Commission Changes Part 3

March 17, 2024

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As a seller, you have options when it comes to deciding how you want to market your home. With the pending changes coming, let’s talk about the pros and cons regarding a seller offering buyer agent compensation.

Benefits of Offering Buyer Agent Compensation

Enhanced Visibility and Increased Showings Lead to Quicker Sales

In today’s competitive market, with high interest rates and property prices, buyers are strategically managing their finances to secure their dream homes. By signaling that you’re willing to provide a closing cost credit to assist with or cover a portion of their agent’s fees, your property becomes more appealing. This proactive approach increases the chances of your home being noticed and viewed compared to properties that don’t offer such assistance.

Smoother Transactions

An experienced and professional buyer’s agent ensures a smoother journey towards closing. They play a crucial role in verifying the buyer’s qualifications for purchasing a home and require that the buyer is pre-approved with a reputable lender and financially prepared to purchase.

Moreover, a buyer’s agent acts as a supportive guide, alleviating the stress associated with home buying and preventing wavering decisions. They meticulously oversee interactions with the title company and lender, ensuring all steps are completed promptly for a timely and successful closing.

By offering compensation to buyer agents, you not only attract more prospective buyers but also facilitate a streamlined and efficient sales process, ultimately leading to a quicker sale of your property.

Potential Issues When Not Offering Buyer Agent Compensation

Extended Time on Market

Buyers working with agents often prioritize homes that offer buyer agent compensation. This preference can significantly impact your property’s visibility and sale timeline.

Buyers opting not to engage an agents assistance will have limited access to view your home, typically during open houses or by scheduling showings through your listing agent. This approach requires coordination with the listing agent’s schedule and confirmation of the buyer’s qualifications and pre-approval from a reputable lender.

Open houses, while useful for exposure, may attract visitors who are not serious about purchasing, potentially prolonging the sales process. Hosting multiple open houses may be necessary to reach a broader audience, further extending the time your property spends on the market.

Potential Transaction Challenges

Without a knowledgeable agent representing the buyer, there’s a higher likelihood of encountering challenges during the transaction. Many home buyers lack understanding of the complex home buying process, including the intricacies of sales contracts, contingencies, selecting a title company, and ensuring the lender’s timely progress towards closing.

A buyer’s agent plays a crucial role in navigating these complexities, ensuring a smoother transaction. They help buyers stay informed, calm, and committed to the purchase, minimizing the risk of them backing out due to uncertainties or misunderstandings. By not offering compensation to buyer agents, you may inadvertently introduce hurdles that could impede the sale of your property.

You Have Choices

The important thing to remember is that all consumers, buyers and sellers alike have choices.  Talk to a local professional to get the facts before making any decisions. Headlines can be so misleading. You deserve to have all of the information before you make a decision of this magnitude. Reach out anytime for more information.