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By Paula Bean

An ACRE can offer you both the traditional system of real estate services by commission as well a variety of other compensation models, so the most obvious answer to 'when' is always.  It's always ideal to work with an ACRE as your real estate professional because with an ACRE you'll have far more choices in how to receive the services you want and need!

To elaborate on the 'why', an Accredited Consultant in Real Estate (ACRE) can offer some more cost effective solutions as you only pay for what you need, and ACREs understand that real estate is not a "one size fits all" business. It's like going to a car dealership to buy a new car, but if all they had were red sedans of the same make and model, you'd go to another dealership where they had more choices, right?

Sometimes you need to get some real estate help, you know it is going to take some time and effort for the real estate agent to do the job, and you'd actually feel better about it if you could simply pay for the service. Often, though, realty professionals are only paid by commission.  You can ask one to do you the "favor" but in turn your business (or referrals) will be expected down the road.  Not what you had in mind?  Time to find an ACRE, who will consult with you on your special project, charge you appropriately, and there will be no lingering sense of obligation for a favor done.

Every seller is a "For Sale by Owner." Every buyer is a "do it yourselfer." It is simply a matter of how much of the work in a real estate transaction is contracted to a real estate professional. From none to the entire transaction. Or in industry speak, from the stereotypical FSBO for a seller to a "full service" listing.

WHY CAN'T THE CONSUMER HAVE BOTH?

In a recent article in RIS Magazine, Brian Buffini, founder and chairman of Buffini & Company made a very interesting observation: despite the fact that 80-90% of real estate buyers start their home search online, how many, when browsing homes online and finding one that they like, would actually go to the next step and click "Add to Shopping Cart?"

In real estate, quality is essential for keeping the most money in your pocket when you ultimately close. But should that mean that you are locked into paying by commission in order to get that quality? I believe the answer should be no.

Of course, after you have explored and weighed different options, based on your individual needs and comfort level, you may find, as many consumers do, that a traditional commission is the best choice for you. And that's perfectly fine. But you should make that choice because it's the BEST option, not because it's the ONLY option.