Builder Desperation? Agent Incentives

November 11, 2005

Great News for You: 6% Commission*
Good News for Your Clients: 6 Months Free*

I receive emails from the real estate agent and builder community advertising the homes they are marketing. I received this one (click to view) a couple days ago with the headline above. That's right. 6% commission to me if I can sell one of their homes and 6 months free to home buyers (I assume no mortgage payment). There are three caveats:

• Purchase contract signed by 11/30/2005 and
• Close by 12/31/2005
• Buyer must use their lender

These homes appear to be ready for occupancy. We are seeing lots of incentives to buyers (and agents) everywhere in the region. This one is the most extreme. These homes range from the mid $600's to over $1 million. If you follow our thinking on a regular basis, you know how we feel about agent incentives. We don't think it is right.

So, here's the deal: anyone out there that wants to buy one of these Stanley Martin homes as described and you can meet the time constraints, we will share half, or 3%, of the commission with you as a rebate at closing! Now that is a buyer incentive. You have to call us before you visit Stanley Martin.

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