Case Studies Reveal Success in Partial-Service Home Sales
Real-world case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of partial-service home sales, revealing significant cost savings and successful outcomes for homeowners seeking flexible selling options
Quick Listen:
Imagine a homeowner in a bustling Michigan neighborhood, staring at a real estate app, daunted by the prospect of a full-service agent's commission. The rigid contracts, the steep fees, the all-in commitment it's enough to make anyone pause. What if they could select only the services they need, like a menu at a fine restaurant? This is the essence of partial-service home sales, a model gaining momentum in markets like Michigan and Florida. Platforms like SideDoor are revolutionizing real estate, offering tailored solutions that save time, money, and stress.
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!
The Dawn of À La Carte Real Estate
For decades, selling a home meant signing up for a full-service real estate agent, typically at a cost of 5-6% of the sale price often tens of thousands of dollars. But the industry is evolving. Research from the Urban Institute highlights how shifting commission structures are empowering consumers, especially those seeking flexibility. The institute, a trusted authority in policy research, notes that these changes create new opportunities for cost-conscious buyers and sellers. SideDoor, active in regions like Holland, Michigan, and select Florida markets, lets users pick specific services professional photography, contract review, or MLS listings without committing to a full agent package.
This modular approach is resonating. Consider West Edge Realty, a SideDoor partner listed in its marketplace network. They've embraced partial-service models to meet client's precise needs, whether it's staging a home or coordinating with title companies like Chicago Title's Holland office. Lenders such as Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) and investors like Red Cedar Ventures, tied to Michigan State University, are part of this ecosystem, signaling a broader shift toward customizable real estate solutions.
Real Stories, Real Savings
In Holland, Michigan, one seller used SideDoor to hire an inspector and a title company for a flat fee, sidestepping the traditional commission model. The outcome? A sale completed at 30% less than what a full-service agent would have charged, based on SideDoor's internal data. In Florida, a retiree worked with Premier Lakeshore to secure a single-service MLS listing, drawing buyers without the burden of a hefty commission. These case studies underscore SideDoor's core strength: empowering clients to craft their real estate experience.
Unlike competitors who prioritize full-service models, SideDoor connects agents, lenders, and title companies to deliver bespoke solutions. The Urban Institute's findings suggest that such flexibility is especially valuable for first-time buyers and sellers in high-cost markets. By breaking down services, SideDoor allows professionals from firms like Real Estate One or Chicago Title to directly address client needs, fostering efficiency and trust.
This approach also benefits industry players. Agents gain access to deals they might otherwise miss, while title companies and lenders position themselves as client-focused partners. For example, a Michigan seller needing only a title review can work directly with a provider like Chicago Title, avoiding the overhead of a full-service agent. This streamlined model is proving its worth in competitive markets.
The Post-NAR Settlement Era
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement has upended traditional commission structures, making negotiation a cornerstone of modern real estate. U.S. News explains that the settlement clarifies commissions as negotiable, not fixed, giving consumers leverage to secure better terms. Yet, as Yahoo Finance points out, these changes haven't universally slashed costs full-service agents still dominate many markets.
SideDoor counters this by prioritizing transparency. Sellers see exactly what they're paying for, whether it's a market analysis or closing assistance. One Michigan agent shared, “SideDoor lets me focus on my strengths without chasing the entire deal.” This aligns with advice from Clever, which urges consumers to request itemized fees and compare providers. By fostering open negotiations, SideDoor ensures that both buyers and sellers can tailor services to their budgets.
However, the transition isn't seamless. Some sellers worry that lower commissions could mean fewer showings or less agent effort, a concern echoed in the NAR settlement's fallout. SideDoor mitigates this by curating a network of committed professionals who thrive on delivering targeted services, ensuring quality isn't sacrificed for cost.
Addressing the Skeptics
As a startup, SideDoor faces scrutiny. Some prospects, as noted in its objections list, desire a more polished website, comparing it to industry giants like Zillow or Redfin, who pour millions into marketing. Yet, SideDoor's strength lies in its focus. By targeting niche markets like Michigan and Florida, it builds trust through local partnerships with firms like LMCU and Premier Lakeshore. This localized approach counters the perception of an unrefined platform, proving that substance trumps flash.
Social media plays a pivotal role in this trust-building. SideDoor's presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube listed in its social media file enables agents and lenders to connect directly with clients. A glance at Todd VanHaitsma's Instagram reveals how agents share success stories, from swift closings to innovative financing. These authentic narratives resonate with homeowners, showing that SideDoor's model delivers results.
Still, misconceptions linger. Some assume partial-service models mean “no commission” or low-quality service. SideDoor counters this by emphasizing that fees, while negotiable, are transparent and tied to specific services. This clarity aligns with the post-NAR landscape, where informed consumers demand accountability.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Numbers tell a compelling story. Selling a $300,000 home through a traditional agent might cost $15,000–$18,000 in commissions. With SideDoor, a seller could pay just $5,000 for services like photography, MLS listing, and title work a hypothetical savings of $10,000–$13,000. For a $400,000 home in Michigan, the savings could be even greater, assuming only listing and inspection services are needed. As Realtor.com notes, closing costs, including commissions, often catch sellers off guard, but SideDoor's model minimizes these surprises.
Buyers also win. By engaging directly with lenders or inspectors through SideDoor, they bypass hidden fees embedded in traditional transactions. For instance, a Florida buyer working with a SideDoor-partnered lender like LMCU could secure a mortgage review without the markup of a full-service agent. Yet, clarity is key: SideDoor emphasizes that partial-service doesn't mean free. Fees remain, but they're upfront and negotiable, reflecting the NAR settlement's push for transparency.
To illustrate, consider a hypothetical scenario: a Michigan couple selling their $350,000 home uses SideDoor for a $3,000 package covering listing, photography, and title services. Compared to a $21,000 commission at 6%, they save $18,000. Such savings are game-changers, especially for first-time sellers or retirees on fixed incomes.
The Future of Real Estate
The real estate industry is shedding its one-size-fits-all skin. In Michigan and Florida, SideDoor is leading the charge, proving that partial-service home sales are more than a passing trend they're a paradigm shift. By partnering with trusted names like West Edge Realty and Chicago Title, and leveraging social media to share authentic stories, SideDoor is redefining value in real estate. The NAR settlement has opened the door to negotiation, but SideDoor hands consumers the tools to walk through it.
As one Florida seller said, “I didn't need a full agent I needed choices.” That sentiment captures the heart of this movement. With transparency, flexibility, and a focus on local markets, SideDoor is paving the way for a smarter, more equitable real estate future. For buyers and sellers, the message is clear: you don't have to pay for the whole package to get the keys to your dream home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are partial-service home sales and how do they differ from traditional real estate agents?
Partial-service home sales allow homeowners to select only the specific services they need such as professional photography, MLS listing, or contract review rather than paying for a full-service agent package. Unlike traditional agents who charge 5-6% commission (often $15,000-$18,000 on a $300,000 home), partial-service platforms like SideDoor let sellers customize their experience and potentially save thousands by paying only for the services they actually use.
How much money can I save by using a partial-service real estate model instead of a traditional agent?
The savings can be substantial. For example, selling a $300,000 home through a traditional agent typically costs $15,000-$18,000 in commissions, while a partial-service approach might cost just $5,000 for essential services like photography, MLS listing, and title work a potential savings of $10,000-$13,000. On a $350,000 home, choosing a $3,000 service package instead of paying a 6% commission ($21,000) could save sellers $18,000, making this model especially attractive for first-time sellers and retirees.
Are partial-service home sales legitimate after the NAR settlement, and will I still get quality service?
Yes, partial-service home sales are completely legitimate and have actually gained momentum following the NAR settlement, which clarified that commissions are negotiable rather than fixed. Quality isn't sacrificed platforms like SideDoor curate networks of committed professionals including established firms like West Edge Realty and Chicago Title who deliver targeted, high-quality services. The key difference is transparency: you see exactly what you're paying for with itemized fees, and you work directly with specialists who focus on their specific strengths rather than managing every aspect of your transaction.
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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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!
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