Real Estate News

The Shift Toward Customizable Real Estate Services for Buyers

Modern buyers demand personalized real estate experiences tailored to their specific needs. Customizable services offer flexible solutions, from virtual tours to personalized agent matching

flareAI Services

12 Sep 2025 — 6 min read

Imagine you're browsing Instagram in Holland, Michigan, envisioning your dream home by the lake. A local agent's post catches your eye not the usual pitch for full-service real estate, but a tailored menu of options: a contract review here, a market analysis there, no strings attached. This is the new face of home buying, driven by platforms like SidedoorApp, which empower buyers in regions like West Michigan and Florida to cherry-pick services and take control of their costs. The real estate industry is shifting, spurred by a pivotal legal ruling that's rewriting the rules of the game.

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!

Customizable Real Estate Services Gain Momentum Post-NAR Settlement

Flexible, a la carte real estate solutions are transforming how buyers engage agents, offering transparency, control, and cost efficiency in a new commission landscape.

The traditional real estate model where buyers and sellers were locked into paying steep commissions for full-service agents is unraveling. A landmark court decision, finalized on October 31, 2023, in the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case, shook the industry. The ruling held that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major brokerages engaged in a price-fixing scheme, inflating commissions to an average of 6% a rate far higher than in countries like Canada or the UK. This decision, handed down by Judge Stephen R. Bough in Missouri, has paved the way for platforms like SidedoorApp to offer buyers in places like Michigan and Florida a more flexible, cost-conscious approach.

A New Era for Home Buyers

Buying a home used to mean committing to a full-service agent, whether you needed every service or not. It was like ordering a five-course meal when you only wanted dessert. Now, platforms like SidedoorApp are flipping the script. In primary markets like West Michigan, Holland, and Florida, buyers can select specific services say, a title review from a firm like Chicago Title or a single consultation with a local agent without the hefty price tag of a full package. This a la carte model is gaining traction, especially in the wake of the NAR settlement, which has forced agents to be more transparent about their fees.

The appeal is clear: control and clarity. A buyer in Grand Rapids might only need help navigating closing documents, while someone relocating to Florida might want a bundled package of inspections and lender coordination. By integrating services from title companies, lenders like LMCU, and inspectors into one platform, SidedoorApp streamlines the process, making it easier for buyers to get exactly what they need, no more, no less.

The NAR Settlement: A Game-Changer

The NAR settlement reshaped how commissions work. Before, sellers typically paid a 6% commission, split between their agent and the buyer's agent, embedded in the sale price. The Burnett case revealed this as an anticompetitive practice, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. Now, buyers and sellers can negotiate fees directly with agents, and those fees must be clearly disclosed. According to Realtor.com, this shift doesn't guarantee lower costs closing expenses, like attorney fees or title services, still vary and are often split, with sellers sometimes bearing the bulk of title-related costs. But it does give buyers leverage to pay only for what they use.

For buyers, this means freedom to negotiate. You might hire an agent just for a property tour or contract advice, potentially saving thousands. Sellers, however, face a trade-off: lower commissions could mean less agent effort to market their home, risking fewer showings. Platforms like SidedoorApp bridge this gap by connecting sellers with agents willing to take on smaller, targeted deals, expanding opportunities for professionals and clients alike.

Real-World Impact

In Michigan, where the housing market blends urban energy with small-town charm, buyers are already seeing the benefits. Take a couple in West Michigan: they used SidedoorApp to hire an agent for a one-time offer review, bypassing the full-service model and saving on fees. In Florida, where out-of-state buyers often grapple with unfamiliar regulations, another buyer combined title services, inspections, and agent support through a single platform, avoiding the chaos of coordinating multiple providers. As noted in a Yahoo Finance article, these changes haven't slashed costs dramatically, but they've given buyers tools to tailor their expenses.

Agents are also finding new opportunities. A Holland-based Realtor, active on Instagram, shared that offering niche services like virtual tours has brought in clients they wouldn't have reached through traditional channels. Firms like West Edge Realty are adapting, using platforms to connect with buyers seeking specific expertise.

Navigating the Challenges

Customizable models aren't without hurdles. Startups like SidedoorApp face skepticism from buyers used to the polished websites of established players like Real Estate One. “The big firms have slick marketing and huge budgets,” one Florida agent noted. “It's tough for a new platform to compete.” There's also a misconception that the NAR settlement means agents work for free. Not so agents still charge for their time, and fragmented services can feel disjointed without a unified platform. SidedoorApp counters this by integrating providers into a seamless experience, but building trust takes time.

Another risk is market perception. Buyers in regions like Holland or Miami might hesitate to trust a startup over a legacy brand. As List with Clever suggests, buyers can negotiate better deals by researching market rates and asking agents to justify their fees a strategy that works best with transparent platforms.

Opportunities for All

For buyers, the advantages are compelling: more choice, clearer pricing, and potential savings. In social media-driven markets, where platforms like TikTok and YouTube shape property searches, customizable services align with a digital-first mindset. Professionals agents, lenders, inspectors gain access to a wider client pool, picking up deals they might have missed. The broader market benefits too, as platforms foster collaboration between providers, creating a more cohesive experience. In Michigan and Florida, where firms like Premier Lakeshore operate, this integration is already reshaping local markets.

The Road Ahead

The future of real estate is dynamic. Experts anticipate more innovation, like commission calculators or AI-driven service matching, to help buyers compare costs in real time. In West Michigan and Florida, where housing markets are diverse, we'll likely see tighter integration among agents, title companies, and lenders. As buyers demand transparency, platforms like SidedoorApp are poised to lead, offering tools to navigate this new landscape with confidence.

A Buyer's Market, Reimagined

The real estate industry is no longer a one-size-fits-all proposition. The NAR settlement has unleashed a wave of flexibility, putting buyers in the driver's seat. Whether you're hunting for a home in Holland, Michigan, or eyeing a condo in Florida, platforms like SidedoorApp empower you to build your own real estate experience. But with this freedom comes responsibility buyers must research, negotiate, and consult licensed professionals to make informed choices. The housing market is evolving, and for those ready to seize the opportunity, it's a chance to redefine what buying a home can mean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are customizable real estate services and how do they work?

Customizable real estate services allow home buyers to select specific services they need rather than paying for a full-service package. Platforms like SidedoorApp enable buyers to choose à la carte options such as contract reviews, market analyses, or property tours without committing to traditional agent relationships. This approach gives buyers more control over costs and lets them pay only for the services they actually use.

How did the NAR settlement change real estate commissions for buyers?

The NAR settlement from the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case eliminated the anticompetitive practice where sellers automatically paid 6% commissions split between agents. Now buyers and sellers can negotiate fees directly with agents, and all fees must be clearly disclosed upfront. This gives buyers leverage to hire agents for specific tasks like offer reviews or property tours, potentially saving thousands in traditional commission costs.

What are the benefits and risks of using customizable real estate platforms?

The main benefits include cost savings, transparency in pricing, and the ability to tailor services to specific needs. However, risks include potential market skepticism toward newer platforms compared to established firms, and the challenge of coordinating multiple service providers. Buyers should research market rates, verify that all providers are licensed professionals, and ensure the platform offers integrated services to avoid a disjointed experience.

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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