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If you're thinking of selling a Maine property, let us know what you have. We'll examine your area and send you market information based on data in the Maine Statewide MLS – all for free, and with no obligation!
Figure The Real Commission
Did you know that the only way a commission would actually be 6–7% is if you own your property "free and clear?" Since commissions are only taken from your equity position, when you owe on a mortgage, the commission percentage is unbelievably higher!
See for yourself: in the example below, you can see how much of a seller's equity a traditional "listing agent" takes away at closing! Just enter a sale price, mortgage remaining, and a commission percentage and hit "Calculate".
| Maine | 2006 | 2007 |
| Real estate agent | 28% | 27% |
| Internet | 35% | 45% |
| Yard sign | 11% | 10% |
| Print newspaper ad | 8% | 3% |
| Friend, relative or neighbor | 11% | 6% |
| Directly from sellers/knew sellers | 3% | 4% |
| Home builder | 3% | 2% |
| Other/magazine | 2% | 2% |
| United States | 1997 | 1999 | 2001 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
| Real estate agent | 50% | 49% | 48% | 41% | 38% | 36% | 36% | 34% |
| Internet | 2% | 4% | 8% | 11% | 15% | 24% | 24% | 29% |
| Yard sign | 17% | 15% | 15% | 16% | 16% | 15% | 15% | 14% |
| Friend, relative or neighbor | 9% | 8% | 8% | 7% | 7% | 7% | 8% | 8% |
| Home builder | 3% | 4% | 3% | 7% | 7% | 7% | 8% | 8% |
| Print newspaper ad | 8% | 8% | 7% | 7% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 3% |
| Directly from sellers/knew sellers | 4% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 3% |
| Other/magazine | 3% | 7% | 5% | 7% | 6% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
Source: National Association of Realtors, 2007