This is my column from today’s Arizona Republic (permanent link). I don’t write the headlines, and I don’t think this one is terribly representative of the article, but it is what it is. I asked the paper to change the attribution to use BloodhoundBlog’s web address rather than my phone number, so maybe the poisonous phone calls will turn into poison-pen letters instead.
Killer deals often come with payoff
I have clients who are closing escrow on a new-built home soon. They’re moving from a house of about 1,725 square feet to a home of about 2,100 square feet.
Because it’s a new build and because of when they’re buying it and, most especially, because it’s a spec home — a home specified by and started for another buyer who has since canceled the purchase — they’re getting a smoking deal.
The builder is trying to close on absolutely every spec home, so it’s making great deals. It’s giving my buyers a $75,000 upgrade package, plus throwing 6 percent of the purchase price toward their down payment.
If the Valley’s real estate market gets back to normal soon, they’ll have a ton of equity fairly quickly. And even if not, this home is an incredible bargain — an unrepeatable opportunity.
Here’s the kicker: The builder’s sales rep told me in private that the buyer’s agent’s commission is 8 percent. Unbelievable!
I strive to be a vigorous champion for my buyers, but builders leave precious little room for a Realtor to effect any meaningful buyer’s representation.
In effect, taking a party to a new-home subdivision is a referral. That could explain why so many builders and Realtors treat it that way.
For my part, I’m doing everything I can to defend and protect my clients’ interests, and that still won’t be very much.
So how much should I get paid for doing not very much work as capably and professionally as I can?
Surely not 8 percent. I won’t even take 3 percent on new construction.
Here’s what I did for this home: I conceded 6 percent to my clients, keeping 2 percent for the brokerage.
They didn’t have to ask for this, nor should Read more