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Answers (16)
- SarahJ25
- Contributions:1
I used a company called Help-U-Sell Achievers Realty in the past when I sold my house in Fremont Ca. I was very pleased with their services. It isa full-service low set-fee company and their licensed professionals managed the entire home sale process from start to finish, including negotiating a good price for me, holding open houses, internet marketing including most websites, virtual tours, you tube videos, craigslist, and providing advice. They returned our calls and were there with us throughout the transaction. I was able to save thousands of dollars.
- lgmargewy
- Contributions:2
Flat fee services are a real hot button with traditional agents. However, I have sold several homes through a flat fee agent. I always offered 3% to buyers agents because I know how much work they can end up doing for their clients including days of driving them around. You have to be prepared to act as a professional, however. It was about $300 to get into the mls. I liked that I had complete control over who was in my house and when. Often, the hardest part of selling a house is maintaining, cleaning and accommodating showings- which sellers have to do anyhow. And while it took some effort, I swear that I marketed my home better than 95% of agents out there would have- my house had great photos, impeccable mls data, wonderful description, etc. I was friendly, professional and I did not hover when they were viewing my home. My husband and I used a real estate attorney on an hourly basis when needed. Also, [removed by moderator] will completely evaluate how your home appears on all of the important web sites (to catch any mistakes and give suggestions) for $189. So, when all was said and done, aside from paying the buyer's agent half of a regular commission, our expenses were around $1000.
- hpvanc
- Contributions:2587
5 month old post, but here are my recommendations, and what I intend to do if I sell:
Line up a team of professionals (i.e. appraisers, attorney, home inspector) to cover the aspects you are not getting an agent to do, or find a highly credentialed broker that has that team and offers those services as you need them on an ala carte basis. Since the agent is not taking the up front financial risks of paying for those costs without a guaranteed payday, if you are serious about selling at current market value you should come out ahead by doing so.
Line up a team of professionals (i.e. appraisers, attorney, home inspector) to cover the aspects you are not getting an agent to do, or find a highly credentialed broker that has that team and offers those services as you need them on an ala carte basis. Since the agent is not taking the up front financial risks of paying for those costs without a guaranteed payday, if you are serious about selling at current market value you should come out ahead by doing so.
- Rita A. Walker, "Rita Walker"
- Contributions:278
They are a nightmare!! Don't do it!!!
I am dealing with one now. Seller has a limited service listing with his agents.
He keeps calling me for advice, but I do not represent him, I represent the Buyer. I must have suggested to him 30 times in a week to ask his agents. His response is "they are not my agents, they just listed my property on the MLS".
He is constantly doing things that are setting himself up for a lawsuit.
Signed a contract without knowing what he signed.
I guess he thinks he is saving money. But the possibility of finding himself in court in a matter of months may prove a bit more costly.
I am dealing with one now. Seller has a limited service listing with his agents.
He keeps calling me for advice, but I do not represent him, I represent the Buyer. I must have suggested to him 30 times in a week to ask his agents. His response is "they are not my agents, they just listed my property on the MLS".
He is constantly doing things that are setting himself up for a lawsuit.
Signed a contract without knowing what he signed.
I guess he thinks he is saving money. But the possibility of finding himself in court in a matter of months may prove a bit more costly.
- Nicholas Ribeiro, "NicholasRibeiro"
- Contributions:1807
Flat fee got very popular about 5 years ago in my market then they were the first to go out of business when the market took a turn downwards. There is a whole lot more involved in selling a home then just throwing it up in MLS and hoping for the best in today's market. If you notice the flat fee shops are also the shops with the worst reputations and the most expired listings. If anything they make for great lead generators for us experienced agents who work for a commission.
- Allen Perry, "allenperry"
- Contributions:543
if youre in the Nashville Real Estate Market, MOVEBYYOU.COM is a great limited-listing service. It's easy to use, self explanatory and affordable.
- Diane Velasquez, "Sauk Valley Homes"
- Contributions:8
Erica,
Our Realty office offers flat fee listings and More. We do all that a Realtor would do and more. Click on my profile and see if we can be of service.
Our Realty office offers flat fee listings and More. We do all that a Realtor would do and more. Click on my profile and see if we can be of service.
- Kamaaina Realty
- Contributions:54
I believe that it's the wave of the future. With all the technology that is available to us it should make things easier. Because of the internet & social media "a buyer" can look through millions of or homes around the world without even speaking to a realtor vs. 20 plus years ago you would need to contact a realtor to get listings. Now, "a seller" can get the same effect. So it's worth investigating and finding out what works for you. Best of Luck to You !!!
- David Barr, "dpbarr2000"
- Contributions:281
Most of the "limited service" or "flat fee" brokerages in my area have vanished. There is too much competition for a lay person to successfully list, market, and then negotiate a price.
- Bryan Bowles, "Bryan Bowles"
- Contributions:145
Hi Erica,
We offer the most affordable Flat Fee MLS service in St. Louis/St. Charles area. [Contact information and promotion removed by Zillow moderator.]
Bryan Bowles
Worth Clark Realty
We offer the most affordable Flat Fee MLS service in St. Louis/St. Charles area. [Contact information and promotion removed by Zillow moderator.]
Bryan Bowles
Worth Clark Realty
- Amanda Thomas, "amandathomas"
- Contributions:178
Erica,
You may be able to contract with a realtor in your area for a flat-fee listing. Although, legally, there really is no such thing... A broker may agree to a flat fee price, but will still be obligated to provide the full range of realty services that they provide for all other clients.
Prior to getting licensed, I tried http://www.valuemls.com, and found them to be decent in terms of getting what I paid for.
Best wishes!
You may be able to contract with a realtor in your area for a flat-fee listing. Although, legally, there really is no such thing... A broker may agree to a flat fee price, but will still be obligated to provide the full range of realty services that they provide for all other clients.
Prior to getting licensed, I tried http://www.valuemls.com, and found them to be decent in terms of getting what I paid for.
Best wishes!
- Eileen Dell-Hak, "TheRentalPro"
- Contributions:7
I Believe It is Much More "Customized" Services, Than a "Flat Fee" One you should be Considering. Not 1 Price or % Fits All. YES I, as a Realtor Believe this 100%! The oath was not "List it & Forget it". As an Agent over the last 20yrs, I have had Numerous Investors, Owners, Property Managers, & Sellers. In Any Economy I would Say 100% Definitely Look For a "Customized Service". The Truth is, Taking into account Each Individuals needs & Wants Are Always Unique, THAT Should Reflect in The Price Paid. There For The Amount Pd Should reflect on the Work that is Actually Provided! NOT A Flat $ Or %. 1)It Requires A Lot of Costly hrs Marketing & Advertising A Home. 2) You Will Definitely need the Help of Some Professional at 1 point. A lawyer, Title Co, Escrow & More. I did not even mention the Fact Some People Spend wks Researching Specifics A Professional Already Know. How Much Can You Really get for your home? Is it realistic? We all know Our Own Personal Items are Much More Precious to Us, Than to Another. What's The Real Market Price Or Amount That Should be paid..? If you Look For & Find A Realtor willing to "Customize" their service to Your Individual Needs, You Can Definitley have the benefit of Saving yourself A Lot of $$$, Time & Headaches. Why pay 6-12% Or $499. For a Realtor to just stick your home on the MLS? Does That Even cover The Highest ranking Public site Realtor.Com? It Certainly Doesn't pull it Automatically. A (Marketing savvy & Well Educated)Professional Can List it in 5 Places, That Expands to Over 300 Syndicated Sites for $200+\- Yes Really. The Real questions Are. Do you Really want Every Call? Can you Pre-Qualify Them All? (Anyone Can Get a Pre-Qual Letter(Or Scarier, Make 1!) Do you know All the Risks & Facts of Safety, Fraud & Scams? •Marketing, PreQuals, Negotiations, Open Houses, The List Goes on. Find Out All The Facts. Ask Yourself The Right ?'s. And Know Nothing is Or Should Be Ever Jusy A Flat % Or Fee.
- Elisa Mullins, CPM, Broker, "discountrealtor"
- Contributions:515
I think these are good answers here for you to consider; the main question you need to ask is how much do you plan to help to get your home sold.. .you have to cooperate and be available and participate to the selling process.
there are also full service flat fee offices in your area.. they offer all the same services a traditional agency offers.. but for a discounted or flat fee commission.
Be sure to ask how much you will be doing vs how much the agent will handle for you in the transaction.
It does vary greatly in this market .
good luck..
there are also full service flat fee offices in your area.. they offer all the same services a traditional agency offers.. but for a discounted or flat fee commission.
Be sure to ask how much you will be doing vs how much the agent will handle for you in the transaction.
It does vary greatly in this market .
good luck..
- Michael Helton
- Contributions:456
I cannot add much advice to rockinblu's blogs...great info there.
Here is an example of a broker I used recently and sold my house in one day for my desired price. Total cost: $499. I just filled out a form, the broker posted it on the MLS and they handled all the appointment scheduling. It was a very smooth and professional process.
The best part was that the broker offered various levels of service, so if I did need additional marketing, higher levels of representation, or even access to an agent for an hourly fee I could get it.
I think this can be a financially viable option for the brokerages as well, because I was treated so well on my limited listing I used one of their buyers agents on a purchase and have recommended them to many locals who are buying.
In my opinion, this Fee-for-service model should be THE model for all RE brokerages. It is also the model illustratedas positive by the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division.
Great example of Fee-For-Service brokerage:
http://www.krchrealty.com/sellers/economy-listing-plus/
Here is an example of a broker I used recently and sold my house in one day for my desired price. Total cost: $499. I just filled out a form, the broker posted it on the MLS and they handled all the appointment scheduling. It was a very smooth and professional process.
The best part was that the broker offered various levels of service, so if I did need additional marketing, higher levels of representation, or even access to an agent for an hourly fee I could get it.
I think this can be a financially viable option for the brokerages as well, because I was treated so well on my limited listing I used one of their buyers agents on a purchase and have recommended them to many locals who are buying.
In my opinion, this Fee-for-service model should be THE model for all RE brokerages. It is also the model illustratedas positive by the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division.
Great example of Fee-For-Service brokerage:
http://www.krchrealty.com/sellers/economy-listing-plus/
- Bradley Kilger, "Brad Kilger"
- Contributions:36
I'll skip the "you are being foolish" lecture, but I'll give you the "be realistic" one. I have no problem acknowledging that there are plenty of people completely capable of selling themselves. And there are plenty who can sell using a limited services brokerage.
Be prepared, these places are just that - limited service. Find out exactly what you're getting when you pay them. If it's just a sign and getting you in the MLS, you are responsible to make sure the home is realistically priced, easy to show, and in showing condition. You'll likely be responsible for negotiating on your behalf and taking care of the legal ends on your side
(they'll probably provide you with the up front disclosures but you'll need an attorney for title update/transfer/etc) and following up on the buyer's mortgage and closing process.
In my area, there's only two big limited services brokers. They differ slightly in cost and options, but they're probably similar to the ones around you. Many of these listings do end up selling, but I specialize in expired listings, and I can say confidently that out of the 4-10 expireds in my ML each day, at least 1 is from one of these two brokerages. But also out of the 10-20 that report as closed each day, 1-2 are from those companies.
In my opinion, the ones who sell are the ones priced right and easily shown. The ones that don't are the sellers who think their house is better than anyone's anywhere and they're smarter than any buyer or agent who can't see that. These are the same people who I have turned down listing with, because I know they won't sell and I don't need to waste my time.
The real question is which group are you in and are you prepared for the work you'll be taking on by saving the commission? Like I said, there are plenty of people who are and plenty who aren't.
Be prepared, these places are just that - limited service. Find out exactly what you're getting when you pay them. If it's just a sign and getting you in the MLS, you are responsible to make sure the home is realistically priced, easy to show, and in showing condition. You'll likely be responsible for negotiating on your behalf and taking care of the legal ends on your side
(they'll probably provide you with the up front disclosures but you'll need an attorney for title update/transfer/etc) and following up on the buyer's mortgage and closing process.
In my area, there's only two big limited services brokers. They differ slightly in cost and options, but they're probably similar to the ones around you. Many of these listings do end up selling, but I specialize in expired listings, and I can say confidently that out of the 4-10 expireds in my ML each day, at least 1 is from one of these two brokerages. But also out of the 10-20 that report as closed each day, 1-2 are from those companies.
In my opinion, the ones who sell are the ones priced right and easily shown. The ones that don't are the sellers who think their house is better than anyone's anywhere and they're smarter than any buyer or agent who can't see that. These are the same people who I have turned down listing with, because I know they won't sell and I don't need to waste my time.
The real question is which group are you in and are you prepared for the work you'll be taking on by saving the commission? Like I said, there are plenty of people who are and plenty who aren't.
- Dunes....
- Contributions:3894
Here is a Blog written by a Non-Agent zillow Member that many have found helpful....http://rockinblu-rockinblu.blogspot.com/2009/02/thinking-about-doing-fsbo.html
Another..Posting Your FSBO Listing on Zillow 101
Prepare yourself now for the "You are being foolish" lectures from Agents ;)
Another..Posting Your FSBO Listing on Zillow 101
Prepare yourself now for the "You are being foolish" lectures from Agents ;)
Flat fee mls service recommendations
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