"Johanna: It takes money, hard work and the desire to help your clients, to be in this business.  We sign Agency with them, and have a relationship with them, that others don't( fiduciary) Others wish to participate…"

"Gabe:  I am sorry that you are having this experience.  And it also appalling to me, that no one indicated to you, that if you feel the agent did not do his/her job, every agent has a Broker that you can call.  In my office, many…"

"Hi Jennifer:  I feel your pain.  Getting a $1000.00 paycheck after negotiating a short sale for 10 months:) its a joke!In CA we can not charge anything more than our commission.  Some companies charge an Admin fee, which is quickly…"

"Hi George:  Congratulations on taking a stance on this issue.  Because of similar situations with other banks, I feel your frustation.   In my support, I posted the link on FB for my other fellow Realtors to see.  It is time we…"

"Eric, this is what I'm not understanding in your argument: "Now in your model he would have been overextended and/or would have ahd to dip into his reserves to pay YOU " No one is dipping into reserves.  What does the buyer want…"

"Don't forget though, that all decisions are that of the sellers. The agent can recommend, I can recommend, but the decision to accept or deny is always the sellers."

"Good debate guys, there are going to arguments to both sides of this debate.  Like Bryant said, keep it cool and dont resort to any personal attacks.  Eric, Joseph and Smitty, all three of you are great contributors to this site and I…"

"Joseph, not to get off topic but REO expenses are paid by the REO Lender.  Lender pays for title, doc stamps and closing fees, at least all of the REO listings that I have do.  Bank of AMerica pays the REO fees, not the buyer.... Back to…"

"Bryant, Your correct I meant a contract signed upfront stating they will pay a fee in order to get there contract acceptedand move forward with the purchase. If they dont sign this then the contract will be recommended to be denied."

"Eric. I don't think Joseph ever stated anything about an upfront fee. His fees are paid at time of closing....just like ours. Now having said that I used to charge an upfront fee on listings. Whether they were short sales or not. I've been…"

"Now Joseph I believe your getting a little touchy. No hard feeling. I said over and over I'm sure your well educated, versed and professional. I'm sure you know your stuff and just for the simple fact that me and you are debating real…"

"Ok guys. Lets keep the personal attacks out of the conversation. Don't make me........ The beauty of our business is that there are MANY different ways to help folk and many ways to charge for our services. As long as negotiators are…"

"Here's the revelation Smitty....I am a negotiatior. Have over a hundred and have done them for a while. When getting into negotiating for others I saw the business models out there and new the market was commoditized. Saw the various models and…"

"I guarantee you, Eric, you would be turned down flat by the majority of my sellers.  Why?  because I have a great track record.  I take the time to thoughtfully educate the sellers and agent about the process.  I care enough to…"

""call an agent and he has to break the news to them that they can't even SEE the home because so guy attached a fee to it so sorry.....On to the next!!" Eric, Again, this is up to the BUYER to decide, NOT any agent.  If the…"