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Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA   Relo Specialist (KW Elite )

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Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Michael J. Perry I charge a non-refundable retainer up front. When the property closes or the tenant takes possession, I will refund the retainer. As a side note, keep in mind that if you do charge a retainer you have to charge everyone or else you could be in violation of Fair Housing.

Jun 05, 2016 11:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I do not charge any money upfront.  I get the same thing from repair companies.  I paid for a service call with my home warranty on Friday and the vendor can't even come out until Tuesday.

My typical marketing venues are low to no cost, so if it doesn't sell I'm out the equivalent of a dinner for one at most chain restuarants like Outback or El Torito.  No biggie.  Now if the seller wants something specific, like a full page magazine ad or a TV spot during the superbowl, that I don't normally do and would be cost prohibitive then I'd most likely charge for that.

Jun 06, 2016 06:50 AM
Ambassador
1,452,569
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

If my Sellers believe they need some advertising outside of what I provide, they will pay for it upfront themselves.  Should it bring a Buyer, I will compensate them for half on closing!  Most decide they didn't need the "shiny object" after all

Jun 06, 2016 12:29 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Depends on the level of marketing and the price of the listing

Jun 05, 2016 10:48 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Usually no, but it depends what i am being hired for. I have been paid by builders or clients for work outside the scope of normal listing or selling, such as consulting, planning, approvals or valuations

Jun 05, 2016 09:25 PM
Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Unfortunately there are a lot of amateurs in this industry.

We do charge a down payment and a healthy fee for services.

Jul 17, 2017 11:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I do not

Jun 25, 2017 06:59 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I do not charge an upfront fee but think that might be a good practice.

Jun 12, 2016 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No, that's not my main concern. But if sellers wants excessive print marketing, in that case, they will need to pay for it themselves or provide a non refundable retainer that I will dedicate to extra marketing. for example, I was had a buyer who told me after the listing that they wanted full page ads in out local newspapers, and 1/4 page ads in at least 5 real estate magazines.

Jun 06, 2016 10:49 PM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

just wow at the people discussion commissions/payment with agents outside their own firm.  Slowly stepping away from this antitrust violating post.

Jun 06, 2016 02:43 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have never taken a fee up front

Jun 06, 2016 12:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

We work for free until it sells.

Jun 06, 2016 08:26 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I do not charge up from but I know of a agent that writes in her contracts a fee if they take there home off the market before it sells.

Jun 06, 2016 12:45 AM
Rainmaker
901,187
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

I generally do not but, I have in a few cases. I did with a home I was concerned may not sell. There were circumstances that had to be disclosed. I let the seller know it might not sell. They understood and paid a marketing fee above and beyond what I generally charge for commission. For me, it is a judgment call. I go in to a listing expecting to sell it and usually do. On the other hand, I am hearing of agents putting clauses in their listing agreement stating the seller will pay a fee if they withdraw the listing for any reason. I think this is reasonable and am considering it myself. I've only had this happen one time in over 4 years but, it is a lot of money that isn't reimbursed when it happens.

Jun 05, 2016 11:58 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

When it sells, I feast. Up to that time, its famine

Jun 05, 2016 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Not at all; this would drive away clients.

Jun 05, 2016 11:05 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

We did - once - when the Seller insisted on listing - with us - back in 2009 I think - for $200K more than the appraisal they ordered (at our suggestions)!   It didn't sell.  The non-refundable retainer was 1% of list price.  The Seller was a sophisticated business person (not real estate) - and was hoping for a cash buyer!!  Never say never - but we have not done that since....

They were quite content with the result - and then decided to lease out the property...

Jun 05, 2016 10:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

no retainer and/or upfront fees for any marketing or work done prior to closing....I get paid my commisision at closing.... 

with new construction, I handled all of the meetings prior to sitting with the builder and/or on site supervisor.... I had my Massachusetts builder's license for 20 years ( I let it expire ....no use for it now) and I was qualified to draft a rough plan for the builder's meeting and cost out extras to show the builder prior to the meeting (I had experience with estimating and had college level courses under my belt with that topic).... 

no fee charged....and I NEVER HAD ANY VOIDS IN MY INCOME.... listed and sold 40 subdivisions with several seasoned builders in my area....I had them for life!!!!

Jun 05, 2016 10:46 PM
Rainmaker
7,834,945
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have never charged upfront fees.

Jun 05, 2016 10:29 PM
Rainmaker
4,881,687
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No.  That has never been a part of my business practice.

Jun 05, 2016 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,215,388
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

No upfront fees here! Maybe should rethink it, but no upfront fees! 

Jun 05, 2016 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

No, I don't charge retainers or collect upfront monies.

Jun 05, 2016 10:02 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I do not collect any fees up front but have long thought that it might help keep some of those less-than-motivated-I'd-like-to-test-the-market folk off of our calendars...(yes, it's our job to measure motivation, etc, etc, etc...).

Jun 05, 2016 10:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Boy this phrase 'or do you work for free until something sells' really grates on me this a.m.  That's the way of the real estate world - sell it, you get paid.

Jun 05, 2016 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I have not charged a retainer fee or collected any upfront money for marketing.   

Jun 05, 2016 09:31 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

No sir, no upfront money exchanges hands in our office. 

Jun 05, 2016 09:24 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I do not collect money upfront.

Jun 05, 2016 09:20 PM