Everyone loves a bargain. Who hasn’t bragged about finding a pair of shoes on clearance or scoring a half-priced steak dinner? But let’s be clear: there’s a big difference between saving a few bucks on groceries and cutting corners on one of the largest financial transactions of your life.
And yet, some sellers are tempted by the idea of hiring a “discount Realtor.” You know the ones — they promise to sell your home for 1%, or they’ll “just put it on the MLS” and let the magic happen. Sounds like a deal, right? Well, let’s play this out.
“Want a discount Realtor? Then get ready to put your home on clearance — because when they discount their fee, they’re really discounting your value.”
Funny Scenarios: If Life Worked Like a Discount Realtor
The Brain Surgeon Special
Imagine you’re going in for brain surgery. The surgeon walks in and says,
“Normally this procedure costs $75,000, but lucky for you, I’m running a special. I’ve never actually done brain surgery before, but I did watch a YouTube video about it last night. Plus, I’m only charging 1%! Let’s see what happens!”
Would you ever agree to that? Of course not. Because some things in life you just don’t discount.
The Discount Airline
Your Realtor says, “Why pay more? I’ll fly the plane for half the price.” Except the pilot is part-time, only shows up on weekends, and thinks turbulence is “just part of the experience.” Sure, you might land safely… or you might end up in a cornfield in Nebraska.
The “Dollar Store” Contractor
Need your luxury kitchen remodeled? You could hire the guy with experience, reputation, and referrals. Or you could go with the “discount” contractor who promises to do it for half the price. The only catch? He uses duct tape for plumbing and has a 2-star Yelp review from his mom.
Would you trust him with your million-dollar home? Exactly.
What You Could Actually Lose with a Discount Realtor
Here’s where it gets serious: the “savings” you think you’re getting by paying a discount Realtor often evaporate — and then some.
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Homes listed with discount brokers often sell for 10–20% less.
Example: On a $1,000,000 home, that’s $100,000–$200,000 left on the table. Saving 1–2% on commission doesn’t matter when you’re losing 10x that in sales price. -
Marketing budgets matter.
Professional photography, video, drone footage, global syndication, paid ads — these can cost $5,000–$10,000+ per property. Discount Realtors don’t invest in these. That lack of exposure can easily cost you tens of thousands in missed buyer interest. -
Realtors who agree to list your luxury home for 1% aren’t being transparent.
They don’t tell you that they will not spend serious marketing dollars on your home — because, honestly, they can’t afford to. When you pay them next to nothing, they have no choice but to cut corners, skip high-end marketing, and hope the MLS does all the work. And that’s a recipe for a slow sale and a lower price. -
Time on Market = Price Reductions.
According to national stats, homes that sit unsold for 90+ days sell for up to 6% less than homes priced and marketed correctly from day one. On a $1,000,000 home, that’s another $60,000 lost. -
Negotiation Expertise.
A skilled luxury Realtor might secure you multiple offers, higher terms, or concessions worth $25,000–$50,000. A discount Realtor often just wants it sold quickly so they can move on.
So your “savings”? Maybe 1–2% on commission.
Your potential loss? $100,000–$250,000 in equity, time, and stress.
Why Experience Matters in Luxury Real Estate
When you’re selling a luxury property, you need a Realtor who:
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Knows the market inside and out.
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Understands current trends and buyer behavior.
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Invests in world-class marketing, video, social media, and global exposure.
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Has the experience to guide you through complex negotiations and high-stakes decisions.
As the saying goes:
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”
Why The Agency is Different
At The Agency Oklahoma, we’re not a discount brokerage stuck in the past, and we’re not here to “just put it on the MLS.” We’re a forward-thinking company built on innovation, collaboration, and a global brand.
We invest in our agents so they can invest in you. With over 140+ offices worldwide, millions of social media impressions, and luxury marketing strategies that stop buyers mid-scroll, we bring the future of real estate to your doorstep.
As we like to say: “We’re not here to be the cheapest. We’re here to be the best.”
The Bottom Line
Selling a luxury home is not the time to hire a bargain-bin Realtor. Would you hire a part-time brain surgeon? A discount pilot? A handyman who charges 1% to “just look around”? Of course not.
This is your home — one of the biggest financial and emotional investments of your life. You deserve a Realtor who will treat it that way, not one who treats it like a yard sale.
So when it comes time to sell, don’t hire the cheapest Realtor. Hire the right Realtor.
Wyatt Poindexter | The Agency Oklahoma
📞 405-417-5466
🌐 www.WyattPoindexter.com
Because luxury real estate isn’t a discount business — and your home deserves nothing less than the best.
