Expert: Sue Bernstein - 11/5/2006

Question
I would like to pass out flyers of my house to get it to sell quickly.  I asked my
realtor if I could do that and if it sold due to the flyers I passed out if the
commission I pay her could be reduced just like it another realtor sold the
house.  She said I can pass out the flyers but the commission will be the same. .  
Is she being honest with me?  Is there a way that her commission can even be 1%
lower if the house is sold by the marketing I do?

Answer
Dear Connie,

You hired your realtor at an agreed upon amount for her expertise as a real estate agent.  Besides marketing her expertise extends to advising you in the negotiations of an offer and overseeing the escrow process to make sure all parties perform and the escrow closes.  Being an agent goes far beyond passing out flyers. (many agents hire school kids to do this for them.) Your time to negotiate the commission should have been done at the time you signed the listing.  At this point allow your agent to do the marketing she sees fit and committed to do and if you feel more needs to be done sit down and discuss it with her.  You asked if you can be paid as if you were another realtor.  The difference is that you are not a licensed realtor and selling a house goes beyond flyers.
I know this may not be the answer you were hoping for but I hope it helps and good luck.

Sue Bernstein
www.SueBernstein.com