Real Estate Myths

1. Real estate commissions are fixed at 6%

      By law, all real estate commissions are negotiable.  The 6% industry standard was established long ago when home prices were a small fraction of what they are today.

2. Sidewalk Homes is a “discount brokerage”

      A discount brokerage charges lower fees in return for limited services.  We provide the same level of service as traditional brokerages, but at a price we think is fair to the consumer and profitable to us. 

3.  Traditional agents are better negotiators.  Sidewalk Homes agents willingly reduce their commissions, so how can we expect them to negotiate strongly for us?

At Sidewalk Homes, it’s true, we lay our cards on the table up front.  We are skilled negotiators, we just don’t choose to start our partnership with our clients by trying to take as much money as possible from them.  We offer guidance, but we never forget that ultimately you make the decisions. 

4. If Sidewalk Homes charges me half of the normal commission to list my home,  I can also pay half of the normal commission to the agent who sells my home.

      You could do this, but we strongly advise against it.  Commissions are a powerful motivator for agents to show your home.   If you offer a smaller commission, agents will want their clients to buy a different home, one that offers a higher commission.