Ah... many people ask, but very few actually know. Now, I am a real estate agent myself, and I do earn a living from real estate commissions. However, that aside, I believe that real estate agents need to make sure that they act ethically and fairly when dealing with their customers. Some agents have trouble with this concept, and hopefully, I can shed some light to make things easier for everyone. Ok, here we go...

5 Secrets Your Real Estate Agent
Doesn't Want you to Know

1) Their commission amount (percentage) is adjustable.
Yes, you can negotiate on an agent's commission, believe it or not. However, in all fairness, please be aware that all real estate brokers that employ real estate agents have certain required percentage minimums to be allocated to commissions in any transaction. This goes to many different things, such as licensing, advertising, insurance and other things that brokers have to worry about. The agent is responsible for upholding their minimum fee requirements when acting for that broker or agency. This is customary, and expected.

2) They can use part of their commission figure to close a deal if absolutely necessary.
I am not providing this information for anyone to take advantage of or profit from a real estate agent. I would not condone or support anyone even requesting for an agent to contribute their commission towards the purchase (or sale) of a home. This is a decision that an agent will make on their own, in their own specific transaction. Real estate agents need to make a living also. But to fail to close a transaction over a few hundred dollars is insane. A great example of using commission to close can be found in my first attempt to purchase a home with a dishonest real estate agent.

3) They are required by law to give any written offer you make to the seller.
Yep, they have to..... no matter how "low" or "insulting" the offer may be. This helps to maintain transaction integrity, as some agents will try to "hold out" for a higher sale price in hopes of getting a higher commission. This is a concept I will never understand. I would prefer to make people happy by getting their home sold and earn a little less money than I know I could have, than to turn away a qualified buyer for my own personal gain. Oh, and by the way, this practice is unethical, and should be reported to the real estate agent's board if you suspect this is happening.

4) Comps are absolutely FREE!
"Comps", or Comparisons help a buyer or seller understand how much their home or property is worth in the current local market. You can ask any real estate agent to provide you with these comps without cost or obligation. Most of the agents I know will do it gladly, but there are some that will refuse to do so. Some agents will refuse to provide comps to a buyer without a signed contract. Why? Because it takes time. It takes time to do a good comp work up for a customer that may or may not use your services to buy or sell. However, just like the paparazzi hounding celebrities, comps are just part of the agent's job, and part of the paycheck that they earn. If you run into an agent who doesn't want to provide you with comps, don't walk away from them, RUN away.

5) Real Estate Agents have a boss, too!
If you are unhappy with the way your real estate agent is treating you, you have every right to speak to their boss (just ask for their broker). If you are dealing with a broker who makes you uncomfortable, you can contact your local real estate agent licensing department and file a complaint. If you prefer, instead of contacting an agent's broker, you can go straight to their licensing agency. This will initiate an investigation, and disciplinary actions against the agent or broker if needed. This helps ensure that you are protected from unfair treatment or unethical dealings.

A Note to My Readers:
I am providing this information to you so that you will not be taken advantage of, not so you can take advantage. Please keep that in mind in all of your dealings, now and in the future. Integrity goes a long way, both in personal and professional dealings.