[asphaltgambler]

When we purchased our current house, I did all the leg work, research and figured driving times, etc. My wife and I then set out to confirm actual driving times to our work places to verify what was tolerable and what was not. Northern Va / Metro area traffic is brutal here.

After narrowing down, picking one - we contacted the owners agent for a showing. We represented ourselves as we've done this a few times which worked out great. I wouldn't recommend that for just anyone but I'm an educated buyer, had done sales professionally and enjoy the process.

I sat down with their agent, we made an offer and just before signing the agreement, I paused..........on purpose..........until he said something.

I said "If we come close to a deal, both sides have given some and cannot come to an agreement, are you then willing to cut your commission to make it come together?"

He just about fell out of the chair in disbelief, muttered something about that being 'highly unusual'...............I let him continue as I looked him in the eye.......saying nothing. After some extremely uncomfortable minutes on his end, he agreed.