I was not saying that an incentive on top of the normal sales commission is necessary to ensure that an agent promotes that property professionally.

Nor was I saying that if there was an incentive put in place that it had to be a large one.

While the majority of agents will always try to do their best for their client it must be recognised that they will be even more motivated if there is potential reward for even more effort, over and above 'normal' service.

That is human nature.

I said that an incentive could be paid 'if they get you a certain price'.

I should have made it clearer that the 'certain price' must benefit the seller.

For example, supposing your asking price is £180,000 and you tell the agent that if they get you £182,000 you will pay them an extra £100.

Out of the extra £2,000 you make £1,900.

Sheila Gray characterises my suggestion as a 'bribe' or 'backhander'.

Perhaps others will see it as a sensible investment that costs nothing unless the property sells.

NICK SALMON
Commercial director, Harrison Murray Estate Agents