Q: How can you charge so much less? Sounds too good to be true.
A: My years of local real estate sales experience have enabled me to increase workflow efficiency and provide full-service representation at a fair price. My values, including fairness, are at the core of my business model. I sleep better at night, knowing that I am creating a new way of doing business where everyone wins.
Q: Given that it is a flat fee and not a percentage—do you have any incentive to get top dollar?
A: In my opinion, the nature of a good listing agent enjoys the fun of negotiating the deal and breaking sales price records in the neighborhood. Consider my recent results to see my track record. I work hard to get my clients the most in less time with less hassle.
Q: How long will it take to sell?
A: Here are some quick stats. On average, for 2019, my clients’ homes sold within 17 days on the market. On average, for 2020, my clients’ homes sold within 16 days on the market. The average days on the market for my sold listings in 2021 was 13 days on the market. All my listings received multiple offers for the first quarter of 2022 and averaged 6 days on the market. How am I able to sell your home faster than the average agent? It’s simple. I give you valuable information to prepare your home for the market and follow industry best practices. My marketing degree and years of experience also work in your favor.
Q: What price can my house sell for?
A: I’m happy to send you a quick software-driven list price estimate. However, I do not rely on an algorithm to price your home. I will need to see your home in person for the most accurate information. After we onboard you as a flat fee listing client, I’ll schedule a meeting with you at your home. During our appointment, I’ll take notes about special features, property condition, and your ideal selling timeline. With that information in mind, I will manually research for sold comparables and competing properties and prepare a comprehensive written market analysis report that concludes with a maximum suggested list price given current real estate market demand and your timeline to sell.
Q: Who chooses the list price for my home?
A: Some flat fee MLS brokers may attempt to persuade you to list your home at the low end of market value since you are saving thousands in listing commission fees. Frankly, this is a disservice to you, so I do not advise this approach for marketing your home. With our service, you are in control of the list price, and I will provide valuable insight and data to help you with your decision.
Q: What is the total cost of your services?
A: We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. At closing, you pay our listing fee and the buyer’s agent commission. Fees charged by the title insurance company are additional.
Property Sale Price Flat Fee Listing
Under $300k……………..$4,995
$300k – $599k……………$8,995
$600k + …………………….2%
+ 3% buyer’s agent commission
Q: Do I pay upfront?
A: You pay nothing upfront to start with our full-service flat fee listing. Commissions are paid at closing.
Q: Why does your flat fee rate increase based on the price?
A: My tiered listing fee accommodates the value of the property. Generally speaking, as the list price increases, so does the time spent preparing and marketing the home. For more expensive homes, our administrative costs increase (such as E&O insurance). Additionally, transactions are generally more complex for more expensive homes. My clients have found that the value I deliver for negotiating the contract sales price and repairs and ensuring we reach the finish line for closing is well worth it. See client reviews >
Q: Do I need to pay a 3% buyer’s agent commission?
A: This is an interesting question. According to our independent research of 2019 MLS sold data for the Austin real estate market, a 2.5% vs. 3% buyer agent commission did not significantly affect average days on the market. However, when the buyer agent commission paid was below 2.5%, an upward trend in days on the market was observed in the data. In a buyer’s market, when it takes a little longer to sell a home, offering a 3% buyer agent commission is recommended. Therefore, a buyer agent commission in the 2.5% – 3% range is usually suggested.
To calculate the buyer’s agent commission multiply the commission percentage by the contract purchase price. For example, a $350,000 purchase price with a 2.5% buyer’s agent commission equals $8,750 paid at closing. Here’s the formula: (purchase price)(commission%)=total buyer’s agent commission.
Q: Do you charge extra for a sign, lockbox, photography, CMA, contract negotiation, and closing support?
A: My flat fee listing includes everything you would expect from a full-service 6% Realtor just without the high commission fee.
Q: Is my listing agent local?
A: Yes, you are hiring an experienced local real estate broker who has lived in Austin for over 25 years.
Q: How long have you been selling real estate?
A: I’ve been selling residential real estate in Central Texas since 2003.
Q: Do you list homes outside of Austin?
A: Yes, we do! Below are our central Texas, San Antonio, and Texas coast service areas. Texas coast includes Rockport and Port Aransas for STR investment property sales.
Q: Can you tell me about your company?
A: Absolutely. I’m a Broker Associate at Central Metro Realty. Central Metro is a locally owned and operated brokerage, established in 2008, with over 500 agents, generating high buyer demand for our listings. Our team utilizes industry best practices and technology for an efficient and seamless selling experience.
Q: Will my listing be on the big websites in addition to MLS?
A: Yes, in addition to the Realtor MLS, your home listing will syndicate across a large platform of national websites, including Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, Homes.com, Homesnap, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s, Century21, and thousands of local individual Realtor brokerage websites.
Q: Are other brokers and agents able to show my home?
A: Yes! We advertise your home in MLS, and all area Realtors and brokers have access to show your home to their clients.
Q: What type of lockbox do you use?
A: We deliver and install a Supra iBox electronic key box accessible by all registered Realtors. The iBox tracks who has shown your home and restricts overnight access.
Q: If a buyer without an agent wants to see my house, who will show it to them?
A: Buyers who do not have an agent representing them are promptly contacted the same day by myself or my team of Buyer Specialists to schedule a time to see the home.
Q: Are real estate flyers included?
A: Yes! We design, print, and deliver full-color property flyers and install a premium metal for-sale sign with an outdoor flyer box.
To help maximize the desirability of your home, we also assemble a digital document folder. Buyer agents have instant access to the information to share with their clients. What’s more, the content highlights improvements you have made to the home and essential documents that will support the buyer in deciding to buy your house.
Q: Is an open house included?
A: Over the years, I’ve found that open houses rarely sell your home and can expose you to liability. For example, unattended people walking through your home could claim they injured themself or, in rare instances, steal your personal property. The hidden truth about open houses is that they are used as a platform for real estate agents to meet new home buyer clients or list the neighbor’s house down the street. In short, an open house is not part of our marketing plan.
Q: Do you use CSS, and how does it work for appointments?
A: We can coordinate showings using the centralized showing service (CSS) as a free option. CSS is an appointment scheduling service that streamlines Realtor property showing appointments. In addition, if you live in the home, you have the control and convenience to approve or decline showing appointments from your phone, making it more convenient while at work or out and about.
Q: How long is the listing agreement for?
A: Good news. You are free from prolonged 6-12 month listing agreements that many traditional 6% brokers write. You can feel at ease knowing we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For most single-family homes, the listing agreement term is 90 days, and I am confident that I can sell your home quickly at a price that will put a smile on your face. The listing period is specific to your neighborhood and price point. It allows for a reasonable amount of time for exposure on the open market.
You can cancel the listing agreement for a nominal fee of $795 (which helps cover some of our upfront marketing expenses and time investment for your listing). If you decide to relist with me later, the $795 will be credited back to you at closing. I believe in full transparency when we work together, from start to finish.
Q: How do you handle the paperwork?
A: All client paperwork is handled electronically on a seamless and effortless eSignature platform, so it’s quick and efficient. At closing, we can also provide mobile notary service for our clients residing out of town.
Ready to get started? Send me your property information, and I’ll promptly respond to onboard you as a client. I look forward to working with you to sell your home.