No one that I know wants to be thought of as a cheapskate. Sometimes however actions speak louder than words. I know I'm going to offend some out there when I say this but the two biggest ways of saying cheapskate in Real Estate are FSBO (pronounced FizzBo) and "will you cut your commission?".
Everyone likes a bargain but remember that when you think it's a good idea to look for a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) you are dealing with someone who is too cheap to hire a professional, someone who thinks they know just as much as a State Licensed Real Estate Professional, someone who doesn’t want a professional pointing out the problems in his/her house to you, or all the above!
No matter how you look at it FSBO says Cheap, Greedy and usually Trouble. A professional protects you against bad deals. A professional protects you legally. A professional works for YOU. A FSBO looks out only for themselves.
If a FSBO is to cheap/greedy to hire a professional then what other corners has he cut??? Did he do his own wiring in the house (why not, he thinks he is a professional in other areas), did he do the plumbing (why not, he thinks he is a professional in other areas), heck he probably is better at your job then you are (why not, he thinks he is a professional in other areas)?
When you are thinking that you may save some money by purchasing a FSBO remember that guy/gal selling it is more focused on being cheap then you are and/or hiding the properties faults from you. More often than not that FSBO is going to cost you a lot more then dealing with a reputable State Licensed Real Estate Professional who is dedicated by ethics and LAW to protect YOU!
"Will you cut your commission?". Gee, what would be your reaction if every day when you went to work your boss said "I can get someone to do your job for less, how much money can I short you out of today?".