Sellers Push for A La Carte Services Instead of Traditional Broker Models
Sellers increasingly prefer a la carte real estate services over traditional broker models, allowing them to choose only the services they need. This flexible approach reduces costs and provides greater control
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In a cozy Michigan suburb, a homeowner taps through a real estate app, assembling their sale strategy like a chef crafting a custom dish. A title company for closing, an inspector for due diligence, a photographer for crisp listing shots no full-service agent required. This isn't a fleeting experiment; it's a seismic shift. Across Michigan and Florida, sellers are rejecting the traditional broker model, fueled by new commission rules and platforms like SideDoor that empower them to handpick services and take charge of their home sales.
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!
Sellers Push for A La Carte Services Over Traditional Broker Models
The real estate industry is at a crossroads, reshaped by the NAR settlement finalized in 2024. For decades, sellers faced a standard 5-6% commission, split between their agent and the buyer's agent, often totaling thousands of dollars. The settlement dismantled this rigid structure, making commissions negotiable and shifting some costs to buyers. This has unleashed a wave of innovation, with platforms like SideDoor offering a la carte services appraisals, legal prep, marketing without the all-inclusive price tag. Sellers now have the freedom to customize, and they're seizing it.
The U.S. real estate sales and brokerage market reached a staggering $241.3 billion in 2025, with a steady growth rate of 1.0%, as reported by IBISWorld. Yet, the headline figure masks a deeper transformation: control is shifting to consumers. In Michigan and Florida, where markets range from Grand Rapid's stable suburbs to Miami's high-octane condos, this demand for flexibility is redefining the home-selling process.
Regional Dynamics Driving Change
In Michigan, firms like Real Estate One and Premier Lakeshore are witnessing a surge in clients opting for unbundled services. A seller in Holland might engage Chicago Title for closing documents while using SideDoor to connect with a standalone inspector or stager. This modular approach suits Michigan's diverse market, where urban condos in Detroit coexist with rural retreats in the Upper Peninsula. Platforms like SideDoor, backed by local players like Red Cedar Ventures, bridge the gap by linking sellers with vetted professionals tailored to their needs.
Florida, by contrast, is a hotbed of competition, driven by population growth and a booming luxury market. Sellers in Miami or Tampa are increasingly bypassing traditional agents, opting for targeted marketing on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. A beachfront condo owner might post a virtual tour on Instagram, drawing buyers without a broker's commission. Both states, though distinct, share a common frustration: the old model's inflexibility and cost. SideDoor's platform lets sellers cherry-pick services, saving thousands while maintaining control.
The Power of A La Carte
SideDoor's model is a game-changer, allowing agents, title companies, and lenders to offer individual services rather than bundled packages. Need a professional photographer for listing photos? SideDoor connects you. Seeking financing advice from a lender like Lake Michigan Credit Union? It's a few clicks away. This approach empowers sellers to craft a bespoke process, paying only for what they need. As one industry observer noted, “It's like building your own playlist instead of buying the whole album.”
Agents benefit significantly, too. SideDoor opens doors to deals they'd typically miss in a full-service world. A West Michigan agent might secure a contract to stage a home or conduct an open house, roles traditionally absorbed by a listing agent. Title companies and inspectors gain visibility, positioning themselves as indispensable allies in a fragmented process. This collaborative model ensures sellers get tailored support while professionals expand their reach.
Still, misconceptions persist. Some sellers fear that a la carte services mean “no commission” or “free agents,” but that's a myth. As Realtor.com clarifies, commissions remain, but they're negotiable, often ranging from 1-3% per agent. For a $400,000 home, that's a potential savings of $8,000-$12,000 compared to the old 6% standard. In Michigan, where median home prices sit around $250,000, or Florida, where they can top $450,000, these savings are transformative.
Navigating a Competitive Landscape
SideDoor, as a startup, faces steep challenges. Prospects often criticize its website, craving the polished interfaces of giants like Zillow or Redfin. These competitors pour millions into marketing, making it easy for full-service agents to dominate. As Yahoo Finance reports, the new commission rules haven't slashed costs as much as some hoped, putting pressure on platforms like SideDoor to prove their value. Sellers want savings, but they also demand trust and ease of use.
Trust is a hurdle. Many sellers, especially those used to traditional brokers, worry about missing critical steps. “What if I skip something vital?” one Michigan homeowner wondered. SideDoor addresses this with clear guidance and vetted professionals, but skepticism lingers. Building a robust digital presence sleek, intuitive, and reassuring is critical for the platform to compete with industry titans.
Seizing New Opportunities
The NAR settlement has cracked the market wide open, and SideDoor is poised to capitalize. Sellers now have leverage to negotiate commissions, often securing rates as low as 1-3%, as Clever outlines. For a $300,000 Michigan home, that's a savings of up to $9,000; for a $500,000 Florida condo, it's even more. These numbers resonate in markets where every dollar counts.
Social media is another game-changer. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok let sellers market directly to buyers, bypassing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). A Florida seller might post a TikTok walkthrough, drawing interest without a broker's cut. SideDoor's tools for creating polished social media posts give it an edge, especially in Florida's tech-savvy market. By integrating with these platforms, SideDoor helps sellers stand out while keeping costs low.
Expert Insights and Future Outlook
Industry voices see this as a pivotal moment. “The NAR settlement broke the mold, and platforms like SideDoor are rewriting the rules,” a Michigan-based analyst said. “Sellers want choice, not dictates.” Yet, challenges persist. Realtor.com notes that some agents may prioritize clients offering higher commissions, potentially reducing showings for budget-conscious sellers. SideDoor counters this by connecting sellers with agents eager for service-specific deals, ensuring access to motivated professionals.
The future is bright but uncertain. As Michigan and Florida sellers embrace a la carte services, platforms like SideDoor could reshape the industry. Success hinges on building trust, refining technology, and proving that flexibility doesn't mean chaos. Regular updates to commission data and legal changes, as mandated by industry standards, will keep platforms like SideDoor relevant and reliable.
A New Path to Homeownership
Picture selling your home with total control. You select the services you need, connect with local experts, and pocket significant savings. That's the promise of a la carte real estate, and it's taking root. In Michigan's quiet suburbs and Florida's vibrant markets, sellers are charting a new course. SideDoor isn't just a platform; it's a revolution, proving that in real estate, you can build your own path without buying the whole package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a la carte real estate services and how do they differ from traditional broker models?
A la carte real estate services allow home sellers to select and pay for only the specific services they need such as professional photography, title work, inspections, or staging rather than paying a full-service agent's 5-6% commission. Platforms like SideDoor connect sellers with vetted professionals for individual tasks, giving sellers complete control over their sale strategy while potentially saving thousands of dollars. This modular approach has gained momentum following the 2024 NAR settlement, which made commissions negotiable and broke apart the traditional bundled broker model.
How much money can sellers save using a la carte services instead of traditional real estate agents?
Sellers can save substantial amounts by negotiating lower commissions and selecting only needed services. With negotiable commission rates now ranging from 1-3% per agent (compared to the traditional 5-6% total), a seller of a $400,000 home could save $8,000-$12,000. For a $300,000 Michigan home, savings could reach up to $9,000, while a $500,000 Florida property could yield even greater savings by avoiding the traditional full-service commission structure.
Are a la carte real estate services available in Michigan and Florida, and how do the markets differ?
Yes, a la carte services are rapidly growing in both Michigan and Florida, though market dynamics differ significantly. In Michigan, sellers in areas from Detroit to Holland are using platforms like SideDoor to unbundle services through local firms like Real Estate One and Chicago Title, catering to diverse markets from urban condos to rural properties. Florida's competitive luxury market, driven by population growth in cities like Miami and Tampa, sees sellers increasingly using social media marketing and targeted services to bypass traditional agents entirely, with beachfront property owners often promoting listings directly on Instagram and TikTok.
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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