Save Thousands With A La Carte Real Estate
If you are currently in the real estate market, you may be discovering that you do not need the wide range of services that your broker offers. Yet, you are still responsible for the entire commission. Why not look into a la carte real estate services instead. A la carte real estate services allow you to pay for only the services you use during your buy or sell. That choice will save you thousands in commissions that would be better applied toward your closing costs.
Your fees are determined by the scope of services you request. Sellers have a few options. A la carte real estate services offer full service listings for a fraction of the real estate commission you would pay a traditional broker. If you offer your home for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as part of your a la carte arrangement, you will enjoy access to all the benefits of a traditional MLS listing but will also be liable for the full buyer broker commission. However, total commission costs will still be thousands less than with a standard representation arrangement. (Be aware that a la carte real estate services are available only for traditional buy and sell transactions; short sales and lender negotiated transactions are ineligible.)
A la carte real estate services work best when the buyer is also operating without a broker. For one flat rate, you will receive assistance in contract negotiations and preparation, follow up with the buyer on mortgage qualification, provide all necessary disclosures to the buyer, open escrow, arrange for inspections and advise on pre closing repair requests. Hourly consulting services are also available.
Buyers also benefit from a la carte real estate services. You, as buyer, may even qualify for a 25 percent refund on the buying broker commission provided you commit to a minimum 30 day agreement with the a la carte real estate service. This agreement entitles you to broker services in locating potential homes, a market analysis to determine the best offer price, assistance with contract negotiations, help in securing the most suitable mortgage and representation of your interests at the final property walk through prior to closing.
Why not look into a la carte real estate services the next time you are in the market, particularly if you are selling. A nontraditional approach to your transaction could yield you thousands of dollars in savings.