Add Agent on both sides to save commission?

[James W.]

Hi guys -

I got a property from an auction.

We nominated an agent on the buy side, and she gets 3%. However, the auction closing company really took care of all of it - except for the Certificate of Occupancy that she got for me.

Its time to sell the unit now. She's been helping to ready up the unit for sale, like talking to contractors etc.

It will be soon time to draw the sale contract. I assume she typically charges 5% to sell.

I wonder if its ok to ask her to count the buy side 3%towards her sell side commission. We can make it a total of 5% by paying the remainder.

It may sound odd - but the thing is - i can simply not nominate an agent next time. And pay her the same 5% on sale. 

That's no better for her. Because I can use any agent then. She can also benefit from an ongoing alliance here.

I also hope its right to ask the question.

[Zach Kidd]

When it comes to investors, agents value loyalty, a good appreciative attitude, and honesty.

Reward an agent, they will bring you deals. 

Burn them, and those deals go elsewhere. Permanently.

There is room for negotiation. How you play that is up to you.