Real Estate News

A La Carte Agent Options Expand Access to Local Expertise

A la carte agent options revolutionize real estate by offering flexible, customizable services. Access local market expertise without committing to full-service packages, choosing only what you need

flareAI Services

07 Dec 2025 — 6 min read

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The real estate market, long defined by rigid commission structures and complex transactions, is undergoing a profound transformation. In Michigan and Florida, where economic shifts and tech-savvy consumers are reshaping home buying and selling, a new model is gaining traction. Platforms like Side Door are pioneering a la carte services, allowing homeowners to select specific real estate tasks such as pricing analysis or contract review without the burden of traditional full-service fees. This shift, spurred by recent industry changes, is not just a trend but a fundamental reimagining of how consumers access professional expertise in a cooling market.

Home buying or selling shouldn't mean paying for services you don't use or need. Now, with new rules, you can choose exactly what you pay for. Side Door's smart match engine connects you with vetted agents offering flexible service levels, so you pay only for what you use. Keep the guidance, skip the extras, and save thousands and still get the keys in hand. Join Side Door for FREE today!

New Commission Rules Reshape Real Estate

In March 2024, a landmark National Association of Realtors settlement of $418 million altered the traditional commission model. Previously, sellers typically paid 2.5 to 3 percent commissions to both their agent and the buyer's agent, with rates advertised in listings. The settlement, as detailed by the Federal Reserve, eliminated this practice and mandated explicit compensation agreements between buyers and their agents. This change has disrupted the standard 3 percent commission structure, prompting some agents to reconsider their careers and raising expectations of lower fees. For consumers, it's an opportunity to redefine how they engage with real estate professionals.

Side Door, a PropTech innovator, is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a platform where buyers and sellers can choose modular services tailored to their needs. Unlike conventional brokerages, Side Door enables users to pay for specific tasks like market analysis or negotiation support without committing to comprehensive contracts. This approach is particularly appealing in cost-conscious regions like West Michigan and Southwest Florida, where homeowners seek value and flexibility in a competitive market.

Regional Markets Embrace Innovation

Michigan's real estate landscape is cooling, with the Michigan Realtors® Q2-2025 Housing Report noting a 7% statewide decline in transaction volume. In West Michigan, full-service listings have waned, but flat-fee and limited-service arrangements are surging. In Holland, MI, 15% of recent transactions involved consulting-only or limited representation, according to Ottawa County Property Data 2025. Homeowners are increasingly opting for targeted services, such as local market insights, to navigate tight markets without incurring unnecessary costs.

Florida mirrors this trend. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (2025) reports a rise in a la carte listings in Southwest and Central Florida, driven by remote buyers and seasonal sellers. Retirees and investors, in particular, value platforms that offer task-specific support, such as compliance checks or deal negotiations. Side Door's model aligns seamlessly, providing access to verified, region-licensed professionals who deliver localized expertise at a fraction of traditional costs.

The Shift to Pay-Per-Expertise Models

The move toward modular services reflects broader industry trends, amplified by the NAR settlement. A 2024 study from Michigan State University's Broad College of Business highlights the rise of “digitally modular” models, particularly among first-time sellers. Consumers are now paying separately for services like listing syndication or contract drafting, a shift fueled by PropTech platforms that emphasize transparency and choice.

According to a March 2024 Economic Brief from the Richmond Federal Reserve, the traditional commission structure, often disconnected from actual costs, can inflate home prices and extend search times. A la carte models, by contrast, enhance efficiency by allowing consumers to select only the services they need. For agents, platforms like Side Door open doors to deals they might otherwise miss, connecting them with clients seeking specialized skills.

Case Study: Savings in Holland, MI

Take a recent example from Holland, MI, where a homeowner used a PropTech platform to sell their property. By paying $2,500 for a limited-service agent to handle pricing and contract review, they saved approximately 3% on the sale significant savings in a mid-priced market. The agent's deep understanding of local comps and zoning regulations proved invaluable, ensuring a smooth transaction. Side Door excels in such scenarios, matching users with professionals who know the intricacies of markets like Holland or Grand Rapids.

In Florida, similar patterns are emerging. Data from Florida Realtors Market Pulse 2025 shows hybrid models outperforming national averages in seller satisfaction in areas like Lakeland. Side Door's approach fosters collaboration, enabling title companies, lenders, and inspectors to highlight their value, creating a client-centric ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency and trust.

Addressing Challenges: Compliance and Perception

The a la carte model, while promising, faces obstacles. Michigan's Occupational Code (R 339.22101) requires full disclosure for limited-service listings, ensuring transparency but adding complexity for agents and consumers alike. Some buyers perceive modular services as “do-it-yourself,” fearing they'll lack the support of a full-service agent. Additionally, smaller brokerages in West Michigan and North Florida often struggle to adopt digital tools, hindering the transition to modular platforms.

Trust remains a hurdle. As a startup, Side Door faces skepticism about its website's polish compared to competitors with robust marketing budgets. Yet, it counters this by leveraging tools like Michigan's MiRealSource MLS API, which delivers hyper-local pricing data to build consumer confidence. By focusing on verified professionals and transparent pricing, Side Door addresses concerns about reliability and quality.

Opportunities for Consumer Empowerment

Beyond cost savings, the a la carte model empowers consumers with control. In markets like Kalamazoo, MI, and Pensacola, FL, first-time buyers can access professional guidance without prohibitive fees. Side Door's platform streamlines agent workflows, reducing administrative burdens and allowing focus on high-value tasks. Consumers, meanwhile, benefit from the ability to customize services, aligning with their specific needs and budgets.

The U.S. real estate brokerage market, valued at $206.45 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $252.51 billion by 2030, with a 4.11% CAGR, according to Mordor Intelligence. This growth reflects the industry's resilience and the increasing adoption of innovative models like Side Door's, which cater to evolving consumer demands.

Negotiation and Misconceptions in the New Era

The NAR settlement has sparked new opportunities for commission negotiation. As List with Clever advises, buyers and sellers can now negotiate fees directly, focusing on services rendered. For example, a seller might pay $1,000 for a pricing consultation instead of a 3% commission, saving thousands on a $300,000 home. However, misconceptions persist some believe agents now work for free or that fees are universally lower. In reality, costs vary by region and service, requiring clear communication to avoid confusion.

Side Door addresses these challenges by offering transparent pricing and verified professionals, ensuring consumers understand the value of each service. This clarity is critical in building trust and dispelling myths about modular real estate services.

A Future Built on Choice

The real estate industry is at a crossroads, and platforms like Side Door are paving the way forward. By offering modular, consumer-driven services, they empower buyers and sellers in Michigan and Florida to navigate transactions with confidence and control. As regulators adapt and technology advances, hybrid models are poised to dominate mid-price markets by 2026, blending digital efficiency with the local expertise that turns houses into homes. In this post-NAR era, choice is the new standard, and Side Door is helping consumers wield it wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are a la carte real estate services and how do they work?

A la carte real estate services allow buyers and sellers to select specific tasks such as pricing analysis, contract review, or negotiation support instead of paying for full-service agent packages. Platforms like Side Door enable homeowners to pay only for the expertise they need, typically at a fraction of traditional commission costs. This modular approach is particularly popular in Michigan and Florida, where consumers can access region-licensed professionals for targeted services without committing to comprehensive 3% commission agreements.

How did the 2024 NAR settlement change real estate commissions?

The March 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement eliminated the practice of advertising buyer agent commissions in listings and mandated explicit compensation agreements between buyers and their agents. Previously, sellers typically paid 2.5-3% commissions to both their agent and the buyer's agent automatically. Now, buyers and sellers can negotiate fees directly based on specific services rendered, creating opportunities for significant savings such as paying $1,000 for a pricing consultation instead of thousands in traditional commissions on a $300,000 home.

Can I save money using limited-service real estate agents in Michigan or Florida?

Yes, limited-service and a la carte models can deliver substantial savings in both Michigan and Florida markets. For example, a Holland, MI homeowner recently saved approximately 3% on their sale by paying just $2,500 for pricing and contract review services instead of full commission fees. In Florida, hybrid models are showing higher seller satisfaction rates in areas like Lakeland, with retirees and investors particularly benefiting from task-specific support like compliance checks and deal negotiations at transparent, lower costs.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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