Giving RE Commission to Charity

[Jon Frame]

Just wanted to run something by everyone to get a discussion going. First, a little about me. I started wholesaling in June of 2006, for the first 3 1/2 years I did around 60 deals. In 2010 I got my RE License so I could work directly with my investment buyers. I did OK with the buyers that I had but the houses I was selling were cheap, mostly under 50k and between my broker fee's and all the other expenses I didn't make much money. With that, and some financial and personal issues I decided to put my License in escrow. For the first time in 5 years, 2012, I did't do a single deal.
When I started I had a good full time job working nights and doing RE in the day. I got permanently laid off of that job in 2010 due to the economy and haven't really settled in a "real" job as of yet. BTW, married w/ 2 kids so I need the benefits.

Sooooooo..... here are my plans for 2013......

I have been in touch with a newer local rapidly expanding brokerage in my area that pays 100% commission on every deal. It's an awesome system which is why they are expanding so rapidly. Because of this and my position right now, I would like to jump back in the game and offer 30% of my commission to a local charity of the buyer or seller's choice, this would also be in the name of the buyer or seller so they can deduct this in their own taxes. This is a total win for everyone and it's something that I really want to do. It would be a total privilege to be able to give a check of a couple thousand dollars to a local food bank or church a couple times a month.
I want to get into the residential market as well as sticking with investor's.
I will just need to do my continuing ed 14 credits, should take a weekend and that's it.

If anyone would need my services in the coming year please let me know.

Any thoughts, comments?

Thank You.... Merry Christmas !!! God Bless !!!

[Amy A.]

I tried that for my first couple years as an agent. Like you, I make most of my money through my investments. I didn't do a lot of advertising, as brokering is not my main focus. However, I never got any new business through offering a portion of my commission to charity. I had one client who is a good person, but who would probably have had me give to a charity I disagree with. I didn't advertise it to him so he never knew, and I gave the donation to my church. I thought it was strange that it didn't set me apart from other brokers, maybe people thought it was a gimmick. Regardless, I now give a portion of my income to a charity I choose.