A few weeks ago, I had an encounter with a law firm. I thought I needed legal services. The intake person (salesperson) told me all about why they charge a retainer before the first meeting. She said it would cost $500.00. As someone who often works for free because I don’t charge a retainer, I get it. The money would be subtracted from the bill if I chose that law firm. That makes sense.
Spending $500 is making a commitment, yet I felt it was fair. I don’t expect anyone to work for free. As I explained my situation, the deposit suddenly increased from $500 to $ 1,500. Ouch!
The salesperson went on and on about how complicated the situation is. At no time did she tell me that her firm wanted the work or that they were good at it, or that they would be successful and help me achieve my goal. The conversation was all about justifying the $1500 deposit but not about the legal services that money could buy.
When I asked for a rough estimate of how much the services I need will cost, I could not get a number. I generally won’t make a decision to spend money unless I know how much money I will need to spend and what I will get for that money. They did not explain the benefits of their services.
I did not hire the law firm. I almost offered to give them sales training in exchange for services.
As a Realtor and a real estate broker, I know that people are concerned about how much I charge. That is only fair. I like to explain what I do and how I will make the home sale or purchase successful, and why I am the best person for the job. I let the prospective client know that I want the business and that I can handle it.
People who hire a Realtor should expect to know exactly what it will cost and what services will be provided.
I have learned from experience that people who are only concerned about how much I charge are not my people. They do not make good clients.
It is a good idea to listen to people and understand what it is they want before contracting to do business with them.
Real estate commissions and fees are negotiable for those who don’t like to negotiate; take comfort in knowing that there are more real estate agents than there are home sales.
