"Will You Cut Your Commission??"

I regularly visit Yahoo! Answers and there is always someone out there who asks how they go about getting an agent to cut commission. Why does he/she need to know? I understand that people like to save money, believe me . . . I do, too! But let me ask you this . . . do you work? You do? Well, you know that person that owns the company at which you work and who pays you? Not the Payroll Clerk--but the person who REALLY pays your salary or wages. Now answer this: Do you think that person has a burning desire to pay you the money that you think you'veearned?

NO! Your boss doesn't want to pay you, anymore than you want to pay your agent! So, why does your boss pay you? Because you earned the money . . . You showed up for work & did what you were hired to do (hopefully)! If your boss would've asked you to take a pay cut, would you have? Not likely! So why is it okay, in a seller's mind, to ask an agent to take a pay cut? Because you want to save money, right?! I'm sure your boss wants to save money, too, but he/she hasn't cut your pay (at least, not yet).

Real Estate is one of the few industries in which people work, and if they don't do what they were hired to do (sell homes), they do not get paid. Can you say the same for your job?

Tips for Making Your Home More Secure

You can make your home much less attractive to them by taking a few simple steps to make your home more secure. Most of these security measures are easy tasks and only require a few simple tools. A little free time is a small investment for your peace of mind.

1.) Installing a quality lockset not only adds to your home's beauty, but it also sends a message to would be intruders.

2.) Deadbolts are an inexpensive and effective way of adding security to exterior doors, and make great supplements to standard locksets.

3.) Adding a peephole allows you to see who's knocking before you open the door.

4.) To make your sliding patio doors more secure, cut a piece of closet rod to fit in the track behind the sliding door and adjust the track clearance so the doors can't be removed from their frame.

5.) Install keyed sash locks on your windows to make them more secure. If you like to let in fresh air, look for locks that also have a vent locking position.

6.) Low voltage lights are easy to install and provide an excellent, low-energy light source to highlight areas you don't want in shadow.

7.) Lights with motion detectors are a convenient and efficient source for outdoor security lighting. Well-positioned motion detectors make it virtually impossible for anyone to sneak up on your home.

8.) Security cameras are great for keeping an eye on children playing in the yard and they allow you to see who's coming to the door from inside your home.

9.) A storage shed with a good lock keeps your outdoor items organized and safe.

10.) Keep your hedges and foundation plants pruned so they don't hide potential entry points to your home. Overgrown plants offer intruders a place to hide while they attempt to break in.

5 Things To Do Before Listing Your Home for Sale

1.) Get estimates from a reliable handyman or technician for items that need to be replaced or repaired soon, such as a roof or worn carpets. Either have the items replaced or repaired before listing your home or offer to give the buyer a repair or decorating allowance, in an amount that is equal to that of the estimates provided to you.

2.) Have a termite and wood-destroying insect inspection. If the home is not infested, attach the inspection report to the Seller's Disclosure Notice, as provided by your REALTOR. Potential buyers will see firsthand that the property is not infested, giving them peace-of-mind and confidence in submitting an offer on the property. However, if the property is infested, have the infestation treated and any damage to the property [resulting from the infestation] repaired by a professional.

3.) Be pro-active and get a home inspection (separate from the inspection the buyer may get). If any items do need to be repaired, you can have them repaired prior to listing the home for sale and reduce the chance of a buyer backing-out of a contract due to the condition of the home or need for repairs.

4.) Gather all user's manuals, warranties and guarantees on the furnace, appliances, and other items that will remain with the house.

5.) Fill out a disclosure form provided by your REALTOR. Take the time to be sure that you don’t forget problems, however minor, that might create liability for you after the sale. And remember, honesty is the best policy, so answer each question with an honest answer, even if you're worried that some buyers may lose interest in the property.