11/07/2023
This was posted by another realtor but it resonated so I thought I’d share:
I'm tired of defending how I provide for my family.
It’s never just about selling homes. It’s about bringing the American dream to reality.
Behind every successful transaction lies a story of:
-commitment
-investment
-and heart
-weekends away from my family
Here’s a deep dive into the journey behind our 'commission':
1. We're Not Just Agents; We're Business Owners:
When you work with us, you're not just tapping into an agent; you're investing in a business. We have overhead costs like office rentals, utilities, marketing tools, and the salaries of our hardworking staff. We’re entrepreneurs in our own right, wearing many hats each day.
2. The Monetary Investment:
Imagine investing in professional photography, staging, high-end marketing materials, digital advertising campaigns, and open houses - all to ensure that a property is presented in its best light. This is our reality with every listing, regardless of the final sale price.
3. The Commitment to Our Craft:
Years upon years of experience. Sleepless nights. Endless training sessions. Coaching. Conferences. Continued education. The goal? To become the best in our field. To offer you unparalleled service.
4. The Split with Our Brokerage:
Yes, the commission we earn doesn’t fully come into our pocket. A portion goes to our brokerage - a necessary partnership that provides support and resources. But it’s a chunk of our hard-earned money, gone.
5. Taxes - Yes, We Pay Them Too:
Like any professional, we pay our share of taxes, reducing what’s left of our commission even further. We have no corporate shield or fixed paycheck to lean on.
6. The Negotiation Dilemma:
Ours is a unique profession - one where every client feels entitled to negotiate our fees. Would you ask the same of your doctor, your lawyer, or your accountant? We stand firm, not out of arrogance, but out of respect for the immense value we bring to the table.
A chip on my shoulder? Perhaps.
It's exhausting to constantly defend the value we offer. To break down every expense, every hour, and every drop of sweat poured into our profession. We're not just 'showing houses.' We're strategists, marketers, negotiators, and counselors.
Our commission is not a jackpot. It's the hard-earned result of a deep-rooted commitment to our clients and our craft. We put our money where our mouth is, investing upfront, often without the guarantee of a return.
So, the next time you see a closing photo, remember the journey behind that success.
And to our fellow agents, hold your heads high.
Our craft, our dedication, our risks - they all matter. We’re in this together, shaping dreams and building legacies. And that is priceless.
Cred to the original author, friend and fellow NARLA grad Tommy Choi
