My New Blog

One of the first questions sellers ask agents when they are planning to list their property for sale is, "How much is your commission?" Or, "How much do you charge?" 

I'd like to redirect that question back to the seller: "How much do you think is fair?" What's wrong with letting sellers tell us, in effect, "I'd like to buy this amount of service, and I'll pay X-dollars for it." 

That would give the seller the option of "buying" full service or partial service, and paying only for the services he or she uses. For example, let's say, the seller will take care of advertisng the property, and will deal with the people who want to look at the property.

The real estate agent or broker will step into the picture when the seller has a buyer ready, willing and able to buy the property. The agent will prepare the documents needed by the closing attorney and guide the transaction through to closing. 

How much should a seller pay for the agent's/broker's service in that case? It could be a percentage of the selling price or a flat fee. If you were the seller, how much would you offer the agent or broker? 

This is not a "trick" question. It would be interesting if someone would comment on this blog. In your opinion, how much commission is fair in this case or in others you can imagine?       

Saturday, April 19, 2008, was a gorgeous day. The chance of rain predicted by the "weather man" seemed to evaporate in Schley County, and skies were a brilliant blue. What a great day for a wedding.

The Corinth United Methodist Church was packed for the ceremony uniting my cousin, Ann-Marie Phillips Streetman, and Robert Kevin DeVane in marriage. The ceremony itself was the nicest one of its kind I have attended in a very long time.

Kevin's parents, Tommy and Susan DeVane, hosted a reception following the wedding at their home acrosss Ga. Hwy. 26 from the church. The bride and bridegroom, accompanied by Mrs. DeVane's two daughters, Maggie and Mary Kate Streetman, rode over to the house in a white carriage driven my Ken Adams. 

The wedding party, directed by Kim Lawhorn, was just as nice as the wedding ceremony, and was a lot of fun. I had a great time seeing family and friends, and making the rounds of the tables of finger foods, cakes and drinks. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion. 

By the way, Susan DeVane does a very respectable rendition of "the twist." 

This afternoon, I'll stroll along College Avenue in Americus and visit five homes that are participating in the porch tour sponsored by the Sumter Historical Trust. The Trust recently bought the "Eldridge house" on College Avenue which it plans to restore and put on the market for sale. Proceeds from the sale will go into a revolving fund to be used to purchase another house in the historic district. One by one, old homes will be bought, restored, and sold to new owners. It's a grand project of the Trust, and deserves everyone's support. 

Did you attend the annual meeting of the Ellaville-Schley County Chamber of Commerce? It was perhaps the best annual meeting I can recall. The reason for my enthusiasm is the chamber's new spirit of success. In fact, it has a new slogan: "Schley County, Spirit of Success!" That spirit was evident at the annual meeting. 

The people of Ellaville and Schley County can take pride in the progress of their town and county. This progessive spirit is the result of positive thinking and leadership on the part of many people. Ellaville and Schley County are on the move, and are now a "destination" for newcomers looking for homes, good schools, and a friendly, encouraging community. Congratulations to one and all!

I'm proud to say I'm a native of Schley County. Although I missed the opportunity to grow up there, it has always been "home" for me. That's a privilege I treasure.