I am surprised when people choose to use discount agents in substantial transactions such as buying a home. In my personal spending, I never skimp on important services.

Jessie,

obviously you are an intelligent and discerning individual. You seem to already be aware short sales have less than a 50% likelihood ever closing before going to foreclosure and you may have already discovered a difference between discount and full service when it comes to representation otherwise you wouldn't be posing this question.

It's apparent you understand discounted service often means paying more at the end. Otherwise you wouldn't have posed the question. Discount is, as discount does.

I watched this play out with two buyers on a two unit property. I represented a delightful client and achieved a great price and a credit for her unit. The other buyer, arrogantly determined to get his rebate was represented by a discount brokerage. In the end, he certainly got his rebate! He paid $40,000 more for the privilege of receiving it. His agent made a single cameo appearance during the transaction, while my client received top notch service. She and l quietly chuckled at the closing seeing their dumbfounded expression when they realized they overpaid and were underserved. Another example where "Quality representation costs no more."

The old saying, 'You get what you pay for' still holds even in the age of the internet... If you'd like someone experienced with short sales, knows how to close and represent YOUR best interest, feel free to interview me to see if we can work together. Please don't ask me to lower my commission since I simply don't know how to lower my standard of service.

Now if you're desperate about getting a rebate, not caring how much you pay for to get it or whether you'll ever close on the transaction, please don't hesitate, call a discount brokerage right away!

Below are a few recent examples of short sales I'm involved in:

http://www.327Moscow.com A short sale taken from start to finish and I negotiated a 'Forgiveness of Debt"

http://www.238Hartford.com A short sale which is just starting the process and we'll be looking at offers this week.

I'm representing a buyer on a two unit in the Mission getting a great deal, we expect to close before the end of the July, saving them more than just my commission...

I sincerely wish you the best at whatever decision you arrive.

Mike Ackerman, CRS, e-Pro
Top Producer 2000 - 2008
Zephyr Real Estate - Noe Valley Office
ABZ@ZephyrSF.com
415-695-2715

Which room will they get for the money they are paying to buy your house.

If you want to use a Redfin like agent use a Redfin agent. There are reasons why those agents work there and not at other brokerages.

Hi Jessie,

It will be tough to get a lot of responses from agents on this forum regarding sharing commissions (as it is a very sensitive subject). However, I'd be glad to discuss the short sale process with you and give you a better idea of how it works and what to expect. This info should help you make a more informed decision.

Please feel free to shoot me an email at peter_brunton@yahoo.com

Regards,
Peter Brunton
Prudential California Realty
1 Daniel Burnham Ct. #260C
SF CA 94109
DRE# 01789498

Why would an agent be willing to give up part of their commission, especially on a short sale where they have to work much harder and where the bank is likely to try to cut their commissions anyway?
Would you ask any other professional to reduce their fees?