And why honest strategy, focus, and follow-through leave more money in your pocket
When preparing to sell your home, it can be tempting to go with the real estate agent who promises the highest sale price and the lowest commission. On the surface, it feels like a smart financial move – less in agent fees and a bigger windfall at the end… right?
But in practice, that decision can actually cost you more than you save.
The real question isn’t who’s charging the least – it’s who’s leaving you with the most at settlement. And that’s where experience, ethics, and execution matter more than headline numbers.
The Cost of Choosing Based on Price Alone
Recently, we met with a local seller who was ready to list his property. He’d invited three agents in to appraise it – Jacob and I included. We offered a well-researched appraisal, provided sales evidence, and outlined a tailored strategy to launch the property successfully. We also explained our team approach, and while we weren’t the cheapest agents, we weren’t the most expensive either. Our commission reflected the energy, focus, and expertise we bring to every campaign.
Instead, the seller chose another agent who gave him the highest appraisal number and the lowest commission.
Unfortunately, things began to unravel almost immediately. That agent released details about the property to buyers and buyer’s agents before the seller had even signed the listing agreement – an action that raises both legal and ethical concerns (you can read more about that in this blog post).
Once the home officially hit the market, it remained listed for 10 weeks without a price.
Buyer feedback rolled in: the price expectations were unclear, the agent seemed evasive, and no one could get straight answers. Buyers felt uneasy and walked away. Offers that were made didn’t seem to go anywhere. Eventually, the property was taken off the market – unsold.
A few weeks later, it re-listed with a different agency – and sold for $200,000 less than what we had originally appraised it for.
This Is Why We’re the Cheapest Agents
At first glance, we may not offer the lowest commission. But again and again, our sellers walk away with the highest net result. That’s what truly matters when choosing an agent – not the fee, but what’s left in your pocket after the deal is done.
Take our recent sale at 55 Mathilda Street in Moorooka as a perfect example.
We first met the owners in August last year, and rather than rushing the property to market, we worked with them over several months to ensure the home was truly ready. Together, we undertook a comprehensive decluttering and maintenance plan, making sure the home presented at its absolute best. During this time, we remained transparent and realistic about our pricing guidance. We never inflated expectations or made empty promises – just thoughtful, data-backed advice.
We listed the home in March this year, launching it with a clear and strategic price. The market responded immediately. The sellers were rewarded with $52,000 more than they had expected, and feedback from both buyers and other agents has been that we achieved an outstanding result for that home in the current market.
This is what happens when you combine honest pricing, meticulous preparation, and focused marketing.
And this is why we confidently say:
We’re not the cheapest agents on paper – we’re the cheapest when it counts.
By investing our time, energy, and experience into every listing, and by limiting ourselves to one new property each, per weekend, we ensure that your home gets the full attention it deserves. That focus translates into strong buyer interest, competitive offers, and exceptional results.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the cheapest commission doesn’t guarantee you’ll make more. In fact, it can do the opposite.
A great agent doesn’t just talk about high prices—they deliver them, by earning buyer trust, managing negotiations skillfully, and investing the right amount of time into each sale.
We stand by our strategy because it works—and it leaves our clients with more money in their pocket when the sale settles.
Thinking of Selling?
If you’re looking for an agency that takes integrity as seriously as results, we’d love to support you. We’re proud to do things properly and we’re here to guide you through the whole process.
📞 Kath Chown
📍 RE/MAX Elevate, Brisbane
📧 kathchown@remax.com.au
📱 0458 912 906
