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Have you ever take the time to ask what is the true motivation of the Agent that you select to sell your home?

When it comes time to select a real estate agent to sell your home, you probably have 3 choices when it comes to the type of real estate company you select based upon the Fee Structure that they employee and the resulting motivation that this may or may not cause the agent to have. These 3 categories are a "full fee" structure, a "discounter fee" structure and a blend called a "flexible fee" structure.

The distinction between the different categories can be drawn in two main areas. 1.) How the Deal Comes Together & 2.) Who Finds the Buyer

A "full fee" approach agent charges a set fee no matter how the deal comes together and no matter who happens to find the resulting buyer. In many cases, there is little motivation for a "Full Fee" agent to promote the property out to the Agent community because the Full Fee Agent may be looking to represent both you, the Seller & the Buyer. This would influence what marketing avenues and vehicles that an agent would be looking to employee.

A "discounter fee" approach agent goes into the transaction with a fee that is reduced for the amount sought by the full fee agent. This is based upon a business model that guts the services that are going to be provided during the course of the transaction. This structure is also geared to pay out more to the agent that ends up representing the other party, the buyers agent. Consider that the Discount Agent may be looking to "Double End" the transaction because there is more money available to the Buyers Agent as compared to the Sellers Agent.

A flexible fee - choose your own commission approach agent will charge a flexible amount dependent upon the way that the transaction comes together. If the listing agent is able to attract the buyer directly then they get a minimal increase in the overall compensation. This is a far cry from the amount charged by the Full Fee agent that double ends the property and thus doubles the commission. This is also a lower amount than the Discounter charges for double ending the property from the base 1% commission to a 300% increase for working with the buyer and seller.

Keep in mind that all of this is controlled and regulated by your own areas laws on agency and whether or not an agent can truly represent both parties to a transaction under a dual or designated representation agreement. Check to see what applies in your particular area.

Bottom Line, As with anything, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Make sure that you select an agent and a structure when selling your home in Northern Virginia that provides you with the level of comfort that the agent is truly motivated to get your home sold and that you will be getting value for your commission dollars.