What Makes Us Different

“Strength Lies in Differences, Not in Similarities” – Stephen Covey

• Client Choice – The client, whether buyer or seller, chooses which plan best fits their needs based on their unique abilities, comfort level, financial limitations, and personal circumstances. This IS NOT a “one size fits all” service offering.

• Full Service for a Flat Rate – FLAT FEE IS NOT A DISCOUNT BROKER! The client is provided full service based on their unique needs and is assessed a flat fee for those services that is not dependent on the price of the property. The percentage commission model in antiquated and cannot be economically justified to the client.

• Consulting versus Sales – We are a consultant to the client rather than a salesman which is consistent with other professions such as an accountants, attorneys, or financial advisors. We work towards their specific goals without an ulterior motive. We combine forces with the client to deliver a level of service they need in order to facilitate either a sale or a purchase of a home within their timeframe. Our consultants are licensed real estate agents who are paid a salary and bonus and are expected to provide exceptional service to their clients. Ours is a true partnership between client and vendor.

• How the Broker Choice is Made – Rather than choosing a broker and agent solely based on “who” a client knows personally (friend, relative, neighbor) who is in the business of real estate, the decision is a pragmatic one based on service offering, as well as, broker qualifications and credibility. As long as the broker is capable, educated, competent, and trustworthy, a successful transaction will result from their representation. In today’s wired world, it is less about where the broker’s office is located or their brand recognition and more about their ability to negotiate a workable transaction to the mutual benefit of all parties. The compensation must fit the services provided and not pay for needless and wasted overhead.

• Clearing the Path to Sell Guarantee – We recognize that many of the problems associated with selling a house and buying a new one revolve around money and timing. In order to alleviate those issues, we have developed the “Clearing the Path to Sell” Guarantee. When Flat Fee engages in an “Exclusive Right to Sell” listing with a client, we will guarantee that the client’s house will sell or we will buy it, based on a number of unique qualifying factors and at a predetermined price. As well, if a bridge loan is needed to buy the client’s next house before the current house that is listed sells, Flat Fee will provide that bridge loan. Should the client be strapped with two house payments, Flat Fee will make the payment on the house we have listed. Should the client need to make much needed repairs to their house before listing and selling to maximize their value but they do not have the funds to make the repairs, we will loan the client the needed funds. These services will be provided through our partner, Home Equity Funding.

• Required Retainer – In the real estate business, there are those clients who are not serious about buying or selling property but engage the services of an agent nonetheless. Some brokerages are willing to accept these types of clients on the chance that they can establish a relationship that will bear fruit some time in the future. Flat Fee Realty IS NOT that type of brokerage. We will happily educate clients on our service offerings such that they can make an educated decision, but we will not provide services for free. We will require a small up front retainer that will ensure that the consumer is serious about their desire to buy or sell which is meant to cover some of our costs associated with servicing that particular client.

• Basic Consulting Engagement Offering – We recognize that there are situations where a buyer or seller may simply need some minor assistance in the buying or selling process and want to do most of the work themselves without engaging a broker. To meet that need, Flat Fee also offers a basic consulting service for those clients who would prefer to “go it entirely alone” thereby potentially saving even more commission dollars. We will educate the clients on the sales process thereby equipping them to handle the pricing, negotiations, etc. without any additional assistance from a broker. As always, our clients will be able to use whatever payments made to Flat Fee to upgrade to a higher level of service should the need arise. Our goal is to provide the client with only those services they need while charging a reasonable fee for the services we provide.