How Is My Realtor Paid?

Like professionals in other sales-based industries, the Realtor pay structure is based largely on commissions derived from successful transactions. Here's how it works:
 
Seller's agent (or listing agent)
The sellers and their agent agree to a commission percentage, in which the agent’s payment is based on the final sale price. The amount will vary depending on the area and the agent.
 
Buyer's agent
At the close of the transaction, the seller's agent splits the predetermined commission with the buyer’s agent as compensation for delivering a buyer. This split is usually about half of the total commission.
 
For example, if a listing is listed with a 6% commission, the typical breakdown is 1.5% to the listing broker and 1.5% to the selling broker.  Then 1.5% to each agent.  Most brokers and agents spend a tremendous amount of money on marketing every year.  It takes a lot of money to sell a home.

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Local Expert Updates

Aaron Jones

Cell: 123.475.4564

Matt Lippon

Cell: 712.330.0604

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Liz Sandy

Cell: 712.330.1386

Community Updates

Dancers Unlimited

Dancers Unlimited in Spirit Lake

Dancers Unlimited
3209 Zenith Ave
Spirit Lake

Dancer's Unlimited is a dance studio located in Spirit Lake, Iowa, teaching children ages 3-18. They offer all-in-one classes (tap, jazz, ballet/pointe), hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre classes.

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Spirit Lake

Cheap vs high end quality. A buyer's perspective.

Cheap vs high end quality.  A buyer's perspective. in The

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

The Boonedocks

The Boonedocks in Arnolds Park

The Boonedocks is your one-stop-shop! They have it all. Full selection of beer, wine, grocery items, and of course gasoline. Located right in Arnolds Park!

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Arnolds Park

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