How to Save $10K+ When Selling Your House (Despite Industry Tricks)
How to Save $10K+ When Selling Your House (Despite Industry Tricks)
Remember that big court case that was supposed to make buying and selling homes cheaper? Well, it happened - but the real estate industry is already finding ways around it.
Here's what's really going on and how you can still save thousands.
The Problem is Real
Traditional real estate agents charge around 3% commission. On a $500,000 house, that's $15,000. But here's the crazy part - if that same house is worth $900,000 two years later, they want $27,000 for doing the exact same work.
Think about it. The agent doesn't spend three times longer showing a more expensive house. They don't work three times harder. But they want three times the money.
The Good News
Some companies are shaking things up:
Houwzer and Trelora charge just 1%
Redfin charges 1.5%
That could save you over $10,000 on a typical sale
But There's Pushback
Traditional agents don't like competition. They've been caught steering buyers away from homes listed by low-cost agents. One study found over 700 agents refused to show homes from REX (a discount broker) just because they charged less. If an agent does this. This a crime it is called steering
Here's why:
Steering is defined as guiding buyers away from or toward certain properties for reasons unrelated to the buyer's needs or preferences. It violates:
Fair Housing Act (in broader interpretation)
REALTOR® Code of Ethics (if they're a REALTOR® — Article 1 and 3)
State licensing laws in many states, including Florida, which prohibit actions that are not in the best interest of the client or that restrict market access.
This Agent might not be working in your best interest.
This isn't an accident. It's a strategy to protect their high fees.
What You Can Do
If you're selling:
Don't automatically dismiss low-fee agents
Make sure your agent shows your home to ALL buyers, not just ones from expensive brokers
Judge agents by their track record, not their price
If you're buying:
Demand to see ALL homes that fit what you want
Don't let your agent skip houses just because they're listed by discount brokers
Consider doing some price research yourself
The Bottom Line
The real estate industry makes about $100 billion a year in commissions. They're not going to give that up without a fight.
But you don't have to play their game. Smart buyers and sellers are already saving thousands by choosing quality agents who charge fair prices.
Want the full story? Check out this detailed breakdown: Landmark Real Estate Settlement Allows Consumers to Save Billions
The power to change this industry is in your hands. Use it.
Read the study.
FAQ:
Q: Can a buyer’s agent refuse to show my home just because I’m offering a lower commission?
A: Technically, they can choose not to show it — but if they do so solely because of the commission amount, it could be considered steering, which is unethical and possibly illegal under real estate law.
Q: What is “steering” in real estate?
A: Steering is when an agent guides a buyer toward or away from a property for reasons that are not in the buyer’s best interest — like the commission being offered. It's a violation of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and, in many cases, state law.
Q: How would I know if my home is being steered around?
A: You might hear from buyers saying their agent didn’t mention your listing, or told them it wasn’t “worth seeing.” If your home matches the buyer’s criteria and is skipped without a legitimate reason, that’s a red flag.
Q: What can I do if I suspect it’s happening?
A: Document it. Ask buyers to share what they were told. Then consider reporting the agent to their broker or local board. You can also bring it up with the MLS if you believe it’s a pattern. Agents are required to act in their clients' best interest — not their own wallet.
Q: Should I offer a higher commission just to avoid problems?
A: That’s a personal decision. Some sellers choose to offer market-rate commissions to avoid pushback. But that doesn’t excuse agents from hiding listings that offer less — it just exposes who’s working in their buyer’s best interest, and who isn’t.
Q: Can a lower commission still get shown and sold?
A: Absolutely. A well-priced, well-marketed home will attract serious buyers and good agents. We see it happen every day. Transparency and value win — not just commission dollars.
