Best ways to bypass realtor fees?

Best ways to bypass realtor fees?

Mesa, AZ · Member since 2016 · 26 posts · 6 votes

Hello All!

I was wondering if you guys had better ways to sell properties for less? I have a cool little place I am rapping up a rehab on but am cutting it close with realtor fees. I'm not trying to get rich but would also like to not loose money. I would love to pay people for their service but I'm cutting it so close I may not be able to. I mean no disrespect to the awesome realtors out there. I am also not a licensed realtor yet. Here were some options I have come across and wanted your guys opinion:

-sell to opendoor/offerpad. Huge (7%) fee associated with this option.

-sell conventionally with 6% fee. listed on MLS

-sell to unrepresented buyer. $2000 and have a realtor friend who will manage the sale/contracts for buyer and seller

-sell to represented buyer. $1000 plus 2% to other agent. Property will be listed on MLS and my realtor friend will manage the sale/contracts for buyer and seller.

Definitely open to other creative thoughts.

PS. its an awesome 3 bed 2 bath near McClintock and Elliot. Fully remodeled. New roof, new A/C, new kitchen, bathrooms, and basically every inch of the house.  1907 E Velvet Tempe AZ, 85284.

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Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
9y

Any one in the flipping business for the life of me why they are not their own realtor its escapes me.. I think its mandatory.. for these exact scenerios.

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  • Real Estate Agent · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 220 posts · 122 votes
    9y

    list on Zillow/Trulia/Craigslist etc., consider rent to own

  • Real Estate Agent/Investor · Peoria, AZ · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y

    @Mason Aitken

    Have you considered using an MLS listing service? I've read and heard from other people who use this to sell their properties and keep the extra money rather than pay the 3% to their listing agent. Not sure of any good ones in Phoenix, but it's something worth looking into. Downside is you'll have to basically be your own listing agent and handle the showings and negotiations and for some people, that's too tough of an order.

  • Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2015 · 96 posts · 46 votes
    9y

    What is the price?

  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    9y

    If you don't pay 2.5% to 3% to the buyers agent, they likely won't show your property. So keep that in mind. You can do a flat fee listing for the list side if there are any....just make sure you fully understand how to deal with all the legalities of the transaction, know what legal disclosures you need to make. And very importantly make sure you understand the appraisal process. Make sure you know what you can get the house to appraise for and how to work with the appraiser to arrive at the number. 

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    9y

    Any one in the flipping business for the life of me why they are not their own realtor its escapes me.. I think its mandatory.. for these exact scenerios.

  • Mesa, AZ · Member since 2015 · 74 posts · 47 votes
    9y
    I see it on Zillow but no price listed?
  • Boca Raton, FL · Member since 2016 · 145 posts · 67 votes
    9y

    Flat Fee MLS listing service - just google "Flat Fee MLS Mesa Arizona"-

    You should find goo reputable ones.

    1. use a direct broker, not a referral.
    2. check licenses
    3. call their number and ask to talk to the Broker or a licensed agent (just to make sure they are legitimate and not just paying someone to use their license).
    4. make sure there are no hidden fees or another fees at closing
    5. max pics in the MLS
    6. read whatever agreement you will sign
    7. check that you can cancel for free
    8. offer market commission to buyer's agents
    9. get a local RE attorney for all

    You will be just fine and will save a bunch of money!

  • Kerry BairdPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y
    I did a public auction one time. There was a book on it...something like 10 Day Auction.
  • Mesa, AZ · Member since 2016 · 26 posts · 6 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:

    Any one in the flipping business for the life of me why they are not their own realtor its escapes me.. I think its mandatory.. for these exact scenerios.

     Because of time. I literally haven't been doing it long enough to get my license. It's been 60days. And between coordinating the project, working a full time job, and not neglecting my family it's pretty near impossible to get a license before selling the place. 

  • Mesa, AZ · Member since 2016 · 26 posts · 6 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Hunter Fitch:

    I see it on Zillow but no price listed?

     Yes, I wanted to hear the Bigger pockets thoughts before making any listing moves. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Princeton, NJ · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y
    Mason Aitken - I think many real estate agents can provide tremendous value to you in terms of marketing, negotiation and pricing assistance. Start today with FOR SALE BY OWNER signage and posting on free platforms (Zillow, craigslist, etc.). Put sign in yard next time you START the rehab. Host your own open houses. If no traction in x days (by the time it's 100% done), consider signing up to pay your real estate agent friend or a discount listing service to get the property on MLS. Offer a 2.5-3% buyer's agent commission to be competitive with other properties. Understand that with FSBO - they might underbid your goal sale price significantly because they also know you're not paying 4-6% to agents.
  • Real Estate Agent · Mesa, AZ · Member since 2015 · 44 posts · 6 votes
    9y

    Hi Mason,

    What do you plan on listing it for? 

    Thanks,

    Jane

  • Mesa, AZ · Member since 2016 · 26 posts · 6 votes
    9y

    Between $244-248. If there's no realtor fees I can go lower. 

  • Mike CumbieBusiness Member
    REALTOR® · Brockport, NY · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y

    Start calling agents,
    "I do not want you to represent me, but I want you to know that I have a house for sale soon". "If you bring me a buyer you represent, I will pay 3.5% for you to do the contract up and represent your buyer".
    I actually have a single little one page contract for just that (I know a lot of people that would rather climb in a warm bathtub with a blade than sign a listing contract). It says in bold "This is not a listing contract". I agree to pay BROKER NAME a fee of ___% if they bring a buyer for 123 Main street.
    To me personally I have no problem taking my client in there, it's in my clients best interest that less people know about it. I do know the contracts much better than the seller does so I ensure it is written in such a manner that my client is protected in their interests. Does the seller save money? Debateable. Could I list it and get them more? Really depends on what price they choose and all sorts of factors. I have buyers looking all the time and your place may be the right one for someone I have. Throw a half a percent to a full percent more than half because I know I have alot more work to do on a FSBO than a regular listing.
    Just a thought and good luck

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