Full disclosure: The Tim was employed by Redfin, and is currently a shareholder. WaLaw Realty and Quill Realty are current advertisers on Seattle Bubble.
For some reason, the Seattle area has become home to the cutting edge of real estate. On the technology front, we’re home to Redfin, Estately, Zillow, ActiveRain (a division of Trulia), and Market Leader (also a division of Trulia).
But it’s not just consumer and agent-facing real estate technology that is flourishing here in the Seattle area. We’ve become a hotbed of alternative brokerage models, as well. If you want to pay someone a three percent commission to take basic photos of your home and list it on the MLS, or to help you see homes as a buyer, you certainly can, but there are a growing number of local choices if you want to pay less or get more for your money.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Redfin – Full service, agents paid on customer satisfaction, great website and mobile apps, commission refund/discount.
- WaLaw Realty – Real estate attorney handles your deal, flat fee.
- Quill Realty – Agent + attorney team handles your deal, charges 2% commission.
- Surefield – Listing brokerage provides unique online 3D tour that allows buyers to get a detailed look at homes.
- Locality – Full service, four percent listing option for sellers, one third commission refund for buyers.
- $500 Realty – $200 and $500 basic listing packages for sellers, seventy-five percent commission refund for buyers ($3,900 minimum charge)
I have sent out a Q&A to each of these brokerages to allow them to share their model and the value they bring to buyers and/or sellers. Throughout the week I’ll be posting their responses in full, so stay tuned.
If you’re buying or selling a home in the Seattle area, I really have no idea why you would settle for a “traditional” agent charging three percent. With this week’s series, you’ll be able to determine which alternative brokerage model is right for your specific needs, wants, and buying or selling situation.
Series Table of Contents