Real Estate News

How Sellers Benefit from Transparent, Service-by-Service Pricing

Transparent, service-by-service pricing empowers sellers with cost clarity, flexible service selection, and potential savings. Learn how this approach transforms traditional real estate

flareAI Services

11 Sep 2025 — 6 min read

In West Michigan, a homeowner stands at a crossroads. Selling their home traditionally means committing to a real estate agent and a steep 6% commission, often for services they don't fully need. But what if they could cherry-pick only the essentials like a market analysis or professional photography while keeping costs low? This is the promise of transparent pricing, a model gaining ground after the landmark Burnett v. National Association of Realtors lawsuit shook up the industry in October 2023. Platforms like SideDoorApp are stepping in, offering sellers in regions like Michigan and Florida a way to navigate real estate with flexibility and clarity, fundamentally changing how homes are sold.

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The Shift to Transparent Pricing

The real estate industry has long operated under a rigid commission structure, with fees averaging around 6% of a home's sale price in the U.S. a rate significantly higher than in countries like Australia or the UK, as noted in the Burnett v. NAR case. Decided on October 31, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, the lawsuit exposed how the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major brokerages engaged in practices that inflated commissions, forcing sellers to pay more for brokerage services. Judge Stephen R. Bough's ruling held NAR and its affiliates accountable for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, paving the way for new commission models.

Enter platforms like SideDoorApp, which operate in key markets like Holland, West Michigan, and Florida. These platforms allow sellers to select services a la carte, from listing preparation to closing coordination, without the burden of a blanket commission. According to a U.S. News article, the post-NAR settlement era has empowered sellers to negotiate fees more aggressively, giving them unprecedented control over transaction costs. For example, a seller might hire a local professional from West Edge Realty for a market analysis while skipping full-service representation, potentially saving thousands.

This shift aligns with broader industry trends. The traditional model, where only NAR-affiliated agents could call themselves Realtors, is loosening. Sellers now have access to a wider pool of professionals, including title companies like Chicago Title and lenders like Lake Michigan Credit Union, all integrated through platforms like SideDoorApp. This transparency not only reduces costs but also fosters a more collaborative approach to home sales.

Real-World Benefits for Sellers

Imagine a seller in Holland, Michigan, preparing to list their home. They need a professional photographer and a title company but prefer to manage showings themselves. With SideDoorApp, they can select just those services, avoiding the 6% commission that might have cost them $18,000 on a $300,000 home. A Yahoo Finance report indicates that while the new rules haven't drastically lowered overall costs, some sellers are negotiating commissions down to 4% or less, saving significant sums in competitive markets like Florida.

SideDoorApp's model also benefits real estate agents. By offering specialized services, agents can attract clients who might have overlooked them in a traditional setup. For instance, an agent showcasing their expertise on Instagram can connect with sellers seeking specific skills, such as staging or contract negotiation. This opens doors to deals in regions like West Michigan, where local expertise is highly valued. The platform's social media presence on Facebook and YouTube further amplifies these connections, allowing agents to highlight their value in a crowded market.

Moreover, the a la carte approach empowers other professionals. Title companies, lenders, and inspectors can position themselves as integral parts of the process, meeting seller's needs directly. This collaborative model, as SideDoorApp's unique differentiators suggest, ensures that every professional involved is focused on delivering tailored support, not just pushing a standard package.

Navigating the Challenges

Transparent pricing, while promising, faces obstacles. SideDoorApp's prospect objections highlight a key issue: as a startup, the platform lacks the polished interface of industry giants like Zillow or Redfin. These competitors, with their hefty marketing budgets, make it easy for full-service agents to dominate. A Realtor.com article notes that some agents may prioritize clients offering higher commissions, potentially leading to fewer showings for sellers opting for lower-cost services.

Another hurdle is perception. Some sellers equate lower commissions with reduced quality, a misconception SideDoorApp counters by curating a network of trusted professionals. For example, partnerships with firms like Premier Lakeshore ensure high-quality service, but building trust in a new platform takes time. Additionally, the complexity of commission negotiations can overwhelm sellers unfamiliar with the process. As the Clever.com guide advises, clear communication and realistic expectations are critical to successful negotiations.

Opportunities for a Streamlined Future

The real estate industry is ripe for disruption, and transparent pricing is at the forefront. SideDoorApp's model streamlines the selling process by connecting sellers directly with professionals who meet their specific needs. In Michigan, a seller might work with a local inspector and a lender like Lake Michigan Credit Union to finalize a deal, bypassing unnecessary steps. In Florida's fast-paced market, this efficiency can be a game-changer, allowing sellers to move quickly while keeping costs in check.

For professionals, the opportunities are equally compelling. Agents can leverage SideDoorApp to showcase their expertise, reaching clients who value flexibility over tradition. Title companies and lenders benefit by positioning themselves as responsive partners, not just cogs in a transaction. The platform's focus on transparency also aligns with consumer demand for clarity. As the U.S. News article points out, sellers are increasingly seeking tools to negotiate better terms, and SideDoorApp's service-by-service model fits this trend perfectly.

Hypothetical savings illustrate the impact. On a $400,000 home, a traditional 6% commission costs $24,000. By selecting only needed services say, $5,000 for photography, marketing, and closing sellers could save nearly $19,000. These savings, combined with the ability to work with trusted local professionals, make transparent pricing a powerful tool for today's market.

A New Era for Home Sellers

The NAR settlement has ignited a revolution in real estate, and platforms like SideDoorApp are fanning the flames. By offering transparent, service-by-service pricing, they empower sellers in places like West Michigan and Florida to take control of their transactions. The savings are real potentially thousands of dollars but so are the challenges. Competing with industry giants and overcoming skepticism about startups require time and trust. Yet the future looks bright. As more sellers embrace this model, they'll not only save money but also redefine the home-selling process. The question isn't whether transparent pricing will take hold it's how quickly it will transform the industry. For now, platforms like SideDoorApp are leading the way, proving that flexibility and transparency are the keys to a better real estate experience. This post may contain affiliate links to services we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is transparent pricing in real estate and how does it work?

Transparent pricing in real estate allows sellers to choose specific services à la carte instead of paying a traditional 6% commission for a full-service package. Sellers can select only what they need such as professional photography, market analysis, or closing coordination while avoiding unnecessary costs. This model emerged after the landmark Burnett v. NAR lawsuit in October 2023, which exposed inflated commission practices and empowered sellers to negotiate fees more aggressively.

How much money can sellers save with service-by-service pricing compared to traditional real estate commissions?

Sellers can potentially save thousands of dollars with transparent pricing models. For example, on a $300,000 home, a traditional 6% commission would cost $18,000, but by selecting only needed services, sellers might pay just $5,000 for photography, marketing, and closing services. On a $400,000 home, this could translate to savings of nearly $19,000 compared to the standard $24,000 commission fee.

What are the potential drawbacks of using transparent pricing platforms for selling your home?

While transparent pricing offers significant savings, it comes with some challenges. Many platforms are startups that lack the polished interfaces and marketing reach of established companies like Zillow or Redfin. Some real estate agents may prioritize clients offering higher commissions, potentially resulting in fewer showings for sellers using lower-cost services. Additionally, some sellers mistakenly equate lower commissions with reduced service quality, though reputable platforms counter this by partnering with trusted local professionals.

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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