homeseller-pay bonus or increase commission

**328skidpad** · 02-09-2009, 12:20 PM

I just put my house on the market and want to sell it within 4-5 weeks. I had a agent tour last week and everyone said that I am asking the right price of 220K.

Marketing Options:
I can decrease the amount of my house by 5K

or

Increase the Comm percentage from 6% to 7%

Which would be the best way to sell the house?

Pittsburgh, PA

**gjtrafl** · 02-09-2009, 07:37 PM

Commission bonuses work only when there are other similar homes in direct competition with what you offer (ex. a cookie cutter area). If you are not in that type of area, spend the money on the price reduction. Price always sells!!

**donrock** · 02-09-2009, 10:41 PM

Money is always a good motivator and it could be a good selling point to call RE agents and let them know you just increased the commission. The 1% increase is about $2,000 so may you could a little of both increase the commission and lower the price $3,000 at different times. One now and the other in a week or so.
Be sure you keep all the cards and call the agents on each thing you do. Gather names from signs, people you know, ads and anywhere else you see an agents name and give them a call or email them with your news.

**Greg** · 02-10-2009, 05:22 AM

Don't pay a bonus. Increase the commission but make sure the increase goes to the buyers agent and not the listing agent.

**LVrealestateHELP** · 02-10-2009, 12:45 PM

In an ethical world the commission should not affect the house being shown more or less. The location, property details, and price should determine if it is what the client is looking for, so I would say price. BUT unfortunately most are more concerned with paying their bills than they are about their clients. It is sad but I am afraid it is the reality for a lot (NOT all but a lot.)