Realtor Concessions On A Closing---Good Business Practice or Bad idea?

The title of this and the topic i know will stir a lot of debate and unrest among fellow Realtors. But this morning i was put in this position unwillingly. Do I give up part of my commission or not let the deal close (potentially at all)? What is a Realtor to do? First, let me say we are independent business people who run our business as we see fit. We may work under a company umbrella or be on our own; but either way we are independent contractors or small business owners. What we elect to do with our compensation is up to our business model and plan. I for one believe if I am going to give up any part of my commission; it has to be something I negotiate upfront with the transaction. I have done it in the past and will continue to do it in the future if the situation seems right. But it is a case by case scenario and it depends on the individual situation. A home seller who needs a certain amount out of his house in order to purchase a home on the other side or just does not have enough money to bring to the closing table; I might offer a concession to put the transaction together. I have paid for home warranties for first time home buyers; because the seller or the bank would not or had a bottom line and the buyer does not have the money to do it. Does helping make a transaction close a bad idea or good business practice? Yes, I work very hard for my money and some transactions I do not average even minimum wage by the time it closes with the amount of hours I put into the transaction. But I still am an independent owner and feel that the decision of what I do is completely up to me… I have found that it is not only good business practice for me; but has increased my referral business from those clients to an even greater amount. In the long run; I believe my career path and choice to be a realtor allows me to help someone sell their home for the most amount of money and/or find the right house for them at the best possible price…. If that means giving a little on my end so be it…. It is good business practice for me….. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com