http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Since_the_percentage_of_commission_on_homes_we_ve_-78831She has spent an awful lot of time helping us find a home, and hasn't seen a cent yet. What is the right thing to do? We haven't signed any contracts with her or anything. But when I sat down and figured out how many hours she's spent with us already, and we still haven't bought a home, I don't see how she can come out ahead. We are looking at houses in the $150,000 - $180,000 range, and some paperwork says only 1.5%, and the most I've seen is 3% for a buyer's agent. We don't want her to resent us taking so long to find the right place. Any thoughts?en-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-53222-227547/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-53222-227547/You are really a great buyer. The best way you can help your agent is to give her name out to everyone you know. That would show her that you really likes what she is doing for you. As an agent it is ture that we do not get paid until we find you the right home and it closes. That is part of the deal as an agent. She will not resent you at all for taking to long. Just make sure you are telling her what you like and so not like about the homes you are looking at so she can narrow down your search. And remember word of mouth advertising is better then any amount of money you could give her. Good luck I hope you find that home.Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:54:35 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Venice_FL-133970/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Venice_FL-133970/Ruth, Bless your heart...... But agents know what they are getting into and understand the costs and potential professional fees involved in a transaction. Contrary to what many people would like you to beieve the majority of agents are service oriented and work hard to please their customers. Granted, pats on the back do not pay the bills but spreading the work may help in the future. If you have found an agent that is "special" often the greatest compensation is you, the customer, giving them referrals. Tell your friends, relatives, or anyone that will listen what a great job they have done for you Additional compensation is neither expected nor necessary. Go out of your way to reward them with additional customers. Thanks for caring. The Eckler Team Michael Saunders & Company billeckler@michaelsaunders.com 941-408-5363Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:09:15 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Dallas_TX-123371/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Dallas_TX-123371/WOW you are an awesome buyer to have concerned understand time vested an agent has in a client on belief you would purchase a home. She more than likely splits her commissions with her broker and receives 1.5% of 3% paid to buyers broker. Nice closing gift, would be great. As our team sees sales some are fast other clients are slow thru out high and low we have a happy middle of road.Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:59:58 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Arizona-620350/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Arizona-620350/You're welcome, Ruth. Well... that's an even tougher question. Most of the exclusive Buyer's Agents I know (including myself) work for a minimum of 3%. So one idea might be that you compensate her the difference between 3% and the actual commission that's offered on the home you end up purchasing. Another idea is that you simply pay her a flat fee bonus, like maybe $1,500-$2,000. At this point, it's rather like tipping a good waitperson for excellent service ~ the question is, how much? I think you'll just have to go with your conscience, and from what I sense, your decision will be just the right amount to honor and humble your Agent. ;-) As for the method of compensation, Ruth, most states require that commission be paid to the Licensed Broker (your Agent's firm). They would no doubt love to get their fair share of the "bonus." However, if you're just wanting to do something nice for your Agent, then that's between you and her. Paying ANYBODY in cash raises all sorts of questions and potential problems, starting with the IRS and working down from there. Perhaps you should consult with your Agent about that, and the two of you work it out. Does that help? ...randyFri, 09 Jan 2009 23:43:45 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Home_Buyer-53563-609326/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Home_Buyer-53563-609326/Thank you, Randy. Any thoughts on an appropriate "bonus" amount to give her? And is it best (for her) to give her cash?Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:29:05 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Arizona-620350/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Arizona-620350/Hi Ruth! I first have to tell you that I truly admire and respect your sensitivity and loyalty to your Realtor. I don't think I've EVER had a client calculate the amount of time I dedicated to them. But you raise an interesting question. On one hand, if your Realtor wanted or expected to receive a 'minimum' commission, or didn't think she would be treated fairly by her MLS co-broke commission, then I would think that she should have discussed it with you upfront. On the other hand, if you truly value her services to you, then perhaps you could consider paying her a 'bonus' at closing. You are definitely under no obligation or duty to do so, but I believe in karma, or "What goes around,comes around." Thank you for your most refreshing comments and question! ...randyFri, 09 Jan 2009 23:07:29 -0800