Let’s Talk About Your Tip!

You and your family have just been seated in “THE” most exclusive restaurant, known for their fine cuisine and exceptional customer service. Imagine how exciting the evening will be once you get the first order of business transacted – Negotiate your tip with the waiter in advance! Just imagine how enthusiastic the waiter will be at the thought of working for a lesser sum, say half the usual amount. Without any doubt, could you know that your food would be hot, correctly prepared, and well…, let’s just say “Germ Free”? Of course not!

I find it fascinating that any person would ask their realtor to lower their commission. Keep in mind this simple thought. All of us are more than willing to compensate well a waiter for performing a very simple task, serving us a meal. But, some people think it wise to devalue the realtor’s rightful compensation, despite the fact the realtor is going to assist you in transacting the most expensive and complex transaction you will ever undertake. If viewed only from a monetary point of view, your home purchase is the single greatest investment you will ever make. Where we willingly tip a waiter 15% to 25% of the meal’s cost, some foolishly think the realtor is lucky to have them as a client, demanding they work for upwards of 83% off of their normal commission. Ironic isn’t it. If the client’s logic weren’t so defective, it would be humorous but this is no laughing matter.

Realtors in Fort Bend and Harris counties have access to an impressive computer database that offers immeasurable value for their client. Relying on this wealth of information, the realtor can perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that reasonably and accurately determines the value of a home, commercial property, or land. Beyond these things, the database offers important information to the seller, buyer, and investor, answering a variety of questions that relate to use or restrictions, geographical access, or school districts to name a few important benefits. Additionally, the realtor spends countless hours and valuable resources marketing for the seller or assessing whether a home meets a buyers specific requirements. In essence, your realtor helps to assist and define your wealth and asset accumulation. While the waiter is important, at a more important level, your realtor serves as a valuable member of your team of financial experts. Be smart. Use the expertise of a realtor and recognize their services are already a bargain. So, that is your tip and you can keep the change!

Dixie Sanders
Senior Vice President
Cornerstone Mortgage Company
(281) 494-5626