short sale negotiation fee on A-C

[Maryann L.]

Thankfully a lot of the short sale investors in my area are very open about their businesses. Last week I spoke with an investor that charges the BUYER a $5000 negotiation fee when the short sale closes. The rationale was the buyer is gettng the property for at LEAST 10-20% under market value and because they are thrilled with the price the fee wasn't an issue.

Originally this fee was to recoupe when the investor had to go A-C, but now is part of their business as a normal fee on all deals.

I was curious if other people did this? I think this is something we may incorporate in some way. I can pay my negotiator and still make a little something for the work put in.

I've heard of other investors charging the listing agent 1% of the sale price.

I'm trying to think of a way to recoupe time if we ever have to do this. So far lucky we haven't had to, but I look at it like you're covering yourself up front. Not sure if buyers will love or hate it as we've never done it and we've never gone A-C either but I'm sure that day will come.