How much is my expertise and experience worth to buyers and sellers in a tumultuous market? These days sellers are looking for every penny out of the sale of their homes. But recently a seller asked if I was willing to sell his home for a flat fee of $500. I was almost taken aback until I put myself in his shoes.

Here’s the scenario: He’d lost his job. He was in a divorce and the wife wanted 50% of the equity. Also, several homes in his neighborhood had been foreclosed on so values were a bit shaky at that moment.

Could you blame him for asking? I couldn’t!

However, taking the time to sit down with him, get to the bottom of his problems and give him a professional opinion was priceless. By the end of our meeting I’d earned his business and showed him the value of an expert on his side. We agreed to a sliding scale based on value/sales price and overall marketing plans. It was a win-win for both of us.

I’m willing to negotiate my listing rates if it make sense for me and the parties involved. Helping others “move on” is more important than my bottom line…

Happy house hunting!

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