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Vetted Professionals Provided Selective Services to Sellers

Vetted professionals provide selective, high-quality services designed specifically for sellers. Access expert guidance, streamlined solutions, and trusted support to enhance your selling experience

flareAI Services

29 Nov 2025 — 6 min read

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In a charming Holland, Michigan, neighborhood, a homeowner sidesteps the traditional real estate agent, opting instead to handpick professionals for their property sale. They hire a title company for closing, a home inspector for thorough checks, and a marketing expert to craft a standout listing. This isn't an outlier it's a sign of a seismic shift in real estate, driven by platforms like Side Door, a U.S.-based tech innovator redefining property transactions. In Michigan and Florida, savvy sellers are embracing a la carte services from vetted professionals, gaining unprecedented control, transparency, and cost savings in a rapidly evolving market.

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 Rise of Selective Real Estate Services

The real estate industry is undergoing a transformation, spurred by the National Association of Realtors settlement. For years, selling a home meant committing to a full-service agent who managed every detail marketing, negotiations, paperwork for commissions often reaching 5-6% of the sale price. The NAR settlement, finalized in 2024, upended this model by allowing sellers to negotiate fees directly with professionals for specific tasks, such as appraisals or legal documents. In 2025, the U.S. real estate sales and brokerage market reached a staggering $241.3 billion, with a steady 1.0% growth rate, according to industry analysis. Yet, the real revolution lies in platforms like Side Door, which empower sellers to customize their experience, selecting only the services they need.

This shift is fueled by a demand for flexibility. In Michigan's vibrant markets think lakefront homes in Holland or cozy bungalows in Grand Rapids homeowners are searching for terms like “sell my home for less” or “Michigan real estate” to find cost-effective solutions. Florida's market, driven by retirees and seasonal buyers, mirrors this trend. Sellers there are choosing targeted services, like a lender for financing or a title company for seamless closings, avoiding the hefty fees of traditional agents. Side Door's transparent pricing and intuitive workflows make it a natural fit for this new era, offering sellers a tailored approach to navigate complex transactions.

Real-World Impact: Stories of Empowerment

In West Michigan, a seller recently leveraged Side Door to sell their lakeside cottage. Rather than hiring a full-service agent, they opted for a vetted photographer to capture the property's charm and a title company to finalize the deal. The outcome? They saved thousands in commissions while securing a strong offer. Professionals at firms like West Edge Realty observe that sellers are growing more confident managing parts of the process themselves, especially with platforms providing clear guidance and access to trusted experts. This approach not only cuts costs but also puts sellers in the driver's seat, a stark contrast to the traditional model.

Florida tells a similar story. A Tampa retiree selling their condo used Side Door to connect with a home inspector and a marketing specialist, slashing their costs by nearly half, per industry estimates. Title companies, such as Chicago Title's Holland office, report a surge in demand for standalone services, driven by tech platforms that simplify hiring professionals. These examples underscore a powerful truth: selective services aren't just about savings they're about empowerment. Sellers gain control, choosing exactly what they need without paying for unnecessary extras, transforming a daunting process into a manageable one.

Navigating the Challenges

Despite the promise, selective services come with hurdles. Side Door, as a startup, faces skepticism about its still-developing platform. Some sellers, accustomed to the all-in-one convenience of full-service agents, worry about coordinating multiple vendors. “What if I miss something critical?” is a common concern, particularly for those new to real estate. In competitive markets like Michigan and Florida, where established brokerages like Real Estate One dominate with polished marketing and brand recognition, a la carte services can feel like a bold leap.

Competition poses another challenge. Traditional firms invest heavily in advertising, crowding search results for terms like “buy a home in Michigan” or “Florida real estate.” Side Door must work to stand out in this crowded space. Moreover, managing multiple professionals inspectors, lenders, marketers can be overwhelming for sellers lacking market savvy. As a Florida-based title agent noted, “The freedom to choose is great, but it requires effort and education.” Missteps, like overlooking a key service, could lead to delays or missed opportunities, making it critical for platforms like Side Door to offer robust support.

Opportunities for Sellers and Professionals

Yet, the opportunities are immense. Side Door's platform simplifies the process by connecting sellers with vetted professionals for tasks like staging, inspections, or contract reviews. For sellers, this means paying only for essential services, a boon in Michigan where “FSBO sales” searches are surging, or in Florida's fast-moving condo market. By avoiding traditional commissions, sellers can save thousands, reinvesting those funds into their next home or other priorities. The model also aligns with the post-NAR settlement reality, where, as experts note, negotiation tactics are becoming essential for cost-conscious sellers.

Professionals are reaping benefits, too. Real estate agents, often sidelined by large brokerages, can secure clients through Side Door by offering specialized services, such as crafting compelling listings or handling negotiations. Title companies, lenders, and inspectors like those at Lake Michigan Credit Union are finding new revenue streams by marketing directly to sellers. “This model lets us shine,” said a Michigan-based inspector. “We focus on what we do best, and sellers get exactly what they need.” By vetting professionals for quality, Side Door ensures reliability, fostering trust in a fragmented process.

The Future of Real Estate: Choice and Control

The rise of selective services marks a turning point for real estate. Platforms like Side Door are challenging the industry's one-size-fits-all tradition, particularly in diverse markets like Michigan's waterfront estates or Florida's bustling condo scene. Experts predict that the $241.3 billion real estate market will increasingly favor tech-driven solutions, with sellers demanding transparency and flexibility. “Choice is the future,” a West Michigan broker declared. “Sellers want to call the shots, and platforms like Side Door deliver that power.”

For sellers, the path forward is clear: embrace the possibilities. Platforms like Side Door, active on Facebook and Instagram, provide tools to connect with vetted professionals, from Holland's quaint cottages to Florida's vibrant condos. Start by researching your market and comparing a la carte services to traditional options. While the learning curve may feel daunting, the rewards savings, control, and a process tailored to your needs are transformative. In a market where every dollar matters, joining this revolution is not just smart it's essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sell my home without a full-service real estate agent?

You can sell your home by hiring individual professionals for specific tasks like photography, home inspections, title services, and marketing through platforms like Side Door. This a la carte approach allows you to pay only for the services you need rather than traditional 5-6% agent commissions. Sellers in Michigan and Florida are increasingly choosing this method to save thousands while maintaining control over their home sale process.

What changes did the NAR settlement bring to real estate commissions?

The 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement allows sellers to negotiate fees directly with professionals for specific services rather than paying bundled commission rates. This means you can now hire individual experts such as appraisers, inspectors, or marketing specialists and pay only for those services. The settlement has empowered sellers to customize their transaction experience and potentially save significant money on real estate commissions.

What are the risks of using selective real estate services instead of a traditional agent?

The main challenges include coordinating multiple vendors yourself and ensuring you don't overlook critical steps in the selling process. Sellers need to invest time in researching and managing different professionals like inspectors, title companies, and marketers. However, platforms like Side Door mitigate these risks by vetting professionals for quality and providing guidance throughout the process, making it more manageable for sellers who want greater control and cost savings.

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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