Comments on: “Agent Sued for Trulia Voices Answer” – In My Opinion, It’s Possible

By: Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:03:04 +0000

I only answer questions in Michigan and if it is about a home NOT in my area, I skip it.

By: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan Dalton — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:11:06 +0000

I’ve heard that, Jenn, but I’ve also heard from agents who have gotten clients through long tail searches based on what they’ve answered.

So, short answer is I don’t know for sure.

By: Jenn Giraldi

Jenn Giraldi — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:55:01 +0000

Jonathan, doesn’t Trulia have no follows to make SEO irrelevant? I thought they did so I could be wrong. Nice Article!

By: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan Dalton — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:28:52 +0000

Except that there’s no guarantee that the home would sell for “x” percent less if there was no commission involved …

I understand what you’re saying. I just can’t find my way to see one side without seeing the other as well.

But I appreciate the commentary!

By: Dan Connolly

Dan Connolly — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:58:25 +0000

What I am really saying is that the idea that the Seller is paying everything isn’t exactly accurate. If you had to pick one or the other, I think it would be more accurate to say that the Buyer is paying for everything because the buyer actually brings all the funds to the closing.

Most buyers I work with seem to feel this way. They feel that they are paying both the Buyer’s agent and the Seller’s agent, because that fee has been built into the purchase price of the house.

By: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan Dalton — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:20:24 +0000

By that argument, Dan, the buyer also would be paying the listing agent. If the argument is based on each side paying his own way, or at least semantics that allow them to feel that they have, that’s no better than saying the seller pays all.

If the sellers’ net is impacted, then it can’t be said that they’re not paying at least a portion of the commissions. You can divide it any way you choose from there.

By: Dan Connolly

Dan Connolly — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:58:07 +0000

I applaud Ardell’s points about not criticizing the other agents. At least not out loud in a public forum. Maybe by private email, God knows a number of them need it! In Voices, politely explaining the truth of the matter is enough. The criticism is implied.

I also agree that the Seller doesn’t really pay the Buyer’s agent’s commission. In GA we have closing attorneys. THE BUYER brings ALL OF THE MONEY to the closing table. The attorney pays the buyer’s agent and the sellers agent, and everyone else according to the contract. The fact that the buyer is paying for the various costs is evidenced by the fact that the buyer gets to deduct some of the closing costs even if they are on the Seller’s side of the HUD. (ask your accountant)