Flat Fee Services- Denver

[Kyle Doney]

I'm looking for real life stories from people who have used a flat fee listing service in the Denver / Colorado Springs area. Good or bad experience? Which company? Will you continue to use this service? 

[Bill S.]

@Kyle Doney I did not read every word that everyone wrote above but from what I did read it is the same thing said many times over on this site. Now having said that, I believe a quality consultant (re agent) vs and "average consultant" will save the person they represent the cost of their services for all but the most savy consumer over the course of time. I have spent many years earning a living as a consultant and I believe that with all my heart. The problem is, that there are so many average consultants and so few quality ones. It's really hard to find the quality ones, so when left with the alternative if often feels that rolling the dice and going with low price is the best approach. 

One more point of clarity is that a savy consumer probably has the knowledge of a quality consultant without the credentials. 

From the agent side. The state has really started leaning on folks just "selling" MLS listings. In addition, the amount of paperwork the state requires of agents is far beyond what is necessary to actually close most deals so sellers and buyers have no idea what happens behind the curtain. With a flat fee agent they must keep track of a mound of paperwork along with the risk of complaints by brokers with sour grapes. IMO an average flat fee listing is on par with an average "full price" listing.

One last point. Fees are negotiable. There is no industry standard. If there was it would be considered racketeering. That point is driven home in real estate school. It's really easy to sell a listing now and you are doing most of the work. Call agents and see if they are willing to negotiate their fee. Some won't but some will. Better a little of the pie than none of the pie.