You've heard the expression ‘Our reputation is all we have', right? I do not take that lightly. Regardless in everyday living or in business my reputation dictates the person I am; in real life or the written word. I do not take lightly to those that choose an alternate to living right.
After emailing another agent about discussing specific commission splits on my blog this agent turns around and ‘threatens' that there will be no commenting on my blog again. I really could give a hoot. I'd rather keep the discussion from going further and let the agent know that I choose not to ....
Especially when saying all agents make XXX commission.
With all the excuses in the world of why that agent can discuss the topic...one of them being "because a couple brokerages advertise in our newspaper that they charge a specific flat rate fee of XXX for listing the property", I ended it all with ....please speak to your broker on this topic.....
From NAR.............Antitrust and the Real Estate Brokerage Firm
Paragraph 2 -1..............The antitrust prohibition on fixing commission rates means, simply, two or more real estate firms may not agree on the commission rate that each will charge. As noted earlier, price-fixing is a per se violation of the antitrust laws. Brokers must not agree with others on commission rates, and must take care to avoid even implying that they have discussed and/or reached agreement on fees. Salespeople must exercise similar caution to avoid the implication that the firm with which they are affiliated is part of a price-fixing conspiracy.
IF YOU MUST discuss commissions you receive, charge or allege that ALL receive the same compensation, you need to look at the law and discuss your advertising and/or discussing openly all over the internet with your Broker.
Just don't do it around me.
I love my license.
Note: It's better to be safe than sorry. A great read by Lenn Harley: RISKY BEHAVIOR? DISCUSS SPECIFIC REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS ON ACTIVERAIN BLOGS.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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