Real Estate Fees for Service vs. Full Service

With the impact of technology and internet on the real estate business, there now exists more than ever before a higher level of competition among Realtors and a larger selection of choices for their clients as a result.

Some of the changes which have arisen are companies and agents offering everything from paying a set fee for a particular service to what has been more common in the past: paying a percentage amount of the sales price for the total services package they provide. Your particular needs and circumstances will determine which particular direction will work best for you.

Since customers and clients now have a larger pool of choices, it is very important to get in writing what services will be provided for what fee(s) during your interview process of Realtors. During this interview and investigation process, there are very important questions you need to ask the agent and yourself:

What services do I get for what fee?

What services do I not get as a result of this fee structure?

What services can I do on my own and still get the goal of selling the home accomplished?

What services can I obtain later in the process if I determine I need them, and for what fee?

Determine who offers the best overall package for you. Although the cheaper alternatives may seem the most appealing, financially speaking, keep in mind your ultimate goal: to sell your property. Make sure you are purchasing the services that can accomplish your goals in the manner in which works best for you, for a reasonable fee, not necessarily or always the cheapest. Good luck!

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Your licensed real estate agent cannot give you legal advice. If you have any questions about your legal rights or obligations, you should consult with an attorney.