An article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that real estate agents are increasingly offering attention-getting incentives to attract home buyers. Perks such as plasma TVs and gas cards get buyers to look at homes. "Offering incentives like gas cards gives the buyer the perception that the seller has an open mind and is willing to make a deal, but it is always an agreeable price on the home that sells it," said real-estate agent Doug Busby. Incentives are giving some buyers a reason to get off the fence and buy.
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008102701
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008102701
Sounds great, but this really varies state to state. In New Jersey, you cannot offer these incentives. I have seen agents offering to sell cars, etc. The other problem is that everyone is so "Sue Happy" So when the Plasma doesn't work and the car breaks down, they find a way to come back to the seller and the Realtor. I even had an issue recently when the buyer was buying a fully furnished house. A complete nightmare!!!!!!! I think I'll stick to selling homes, not retail!