How is a Flat-Fee Listing different from a Full Commission Listing?
With a Flat-Fee Listing you can save thousands over a Full Commission Listing. You only pay for the services you use.
Then why do agents still charge 3% or more to list a house?
With a Full Commission Listing the agent usually does not charge you if the house does not sell. This means that the agent pays all the fees and expenses for the listing. This also allows some sellers to "test the waters" to see if their property would sell for the asking price and if it doesn't sell it doesn't cost the property owner a thing. Things like lock boxes, signs, MLS® Fees, marketing expenses, flyers, open houses, trips to the property all add up quickly. Because the agent pays for all of the expenses and fees, agents use the income from properties that sell quickly to pay for properties that don't sell at all. List enough good properties and avoid the bad ones, and a good agent can cover all their expenses and earn a reasonable living. Since we don't subsidize bad properties with good properties, you save! With a Flat-Fee Listing you only pay for your property and your expenses--helping you save money.
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent a 3% commission?
No.
Then how much should I pay a buyer's agent?
That's your decision. But, think about this: An agent has a client in town for the weekend, and has a long list of very similar house to show before they go back. After two very busy days of house hunting and a future trip to the airport, they only have time to see one last property. The remaining two properties meet their clients wishes, but one offered to pay the agent $500 vs. paying the agent 3%. Which one compensates the agent better for the time spent with the client? As an agent myself, I pay 3% to buyer's agents when I sell my properties.
What advantages comes with listing a property on the MLS?
The MLS is the first place real estate agents look when finding a new property for their clients. MLS is also the only source for some major websites for properties listed for sale or lease. If a property isn't in MLS it may not appear on Realtor.com, Yahoo! Real Estate, dozens of local real estate website and more.
Can I still use your service if I need to sell/lease a condo, townhouse or co-op?
If a property can be sold or leased thru the traditional means you can use our service to sell or lease it. All you need to do is let us now what kind of property you have and if you want to sell it or lease it; it's that easy.
What if I need more help? I want to save money but I can't do it alone.
We strive to serve all the needs of our clients. If you need more help than a simple flat-fee listing, but less than a full 3% listing, we have the solution for you. A flat-fee listing plus 1% commission. It's like a traditional listing, we handle the contract, closing, negotiations, and more. You get the help you need and the savings you want.
