[jackbill]

Problem is, people expect realtors to advertise and show the house, and 3k really doesn't buy all that much advertising.

Posting listings on the Internet costs virtually nothing other than having someone drive by and take a photo. More and more people are selecting their homes on the Internet. Commissions of 6% to 7% for homes that sell in days is outrageous.

Where I live, the commission is negotiable. 4% seems to be the average.

When I go to sell, I'll probably do it myself. I have waterfront and I don't need to "give" $30K or more to someone else.

[publiusF27]

Posting listings on the Internet costs virtually nothing other than having someone drive by and take a photo.

That's true, but posting listings and getting them seen on the internet can be darned expensive. I know, my wife makes websites for realtors, and if you want a good one, better get out the checkbook. :D

Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. Clients expect to see their home on a prominent website, and they're looking for much more in the way of promotion. They want a big ad in the Sunday paper. They want to be in every one of those glossy mags full of home ads. They want to see billboards and TV ads promoting your business. Sellers (and buyers) frequently go into real estate transactions without enough knowledge to make good decisions. They just don't know about some of the important issues at all. So, they hire a professional.

When they do, they want him to pick up the phone and go do a showing, as I have done, even if it is Christmas day, and even if Christmas day also happens to be your birthday, and even if it's raining (yes, it was).

All that stuff is expensive, including and especially the person who will make a professional, informative presentation, even if it's Christmas, and his birthday, and raining. Maybe you can get the same results by snapping some pictures and putting them somewhere on the net.