I love getting something for free. Though in the back of my head, I realize it’s a bit of a trick. Usually, when I’m given something “free,” I’m likely getting charged on the other side for something else. It is a frequent occurrence in real estate transactions -- hidden fees by brokers that show up at the closing table. Sure, it was in the contract you signed months ago, but, if it wasn’t pointed out, you probably didn’t even know it was there. These “hidden fees” are known as administration, transaction, or document fees, and they’ve frustrated buyers and sellers alike, depending on who gets surprised with the charge.
As a seller, you are responsible for paying your agent and the buyer’s agent. Commission rates are not standard, but most agree to pay their agent 3% of the sales price and the buyer’s agent 3% of the sales price. That’s 6% off the top- right away. If you’re a buyer, there really is no reason not to use the expertise of an experienced real estate agent.
Sellers, however, are understandably trying to get the most equity from their home as possible. The flat fee brokerage proposal sounds great, and many jump on that bandwagon only to see homes on the market sit with very little activity. Paying a few hundred dollars to list the home on the MLS saves the cost of a seller’s agent, but it may end up costing more in the long run if the house sits unsold and unmarketed. Worse? It could be sold for less than the market demands.
There is a middle ground between full commission brokerages with hidden fees and flat fee brokerages with little or no marketing plan. And that’s Cowen Property Group.
There are no hidden fees at our brokerage firm. We don’t market ourselves with commercials and brick and mortar storefronts, only to pass the cost on to the customers. We are a full service brokerage with flexible commission rates standard to the market. We do more than facilitate the transaction. Cowen Property Group has the market research, listing price advice, personal service, and expert negotiating tactics to list homes in the Tampa and St. Petersburg market.
Get more for your money -- without surprising hidden fees at the closing table.
As a seller, you are responsible for paying your agent and the buyer’s agent. Commission rates are not standard, but most agree to pay their agent 3% of the sales price and the buyer’s agent 3% of the sales price. That’s 6% off the top- right away. If you’re a buyer, there really is no reason not to use the expertise of an experienced real estate agent.
Sellers, however, are understandably trying to get the most equity from their home as possible. The flat fee brokerage proposal sounds great, and many jump on that bandwagon only to see homes on the market sit with very little activity. Paying a few hundred dollars to list the home on the MLS saves the cost of a seller’s agent, but it may end up costing more in the long run if the house sits unsold and unmarketed. Worse? It could be sold for less than the market demands.
There is a middle ground between full commission brokerages with hidden fees and flat fee brokerages with little or no marketing plan. And that’s Cowen Property Group.
There are no hidden fees at our brokerage firm. We don’t market ourselves with commercials and brick and mortar storefronts, only to pass the cost on to the customers. We are a full service brokerage with flexible commission rates standard to the market. We do more than facilitate the transaction. Cowen Property Group has the market research, listing price advice, personal service, and expert negotiating tactics to list homes in the Tampa and St. Petersburg market.
Get more for your money -- without surprising hidden fees at the closing table.
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