Full Service Vs. Discount Brokerages, Which One is Right for You?

Home sellers are often looking at commission rates and wondering if they are worth the money.

Now, there are "discount agents" available in the marketplace that could save you money on your commission rates. But, are they really worth the money? Read this and decide for yourself.

In a typical seller's market, homes get listed and sold in record time with often times, multiple offers appearing on the table. If you have a discount broker, and have no one to counsel you, are you sure you're really getting the highest price you can get?

In a buyer's market, such as the one we are experiencing now, the number of houses on the market and lack of buyers means sellers have to pull out all the stops to get their home sold. Expertise and counseling can sure pay off here. A listing that will sell at the top price has usually been marketed well and exposed to the most number of buyers.

Consider your pictures - a well trained real estate agent will be taking new pictures, in the right shade of light, from the best angles. Pictures are cropped, and blown up to show the most positives in your home. With a full service agent, your best pictures are in the MLS. Do you want to pay an agent less money, so they can enter pictures with lack of caring, knowing they're not getting paid much to list your home?

Think of your yard sign. Big, or well-known offices have resources to fall back on to buy the best quality signs, with names that stand out. A good sign is a free advertisement to anyone that drives by your home. There are certain franchises that buyers will see and immediately notice that your home is for sale. Signs are an important part of marketing, and experienced offices know this and spend money appropriately. Do discount brokers in your marketplace have good signs that stand out?

Marketing is the ultimate of importance when selling your home. A good full service broker will do what it takes to get your message out there. They will hold open houses, and work with buyers to get them qualified for you. Are you ready to pay less commission, and counsel a buyer that might be interested in your home? Are you available several hours a week to work an open house or to take buyers through your home?

While only you can decide if a discount broker is for you, keep in mind what goes on during a real estate transaction. Is it worth saving money if you're not sure if you're making the right decision? A full service real estate agent is there to counsel you every step of the way.

Ultimately, you might even make more money in your pocket by listing with a full service agent if your house is priced correctly in the beginning.

If you decide to sell your house, make sure you talk to both full service and discount brokers and see what works for you.