I saw Barbara Corcoran on the Today Show this morning and until this morning I've always thought her advice was good. However, when Barbara was asked about Seller's negotiating or attempting to re-negotiate the commission her response was, "Broker's are motivated by money. If you pay a full commission when you list your house your house goes to the front of the line & that's the truth. Why would you want to nickel & dime the deal and go to the back of the line"?

When you go to work today, to do the same work you do every day, would you like your boss to negotiate or re-negotiate a lower pay rate for you? The answer, I'm sure is a resounding 'NO'!

Everyday when I go to work I have to negotiate my pay as I am a real estate agent. I work on commissions and it's up to me what commission I charge my clients and yes, commissions are negotiable. However, if for some reason I negotiate a lower commission, I do not give less service. I give a very high quality of service to ALL of my clients regardless of the amount.

I've spoken with many agents regarding Barbara Corcoran’s statement this morning and all of the real estate professionals I've spoken with said the amount of the commission does not translate into the quality of service. No, your listing does not go to the back of the line or the bottom of the pile. Well, at least not here in Olympia, WA.

There is one issue I would like all seller's to keep in mind. If I am unable to negotiate a commission for myself... than how strong of a negotiator am I going to be when negotiating the sale of your home?

217 Residential single-family homes have gone under contract since 09/01 with an avg. sales price of $263,281.

Of the 123 homes sold so far this month; the avg. days on market are 99; average sales price is $273,600 with a median sales price of $248,700.

123 Residential single-family homes have Sold since September 1st, 2009.

68 of those available listings in Thurston County are under $150,000. Exclude short sales, manufactured, townhomes, fixers and homes in fair condition and there are 18 listings available.

1717 Total Residential Single Family homes available for sale in Thurston County.