Do I have to pay a buyers agent?
NO you absolutely do not have to pay a buyers agent compensation. We recommend you start by always offering no compensation to buyers agents in the MLS. In fact as a result of the National Association of Realtors settlement agreement, beginning in July, Realtors will no longer be able to offer compensation to buyer agents in the MLS. There are certainly reasons why at times you may select to compensate an agent but we suggest only doing so after trying to sell your property without an offer of compensation. We will provide you consultation of the pro's and con's to buyers agent compensation, depending on your situation. We have many videos on this subject in our blog.
As an attorney, I would further expand on the implications of the recent NAR ( National Association of Realtors) settlement regarding buyer's agent commissions. The settlement underscores the need for transparency in real estate transactions, particularly concerning the often opaque nature of commission structures.
One of the key issues highlighted by the settlement is the potential conflict of interest inherent in the traditional practice of paying the buyer's agent commission. When the buyer's agent's compensation is tied to the purchase price, there is a risk that the agent may prioritize closing the deal over ensuring that the buyer gets the best possible terms.
Furthermore, the settlement raises questions about the impact of buyer's agent commissions on housing affordability. By inflating the overall cost of the transaction, these commissions can contribute to higher home prices, making homeownership less accessible for many buyers.
Moving forward, it will be important for real estate professionals and regulators to consider alternative models for compensating buyer's agents that do not create conflicts of interest or inflate housing costs. This could include buyer-paid commissions, flat fees, or other arrangements that promote transparency and align the interests of buyers, sellers, and agents.
Full service listing agent & Attorney representation
Comprehensive in home consultation with tips on preparing your home for sale
Comparable market analysis of your property
Yard sign & secure SUPRA electronic lock box on the property
Professional HD photography
Multiple Listing Service marketing
Optimized marketing to Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Trulia and hundreds of other sites
Custom personal property website & digital brochure
Social Media marketing
Handle all property inquiries
Coordinate all showings, offers, negotiations and paperwork
No upfront fees or cancellation fees, you pay only our flat fee at closing
Coordinate closing with title & escrow
Advantage Guarantee
In our consultations, we delve into a comprehensive discussion tailored to your unique needs and goals. We typically cover essential topics such as:
1. Property Assessment: Understanding the specifics of your property, its features, and its unique selling points.
2. Pricing Strategy: Developing an effective pricing strategy based on market conditions, comparable sales, and your financial objectives.
3. Marketing Plan: Outlining our advanced marketing approach, which includes professional HD photography, technology for MLS and online platforms, and my client-first communication strategy.
4. Flat Fee Structure: Explaining our transparent flat fee structure and how it maximizes your savings compared to traditional real estate models.
5. Negotiation and Closing Process: Detailing how we handle negotiations, offers, disclosures, and coordinate with title and escrow for a seamless closing process.
6. Tailored Solutions: Addressing any specific concerns or preferences you have to ensure our approach aligns perfectly with your selling goals.
Consultations are designed to be collaborative, informative, and focused on crafting a personalized strategy that optimizes your home-selling experience.
There are no upfront fees. No cancellation fees. We will collect the listing flat fee from the net proceeds upon a successful closing.
Absolutely not. Discount listing services often limit their offerings to putting your home on the MLS and leaving you to handle the rest.
In contrast, we are a comprehensive full-service real estate company. Providing you with unparalleled value and a complete suite of services including attorney consultation for a fraction of the cost.
Absolutely! While we do conduct open houses, our approach is grounded in practicality and transparency. We've found that in recent market conditions, the majority of our sellers successfully complete their home sales without relying on open houses. In our experience, traditional open houses often serve as a lead generation tool for agents, providing minimal true value to your home sale. When we set up an open house we do so in conjunction with showings to create a buzz and ensure maximum exposure for your home sale.
We understand the appeal of open houses and their potential for exposure. We embrace the opportunity as real estate agents to connect with potential buyers and generate leads. Unlike some, we're upfront about the dual nature of open houses, acknowledging their benefits for real estate professionals while ensuring our sellers make informed decisions about their home-selling strategy.
We understand the importance of confidence in your decision to sell your home. That's why we've introduced the Advantage Guarantee, a unique listing contract clause designed for transparency and your peace of mind.
Our listing contract features an easy exit clause, ensuring that we continuously earn your business every day. If, at any point, you feel dissatisfied with our efforts to sell your home, you can inform us, and we'll promptly release you from the listing. (provided you haven't accepted a signed offer, then you will be subject to the terms of the contract with the buyer.)
Your confidence in us is greatly appreciated, and our guarantee is a testament to our dedication to your satisfaction throughout the home-selling journey.
Absolutely not! As a home seller, you retain full control over the decision to accept an offer and proceed with the sale of your home. There is no obligation whatsoever to accept any offer that comes your way. The power to accept, counter, or reject an offer lies entirely within your discretion, affording you the flexibility to assess each proposal based on your unique priorities, financial objectives, and overall satisfaction. Our role is to provide unwavering support, valuable guidance, and insightful perspectives to facilitate your decision-making process. While we offer assistance, the ultimate choice of whether to accept an offer is firmly in your hands. It's crucial to prioritize your comfort and confidence in the presented terms before moving forward with the sale of your home, ensuring a transaction that aligns seamlessly with your vision and satisfaction.
How much money can I save with a Flat Fee real estate listing?
The amount you save depends on the sale price of your property. With a flat fee listing, you can potentially save thousands of dollars compared to traditional commission-based models. Be sure to use the savings calculator on our home page. The average seller in CA saves over $20,000!!!