is no.  Leave it at that.

I have reduced a listing side commission slightly but in most cases even if I agree I discuss the actual cost with the seller and explain why doing this doesn't net them more money.  I'm sure many will get it, but if not pick up a copy of a book Never Split the Differnce and hand it to your client.

I'd never negotiate on professional services...one gets what they pay for in life. We must all figure our worth and back it up.

Apr 01, 2017 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Hopefully, there will be no need for a reduction.

Apr 01, 2017 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Upfront is less appealing but to get the deal closed I'll do what I have to. I just got word that a client had a water & sewer bill outstanding  & we could not close until it was paid. It was a short sale situation & the seller was not paying it. I had the seller & buyer on the deal & was not asking the buyer to pay it so I did. Thankfully it's not a position I find myself in often; we usually find & address these items prior to closing. 

Apr 01, 2017 05:56 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Traditional Sales - No

Short Sales - to get the deal closed - sometimes to cover repairs that Seller could literally not afford and without which the Buyer would not or could not close.  Big picture approach to those - not focused on revenue for each specific Short Sale transaction...

Apr 01, 2017 05:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Friends and repeat customers know our value and don't need a reduction in commission.

Apr 01, 2017 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

NEVER...  My commission is not up for negotiation or to give away.

Apr 01, 2017 05:10 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Yes, yes and yes

Apr 01, 2017 05:06 AM
Rainer
505,742
Noel Mayer
Upper Montclair Weichert Realtors - Montclair, NJ
YOU WILL BE RIGHT AT HOME WITH NOEL !

I stopped by thanks for sharing. 

Apr 01, 2017 02:14 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

A listing agent on a property my clients were purchasing recently suggested that he and I share a commission reduction.  This type of request is a lazy and costly way to solve a problem.  I don't like that approach.  I said "I'm sorry, I don't do that."

When might I work for a slightly reduced compensation?  Perhaps if a seller were to sell their rental property to the tenant.  In a case like that, the listing would not require professional photos, marketing, etc. 

Mar 31, 2017 08:36 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

I reduce for friends and relatives. It just goes with the territory for me. Never give it a second thought!

Apr 01, 2017 06:21 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

there are many reasons that would be reasonable to me.... if someone is hanging by their fingernails, I'll always take a significant hit... 

Apr 01, 2017 05:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

As a last resort, I will consider it.

Apr 01, 2017 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

VERY RARELY (I earn my pay) Seems like I am very late to this question and you already have great answers 

Mar 10, 2018 07:46 PM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I was about to say NEVER and then I realized, hey, wait, there have a been a couple of times. When in a short sale and the bank refused to pay for an item, and it was against the law for the seller to pay for it, and it would not close if it was not paid, and if it didn't close, the seller would lose the home to foreclosure. Under that particular set of circumstances, yes.

May 01, 2017 09:43 AM
Rainer
388,679
Kate Akerly
Kaminsky Group - Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach Residential Sales

I'm strongly opposed to contributing to help close a deal, particularly for parties that are in-contract and in some form of deadlock.  I'd have no problem offering a modest discount to close family or strong repeat customers (not so much friends) or to customers with whom I'm managing more than one transaction for at the same time.

Apr 07, 2017 07:55 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I did a deal for a veteran that came back without legs, had a 2 story home, and they needed to sell.  Did it for costs.  Sure felt good.

Apr 03, 2017 12:58 PM
Ambassador
2,061,814
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

Other than family members... I have kicked-in some of my commission only occasionally.

I've never done it when it's requested or demanded... only when it was 'my idea' for a particularly worthy client or very needy circumstances.

Apr 02, 2017 07:03 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Depends on the situation but it seldom happens for me anymore

Apr 02, 2017 06:56 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     I am willing to take an increase in commission when the deal becomes a PITA.

Apr 01, 2017 08:58 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

An unseen issue that the buyer or seller really can't handle.  Not one in 5 years

Apr 01, 2017 08:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Anytime the price is reduced, so is my commission.  LOL.

Apr 01, 2017 07:25 PM
Rainmaker
677,422
John Slocum
Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington - Vancouver, WA
Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate

Friends or Family may get a discount or at least, feel like they get a discount.

Apr 01, 2017 03:49 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Commissions are negotiable before I take on a client, and always in writing. Sometimes circumstances change and I will reconsider depending on the circumstances. That's why I am an independent broker so I can make these decisions. In the case of a co-broke, I see what it is on the MLS and I expect to get paid that once we are in contract. On two occasions in 10 years I have contributed a little something extra as long as the listing agent was willing to contribute as well, but that is not the norm. 

Apr 01, 2017 03:11 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It is not my practice to do this. If the seller is in severe financial distress I will do my part to help my client.

Apr 01, 2017 02:59 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Too often agents are looked to to reduce their fees with a difficult seller or to make a deal go together.  I always say that the agents in our brokerage are worth their fee - they work very hard and only get paid at closing. However, if it comes down to sellers and buyers at loggerheads and in order to make a sale happen, a cut in commission is required, we do this. Better some commission than no commission.

Apr 01, 2017 12:47 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I rarely do it unless it is to a family member or the only way to make the deal work.

Apr 01, 2017 12:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We reduce for our military, police and firefighters as  our way of saying, "Thank You!"

Apr 01, 2017 11:43 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I have made concessions to help past clients ... it is all tied to Good Will and customer loyalty. 

Apr 01, 2017 10:13 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Depends on the agreements that preceded it.

For example, I offer homeowners a level of service selection with corresponding compensation. The lower they go, the less latitude I have, but the more money I make.

If the situation is caused by unreasonable parties, and the OTHER agent agrees to share the pain, thats a solution I can live with the following caveat.

Now, you suggest a reduction in commission, that THAT will NEVER happen.

I will fix something, buy something but not adjust the contractually agreed upon  compensation.

 

Apr 01, 2017 08:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

In 18 years, other than when lien holders in the Short-Sale years DID THIS WITHOUT OUR CONSENT, I've never reduced a commission once under contract for a buyer nor a seller.

I offer upfront rebates and some free services (like staging consultations) to my Military clients. I offer a smaller but helpful rebate to my repeat clients. I also offer "points" to those that refer me, so they get some freebies when they eventually work with me myself.

But, other than maybe running out to buy some carbon monoxide detectors or smoke detectors to help with an appraisal or something of that nature where $150.00 at Home Depot ensures $15,000 in my check, I do not reduce my fee once in contract, nor to I pay for repairs that are my sellers' responsibility.

Apr 01, 2017 08:13 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

The only time I adjust my commission is if I am doing both ends of the deal, or if it is a repeat client.  Otherwise, I do not deduct my commission.

Apr 01, 2017 08:10 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

When an impasse is imminent, I get creative with a lecture and demo

Apr 01, 2017 07:33 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Nathan,

When has your attorney,, dentist, doctor reduced their fees?  A

Apr 01, 2017 07:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Nathan Gesner Rule number one: Never take a reduction in your fee. Believe me they will come up with the money.

Apr 01, 2017 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I do whatever it takes to close the deal even commissionectomy to move on to the next deal

Apr 01, 2017 07:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

My first answer is always no because I'm not going to be on title. I'm not part of the deal.

Apr 01, 2017 06:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Never willing.

Apr 01, 2017 05:12 AM