QUOTE Not sure why my original post was deleted (other than Brett whining to REIN from what I hear), however not everyone reads your posts - your views are considered biased, after all you are a realtor. The fact of the matter is brokerage fees will be far different in a few years than now – across the board. The CB kicked up such a firestorm that every tom, dick and harry and his grandma are now enquiring about low cost realtors or listing on the MLS for a nominal fee ($500 or FREE in TO). Few people will be willing to pay $30,000 when they know they can get the same traffic through their home by simply listing only on the MLS, and without the added pressure of a realtor to sell low.
I have nothing to fear of you and other than the one post I made (which was deleted) I`m not the one making things personal. The REIN guys chewed me out for that one just like I`m sure you got an earful. I think REIN actually likes you because they haven`t banned you yet.
QUOTE Never heard of professional negotiators– ridiculous.
Neither have I, though boomer would have us believe lawyers are professional negotiators.
QUOTE I find this statement funny, since as you recall I specifically directed this adjective (mis-information) to you not long ago and here you are attacking Wealthyboomer with it - incredible.
I was hoping you`d pick up on that one actually. If you`re going to accuse me of spreading `mis-information` then you and your allies can answer for the same.
QUOTE Look, low cost realtors are here to stay - and those of you who say that the low cost business model is not sustainable aren`t being honest; if so then why is 2% Realty the fastest growing mid-size company in Alberta in 2009-2010, spotlighted by the Calgary Herald recently and covered by the CBC and the CTV ? Why are the 0.5% and 1% commission realtors growing rapidly. The fact is that more and more people are cluing into the fact (thanks to the CB) that posting a sign on your lawn, and listing on the MLS for $500 or FREE in TO + lawyer is all you need to sell a home. Its not business as usual, and making such claims is both counter-productive and misleading, especially since everyone I`ve spoken to recently regarding real estate are enquiring about low fee realtors. And for real-estate investors (I`m assuming REIN has thier interests in mind and not the realtors) this is a good thing. Now of course this post will be deleted shortly, so enjoy it while you can
I have worked with the firm you mention. Many of their sellers are still offering 3.5/1.5 on the selling side just thier listing fees are 1%. That, to me, is business as usual. You haven`t used a realtor in years so you wouldn`t know but this kind of fee is common in Calgary and has been for years with anyone but the big box guys. There is even a 1% realty if you look hard enough.
Am I working on a fee for service model? Yes I am because that`s the new buzzword and is the real estate flavor of the month with the news picking up on it like you describe. Drive by my office on 17th in a few weeks or check my website. Will I make less money? Hardly, I`ll be stealing from the old guard same as 2% is, but I`ll never take a listing that doesn`t offer 3.5/1.5 on the selling side because like Lucky says, people sell houses not websites and that`s where all the work is.
