What you don't know could cost you money.

For example, commissions, or broker's fees. I don't tell you what I charge, you tell me what you'll pay. Let's see if we can get together, and what you'll get for your money. You can pay either a percentage of the selling price, or a flat fee. The point is, commissions are negotiable just like anything else.

You may want full service; that is, you turn the selling of your property entirely over to your agent, who takes care of everything the law allows, and you basically just get a check for your proceeds at closing. On the other hand, you as seller may wish to be more engaged in the process, and may prefer to share duties with the agent. In that case, you and the agent might agree on a reduced fee.

Michael Dixon Realty has always offered choices to sellers, choices that other companies may not even mention.

Did you know that if Michael Dixon lists your property and is successful in bringing the buyer to the table, you will get a break on the commission? In other words, if the buyer comes through Michael and not another company, then Michael does not have to split the commission 50-50 with the other broker. In that case, Michael can afford to work for a 4 percent commission, for example, instead of 6 percent. You get a one-third discount. Michael is the only broker in the Americus area, or probably anywhere around, who voluntarily gives you a break on your cost to sell. You walk away with a little more money in your pocket, and Michael is happy with what he got as well.

To put it another way, the last time you sold real estate and paid the typical 6 percent commission, even when your broker did not have to split it with another company, your commission with Michael would have been 4 percent if no other company was involved.

On a different but related subject: Who sells your house, or your land, or your commercial property? Is it the real estate broker or agent? No. They market your property, but only you can sell it. The broker and agent advertise the property, promote it to prospective buyers, and try to get offers on it, but only you can sell it. That's your decision. The broker and agent try to help you find a buyer, but only you can say yes to an offer. You can decide not to sell your property by never accepting an offer. It's your choice.

A word to buyers: I try to work with buyers who have been preapproved for a mortgage loan. Preapproval is based on meeting certain conditions of the lender; it's a positive step in the right direction. If you're interested in buying a house, you should talk to a mortgage lender before you talk to a real estate agent. Give your lender the information needed to be preapproved up to an amount for a loan. Get a preapproval letter from your lender, and share this with your real estate agent. Your preapproval letter tells a seller that if you are financially able to buy his or her property. Many sellers won't accept an offer from you if you're not preapproved. They don't want to tie up their property in a contract with someone who may not be able to get financing. It just makes sense.

If you are a buyer working through me as your agent, and you buy a property for $85,000 or more, I will give you a home warranty. This warranty will cover the repair or replacement of major parts of your house if they break down during your first year of ownership. You will have to pay a service charge, but the cost of the repair or replacement will be paid by the warranty company. If you prefer, I'll give you a Lowe's gift card valued at $400.00. Your choice. It's my way of saying thanks for your business. I'm the only broker anywhere around who does this, by the way.

All real estate companies are not the same. Shop around when you're ready to list your property or to buy.