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Patricia Harris (Celtic Realty)

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

 Hi Patricia,

The only two franchises I know of that do flat fee listings are Help-U-Sell and Assist-2-Sell.  I don't know if either of them are in the Alexandria area. Unless their models have changed, they charge a flat fee PLUS offer the MLS buyer broker fee.  So, in reality you probably wouldn't be saving a substantial amount. 

I'm a retired REALTOR (30 years experience) and I would never try to sell my home on my own. The legalities are constantly changing and I'd want someone to protect me and share the liability... as well as get me mass exposure.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.   




Jul 07, 2016 12:39 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I would be surprised if there is not a "mentor listing" company.  But why would you think a home would sell for the appraisal amount?  That is not usually an indicator of market value or what a buyer would pay. Its more of a replacement cost.

Jul 07, 2016 12:31 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

not a good decision..... flat fee agents are not marketer....they are not negotiators.... they toss it into mls and the homeowner hopes for the best...

Jul 07, 2016 05:47 AM
Rainmaker
4,966,102
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Not sure if that is the move you want to do.

Jul 07, 2016 01:11 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

there are many, Fizber is one also. BUTTTTTTT seriously consider it before you do... you "might" want to solicit help from a seasoned pro, maybe not to do everything but a sliding scale fee structure.

here is my number one question? who will answer the questions? who will answer the phone? it is a daunting task, if you are up to it.go for it. some of those MLS flat fee are no savings at all, because the potential buyers  dont call you, they call the flat fee agent! in my world..if it were my house, i would put my home on zillow as a for sale by owner....this is going to be too much for one answer..perhaps email me if you like some help or questions answered. or call also. tks mike

Jul 07, 2016 01:00 AM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

Market values and house appraisals can be different values . Our area relies on market values . Selling your home based on appraised value may end up with less money to you. 

Jul 07, 2016 12:44 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Good morning Patricia.  While I understand the perception of trying to save money and try to sell real estate without paying fees that concept typically backfires in many ways. 

Home sellers still need to comply with local and state requirements and need to do this as a minimum in order to avoid liability.

Also buyers will build in the sellers savings that they are perceived to be putting in their pocket at close and will want that money off the price or in credits at close. 

I'm sure there are ways to sell themselves but in my many years in this business I've found that hiring a professional to do the job can actually be the best for maximizing the value of a home in the marketplace.

Best of luck.

Jul 07, 2016 12:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

In Erie only one broker has done this but says never again without much higher fee.  Liability, liability, liability.  Not worth it to the broker who inputs for small fee.

Jul 07, 2016 12:02 AM
Rainer
10,536
George L. Rosario
Luxe Stone NY at eXp Realty - Brooklyn, NY
NYC's Hometown Realtor

I don't know about Alexandria, Virgina but I know that all the services in NY that do this usually fall short in the service they provide. Also, I do know that the market is so competitive in NYC that the home owners who try to sell their homes without hiring an agent are usually hurt in the process (financially, emotionally and timewise). I hope things do work differently in Alexandria. I wish you all the luck and success in the world. If you change your mind, I hear that the Coldwell Banker office located at 310 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 knows how to deliver! NO, I do not work in that office nor am I being offered any compensation for mentioning them. I just know what their market share and productivity levels are like. They ROCK!  

 

[George L. RosarioNYC's Hometown RealtorColdwell Banker Kueber, the Rosario Shalomayev Team, #glrosario #RosarioShalomayevTeam]

Jul 21, 2016 02:43 PM
Rainmaker
670,315
Tom Burris
NMLS# 335055 - Baton Rouge, LA
Texas/Louisiana Mortgage Pro - 13 YRS Experience

Just call some agents. Either they will or might know someone in their office that will.
I have realtor partners here that do it. 
I cannot imagine why any realtor would turn down a few hundred bucks to provide the service.

 

Jul 08, 2016 04:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,177
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Do not know

Jul 07, 2016 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
7,869,948
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good luck with your efforts.

Jul 07, 2016 09:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Research shows that houses that are listed with REALTORS sell quicker and for more money.

Jul 07, 2016 04:10 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,773
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Patricia Harris - you got few good answers...

Jul 07, 2016 03:54 PM
Ambassador
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Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

You might think of contacting Don Shab at Fizber. His number is (949) 625-6436. He deals with unrepresented Sellers and flat rates.

Or you might contact knowledgeable experts in your area and discuss your situation with them. Two excellent Rainers who service your area are Amanda S. Davidson [(703) 431-3755] and Susan Haughton [(703) 470-4545}.

Jul 07, 2016 12:54 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Good luck with. I hope you are prepared to handle the paperwork and the disclosures that are required. 

Jul 07, 2016 12:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,033,001
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I'm with Kathleen Daniels . Great advice!

Jul 07, 2016 12:41 PM
Ambassador
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Lots of discount brokerages out there willing to take your money for this.  Best to hire a full brokerage, it is well worth the money. 

But many need to go the "selling it themselves" route before learning how inexpensive a real broker is.

Jul 07, 2016 10:17 AM
Ambassador
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I suggest a Google search of Flat Fee Brokerage ... in your area.  See what comes up. 

Jul 07, 2016 09:03 AM
Ambassador
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Google it.  There must be plenty of them.  

Jul 07, 2016 08:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,132
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Sorry, I can't help you, but I would think that Google could help.

Jul 07, 2016 05:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,506,773
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I don't know about your market specifically, but "Help-U-Sell" is one out here that does this.  You may want to check with some area agents, they may be willing to do this for you (and could help with the legal paperwork).

Jul 07, 2016 04:36 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Was the appraisal done for the previous buyer?  Most lenders will order their own appraisal.  Could certainly turn out higher or lower than the one she has.

Jul 07, 2016 04:36 AM
Rainer
94,155
Val Evans
Scottsdale, AZ

We've sold several homes as FSBO's. It's a very simple process. Just make sure to offer a co-broke to a buyers agent if you want a little more exposure. Set up an account with a title/escrow company and they'll provide you with all the paperwork and will help you with the process. I always had one of our attorneys look everything over just to make sure we were solid. Selling a home is not rocket science.

Jul 07, 2016 03:10 AM
Rainer
38,844
Patricia Harris
Celtic Realty - Dunedin, FL

Well, the house belongs to my daughter and she lives in Alexandria.

She has been in the house only a short while and just can not afford

to pay 6%.  She had a buyer but she no longer has him.  she has the

appraisal and wanted to move forward at the least possible expense to

her. thanks for the response.

Jul 07, 2016 02:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,791
FN LN
Toronto, ON

It will be an interesting to see how you will sell your house when it is Virginia and you are in Florida, according to your bio.

Jul 07, 2016 02:10 AM