Discount On Listing Fees

[Eric Johnson]

I flip 4-5 houses a year and have done so for a few years.  Is it reasonable to ask the listing (selling) agent for a discount on the standard 3% fee that goes to the selling agent?  I know I can't control the buying agent but does this feel like enough volume to ask for a discount?

[Tsipora Smith]

Personally, I would seek more value before I'd ask for a reduction in commission. David Green and other "big time" investors frequently mention the difference in mentality of a "discount agent" vs a "rockstar agent". You want an agent working their hardest for you as well as adding value in a multitude of ways outside of just listing your property. My agent helps with design, scope of work, checking on rehab progress, staging, sends me pocket listings first, finds me buyers before I even list, etc. A discount agent who isn't the happiest with their commission structure isn't going to be doing all those extras.