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 Other Than Using An Agent or Not, What Are My Other Options? 

Currently, nationwide real estate markets are cooling off or already cold. The days of sellers getting their asking price or multiple offers are all but gone. Sellers typically have the attitude of never leave a penny on the table and get the very most for the sale of their home. Sellers have an emotional as well as financial bond to their homes. Most sellers find it easier to deal in financial issues at work than at home. Under these current market conditions, the mentality is to save when selling a home. The discount agent companies or home marketing firms have always been around, but seem to be increasing in popularity.

As a seller how can you sort out all your options and what are the differences between each? Other than strictly going it alone as a “For Sale By Owner,” there are several different examples of “Non-Traditional” marketing firms competing to help you sell your home. Which one works best for you is a matter based on what type of assistance you feel you need. Here are just samples of different marketing programs for you to consider:

Agents willing to advertise for a small percentage
These agents may promise to promote you home on the local Multiple Listing System, MLS, but a participating agent will not be inclined to show you how if not compensated by either yourself or a buyer who agrees to pay a commission for the locating a home.

Flat Fee Agreements
This agreement is provided by an agent who markets your home for a set dollar amount. The agent may agree to pay the cooperating agent, who brings a contract from a buyer, a smaller than usual commission. Transaction Rebates
Some firms offer discounted rates if you sell and also buy with the same company. This way the agent assures your loyalty and gets more than just the average commission on one transaction. Buyer Rebate
This program is similar to the transactions rebate. Basically, if a buyer hires a firm to represent the buyer in the purchase of a home, then the buyer will receive a rebate of the fee paid at closing. The rebate comes from the commission the agent receives from the seller for bring a buyer to closing. Increasing Fee Structure
This type of marketing program is similar to a pay as you go, or order off the menu plan. The more work you want the agent in marketing, contracting and closing your home, the more you will pay. You select whether you just want your home listed in the MLS, put a sign up but not negotiate on your behalf, or have the agent walk you through every detail and hold your hand until closing. Once again, the only motivating force behind hiring a discount firm is to save money. In an ideal seller’s market there may not be a need for the traditional full priced agent, but in a slower buyers market you may need to enlist for expertise of a full time, highly experience, and skilled professional agent.