Our Goal: Informed Sellers
Selling a home or property is a complicated process requiring the expertise of a highly capable representative. At Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, we understand the importance of potentially your most valuable asset and take great pride in the experience of our global real estate advisors and their ability to guide you every step of the way.
Below are some frequently asked seller questions resulting from recent industry changes:
Q: Is there now a restriction against sellers paying buyer broker compensation because of the class action settlement?
A: No. Nothing within any settlement directives restricts a seller in his or her choice of how to sell a home, who they may compensate, nor the amount they wish to pay. Currently, the vast majority of homes on the market reflect an offer of such compensation to the buyer broker.
Q: Must sellers make an offer of compensation to the broker bringing a buyer?
A: No. No such requirement within the industry existed even prior to the business changes, yet most sellers elect to provide as an incentive to ensure the maximum acceptance by the market, especially among buyers who may be reluctant to pay such compensation directly.
Q: Does Premier Sotheby’s International Realty require a seller to provide buyer broker compensation as a condition of accepting my listing?
A: We consider the decision to be best made by our sellers, so therefore no such requirement exists. However, we believe it is worthy of consideration and a discussion with your advisor to fully understand your options and the implications. This is particularly true to discuss a situation where a buyer may contact your listing advisor directly to view the home.
Q: If I elect not to offer buyer broker compensation, is there any scenario under which I might be asked to pay?
A: Yes, and this should be considered when first deciding your position as it may encourage you to offer at the beginning. Some situations where you may be impacted include:
- A buyer submitting an offer on your home may make the offer contingent upon your commitment to pay the commission of the buyer broker. We believe this will be a common practice.
- Buyer brokers have the right to request you pay their compensation in advance of showing the home to a buyer, which then becomes a decision you must weigh.
- A buyer may elect to reduce his or her offer price on your home by the amount of the buyer broker compensation to shift the economic cost to you as the seller.
For over 30 years, the Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has set the standard for quality, service and value. Our team is full-time, highly experienced and with an average level of production per advisor that is three to five times that of a typical agent in the market. To achieve exceptional results requires exceptional talent, and we look forward to the privilege of providing you with elevated representation.