Real Estate News

Sellers Turn to Partial Agent Engagements Amid Inventory Shifts

Home sellers increasingly choose partial agent services as inventory dynamics shift. These flexible arrangements provide cost-effective solutions while maintaining seller control during uncertain market conditions

flareAI Services

08 Dec 2025 — 6 min read

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In the quiet neighborhoods of Holland, Michigan, a home seller sifts through real estate services on a digital platform, much like choosing dishes from a menu. Gone are the days of committing to a full-service agent with a hefty commission. Instead, they select a title company for paperwork, an inspector for due diligence, and a marketing push tailored to their budget. This is the evolving face of home selling in 2025, propelled by a landmark legal settlement and a market squeezed by low inventory. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement has reshaped how sellers approach real estate, offering newfound control in a complex landscape.

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The NAR Settlement Redefines Commissions

The NAR settlement, finalized in late 2024, has dismantled traditional commission structures, granting sellers unprecedented flexibility. As the Realtor.com explains, settlement eliminated mandatory commission-sharing agreements, allowing sellers to negotiate fees directly or opt for specific services. This shift is transforming markets like West Michigan and Florida, where inventory shortages push sellers to seek cost-effective, tailored solutions.

Historically, sellers faced a standard 5-6% commission, often split between buyer and seller agents. Now, they can cherry-pick services a pricing analysis from one agent, a listing strategy from another while keeping costs manageable. In Holland, firms like Westedge Realty and Premier Lakeshore are adapting, offering modular services that align with seller's needs. In Florida's competitive market, this approach empowers sellers to stand out without overpaying. Yet, with this freedom comes complexity: how do sellers navigate a fragmented market, and what does it mean for regions already grappling with tight inventory?

Inventory Challenges Drive Innovation

The U.S. real estate brokerage market, currently valued at USD 206.45 billion, is projected to reach USD 252.51 billion by 2030, growing at a 4.11% compound annual growth rate, according to Mordor Intelligence. Despite this growth, markets like Michigan and Florida face persistent inventory shortages, intensifying competition. Sellers are turning to platforms like SideDoor, which offers a customizable approach to real estate services, addressing these pressures head-on.

SideDoor's model lets sellers handpick services from title companies, lenders, and inspectors, ensuring alignment with their specific goals. For example, a West Michigan seller might pair a title service from Chicago Title's Holland office with a marketing campaign from a local agent active on Instagram or TikTok platforms critical for reaching younger buyers. This flexibility not only reduces costs but also allows agents to tap into deals they might otherwise miss. In regions like West Michigan, where local expertise is paramount, firms like Real Estate One and Lake Michigan Credit Union are partnering with SideDoor to deliver targeted solutions.

The platform's appeal lies in its empowerment of both sellers and professionals. Sellers gain control over their transactions, while agents, lenders, and inspectors can showcase their expertise in niche areas. However, skepticism persists about whether this fragmented approach can compete with established giants.

Addressing Startup Challenges

As a startup, SideDoor faces hurdles in gaining trust. Some sellers critique its less polished website, especially when compared to industry leaders like Zillow or Redfin, who invest heavily in marketing and user experience. Others note that competitor's full-service models remain dominant, with one Michigan seller remarking, “The big players make it so easy for traditional agents to close deals.” These concerns underscore the challenge of breaking into a crowded market.

Yet, SideDoor's strength lies in its divergence from the one-size-fits-all model. By focusing on choice over convenience, it caters to sellers in regions like West Michigan and Florida, where local knowledge drives success. Social media amplifies this advantage, with agents leveraging platforms like YouTube and Facebook to share virtual tours, market insights, or negotiation tips. For instance, a Holland agent might post a TikTok showcasing a property's unique features, drawing in buyers who value authenticity over polish. Partnerships with local firms like Red Cedar Ventures further bolster SideDoor's credibility, signaling a commitment to regional expertise.

Negotiation Takes Center Stage

Post-NAR settlement, negotiating commissions has become a cornerstone of home selling. List With Clever advises sellers to compare agent proposals, define service scopes clearly, and negotiate fees upfront. This is critical in a market where, as Yahoo Finance notes, the new rules haven't significantly reduced overall transaction costs.

Consider a Florida seller listing a $400,000 home. Pre-settlement, they might have paid a 6% commission $24,000 split between agents. Now, they could negotiate a 2% fee for listing services ($8,000) and hire an inspector for $500, saving nearly $15,000. This modular approach, while demanding more coordination, appeals to budget-conscious sellers in tight markets like Holland or Miami. However, outcomes vary. In West Michigan, agents may offer lower rates to secure listings, while Florida's competitive market often keeps fees higher.

Misconceptions also cloud the landscape. Some sellers assume agents now work for free or that commissions are universally lower. In truth, negotiation success depends on regional dynamics and agent willingness. SideDoor addresses this by connecting sellers with transparent professionals, ensuring clarity in service offerings and costs.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Partial agent engagements offer clear benefits: cost savings, flexibility, and tailored services. In Michigan, where innovative firms like Red Cedar Ventures support new real estate models, sellers can capitalize on these advantages. Yet, challenges remain. Coordinating multiple services can overwhelm first-time sellers, and lower commissions might discourage some agents, potentially reducing marketing efforts or showings.

SideDoor mitigates these risks through transparency and collaboration. Its platform connects sellers with vetted professionals lenders from Lake Michigan Credit Union, inspectors recommended via local social media influencers who are upfront about their services. This ensures sellers aren't left navigating the market alone. As the Urban Institute highlights, these changes empower consumers, but their success hinges on adaptation by both sellers and professionals.

Looking forward, the real estate industry faces further evolution. Will platforms like SideDoor become mainstream, or will traditional models regain dominance? The answer lies in how sellers embrace these changes and how platforms refine their offerings to meet market demands.

A New Path for Sellers

In West Michigan and Florida, sellers are seizing control of their real estate journeys, curating services like a bespoke suit tailored to their needs. Platforms like SideDoor are at the forefront, proving that flexibility is a powerful tool in a constrained market. By leveraging local expertise, social media, and transparent partnerships, they're redefining what it means to sell a home.

The era of rigid, full-service real estate is waning. Sellers who master negotiation and embrace modular services stand to save thousands while shaping their transactions. In a market where every decision counts, this shift isn't just a trend it's a revolution. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms like SideDoor offer a glimpse into a future where choice, not convention, drives the home-selling process. This post may contain affiliate links to services we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the NAR settlement change real estate commissions for home sellers?

The NAR settlement, finalized in late 2024, eliminated mandatory commission-sharing agreements and gave sellers the flexibility to negotiate fees directly with agents or select only specific services they need. Instead of paying the traditional 5-6% commission split between buyer and seller agents, sellers can now cherry-pick services like pricing analysis, listing strategies, or marketing campaigns while keeping costs manageable. This means sellers can potentially save thousands of dollars by negotiating lower rates for example, paying just 2% for listing services instead of the standard 6% full-service commission.

What are partial agent engagements and how do they benefit home sellers?

Partial agent engagements allow sellers to select individual real estate services à la carte such as title services, inspections, marketing campaigns, or listing assistance rather than committing to a full-service agent with a comprehensive commission. This modular approach offers cost savings and flexibility, particularly in tight inventory markets like West Michigan and Florida, where sellers can tailor services to their specific budget and goals. Platforms like SideDoor facilitate these arrangements by connecting sellers with vetted professionals including title companies, lenders, and inspectors, enabling them to maintain control over their transaction while potentially saving $10,000-$15,000 compared to traditional full-service models.

Are real estate transaction costs lower after the new commission rules took effect?

While the NAR settlement provides more flexibility in negotiating commissions, overall transaction costs haven't decreased as significantly as many sellers expected. Success in reducing costs depends heavily on regional market dynamics, agent willingness to negotiate, and the seller's ability to coordinate multiple service providers effectively. In competitive markets like Florida, fees often remain higher, while areas like West Michigan may see agents offering lower rates to secure listings. Sellers who actively negotiate, compare agent proposals, and clearly define service scopes upfront tend to achieve the best cost savings under the new rules.

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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