Category Archives: commissions

60 Minutes Redfin.com Story – Is it a fairytale or a narrative?

By Spencer Barron | Published: May 14, 2007
I’ve been ruminating on the 60 Minutes story thinking about how much of the story was wishful thinking and how much was fact. I wonder how much Redfin.com just saved in advertising by getting their side of the story pitched on 60 Minutes. I think the casual observer would have been quite taken in by [...]
Also posted in Denver, Denver Real Estate, HQHomes, pricing | Comments closed

Why I can't justify high real estate commissions.

By Spencer Barron | Published: February 1, 2007
When I read this, I had to laugh. I’m always interested in how agents try to justify their commissions. This one’s pretty funny. The settlement sheet shows that I’m going to receive ___% of the sale price of the home. But I don’t get to KEEP all of that. I take out a dollar bill and [...]
Also posted in Denver, Denver Real Estate, HQHomes, MLS, Realtor | Comments closed

Just because I was fast doesn't mean it was easy.

By Spencer Barron | Published: January 30, 2007
I first came across this Picasso legend a few years back with regards to valuing someone’s time. I believe the moral also applies to the valuing of services in real estate. After all, real estate is a business. Legend has it that Pablo Picasso was sketching in the park when a bold woman approached him. “It’s [...]
Also posted in Denver Real Estate, FSBO, Realtor | Comments closed

Money Magazine – Buyer's agents co-ops and how to get a better deal buying or selling a home.

By Spencer Barron | Published: January 17, 2007
How about that. I actually got quoted in Money Magazine. Albeit my statement appears a bit truncated, it is not incorrect. I’m quoted as saying “People offer higher commissions because it works”. I’ll stand by that. Offering a higher commission to a buyer’s agent does help sell your home. It doesn’t necessarily help you get [...]
Also posted in Business, Denver, Denver Real Estate, MLS, Marketing, Negotiations, Realtor, statistics | Comments closed

How to not get screwed in Real Estate.

By Spencer Barron | Published: December 4, 2006
  Long term success in real estate is built on trust and referrals.  With this in mind, it’s a shame that some fly-by-night agents are abusing their position at the expense of an industry’s reputation.  A recent article in REALTOR™ Magazine discussed the problem of loan fraud.     I know there are many naysayers that are [...]
Also posted in Denver Real Estate, General Interest, Marketing, Realtor | Comments closed