Here's the skinny on real estate commissions

ESCONDIDO – After receiving calls for real estate advice or consultations, I’ve heard these words many times.

“Thanks so much. How much do I owe you?”

People are always surprised by the response – nothing.

The general public, I believe, is under the misconception that if someone charges for a service then it must be a better quality than a service that is free. For example, many lawyers and accountants charge upward of $250 per hour. Realtors also provide a service, yet in most cases they do not charge by the hour.

A Realtor represents either a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction. T...