Frequently Asked Questions

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What does Agency Relationship mean to me?

This is the relationship between a real estate agent and a home buyer or seller. There are different options available for both buyers and sellers and it's important to be informed. A valuable publication: "Working With Real Estate Agents" can be found at the NC Real Estate Commissions website. This publication informs you of the many aspects of buying and selling. For example: you need to know whether an agent is working for you as "your" agent or simply working "with" you while acting as an agent for the other party. It also offers insight on the various services agents can provide, and helps explain how real estate agents are paid.

How are you able to provide the same services for less cost?

A simple statement of economics. We do not have the burden of a carrying-charge of high-priced commercial office buildings. This enormous burden of overhead must be paid for by the commissions the traditional firms collect on their transactions. Not to mention all of the othWer costs associated with furnishing and staffing such a commercial presence. We eliminated this stodgey image and provide the value our clients need and expect without the "no value added" cost.

What makes you better than the "Discount Firms" I see advertised?

We are Full Service with Discount Commissions. We come to your home, we personally handle negotiations for you—we become part of your team and work directly with you like other traditional firms. The Discount Firms are mainly internet warehouses that simply log data for you — from that point on—you are on your own.

Can I look for a house on my own?

Absolutely! We can show you how plus—if you like—you can give us your parameters and we can set you up with an automatic email notification when a home becomes available! Just ask!!

Can I buy a home without using an agent?

Yes—in NC you can—but why would you? Whether you use our firm or someone elses, typically the Buyer incurs no expense to use a Buyer's Agent. Our difference is that at time of Closing, we give you a Rebate Check. So why would you use anybody else but us!?

What is the MLS?

The Triangel MLS*, Inc, is a wholly owned subsidiary corporation of the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors®. It provides a database management service for over 8,000 REALTORS® servicing 16 counties in the greater Triangle area. The Triangle MLS compiles over 18,000 active listings on homes for sale at any one time. There is no better marketing tool available for Realtors® or FSBOs.

What is a CMA or Comp?

A CMA is an acronym that stands for Comparative Market Analysis. We research home sales in your local area to determine the best possible price for your home and most importantly, have it priced right.

What is FSBO?

FSBO means For Sale By Owner and reflects the homeowners who prefer to sell their homes without listing with a real estate agent.

What is Entry Only? What is a Flat Fee?

Entry Only is an Entry-type listing that permits FSBOs to have their home available on the MLS. We charge a flat fee of $450. (See Ready To Sell for details.) For those who wish to sell their home themsleves, this is bar none the best value available.

What is Full Service?

Full service is an Exclusive Listing. There is no upfront cost to the Seller and the commission is paid at time of Closing. You sign the Exclusive Listing Contract and we provide our professional service in listing your home for sale. (See all the details at Ready To Sell)

What is your commission for Listing (Selling) my property?
What commission do you offer to the Buyer's agent?

We charge a commission rate of 1.2%. This rate is also capped at a maximum of $9,500. We have no minimum so if you have a home you wish to sell and it is priced at $130,000, then our commission is 1.2% or $1,560. Typically a Buyer's Agent's commission is 2.4% but it is up to the Seller what you wish to pay the Buyer's Agent. There is no fixed or set commission.

What does it mean to pay me up to 60% of your commission at Closing? What is a Rebate?

That is what we do...at the Closing, we give you a Rebate for a large part of our commission, which we just received from the Seller. In some cases, it is 60% or more! (See the details. Discover your Rebate amount at Buyer's Rebate!)

Will you actually show me properties that I may be interested in, like a traditional real estate agent?

You bet! We are Realtors® and enjoy all the privileges of all other real estate agents.

Can you show me properties other than the ones you are listing (selling)?

Sure! We can show you any property that is for sale, regardless of the Listing Agent or company.

Why should I use a traditional firm?

You tell me!

*TriangleMLS.com

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