How to Save $10K+ When Selling Your House (Despite Industry Tricks)
TL;DR: Traditional agents charge 5-6% commission (usually split with buyer's agent) - that's $25,000-$30,000 on a $500,000 house. Uber Realty charges just 1-2%, and if the buyer doesn't pay their own agent, we suggest paying the buyer's broker 2%. You still save $10K-$15K.
Remember that big court case that was supposed to make buying and selling homes cheaper? Well, it happened - and 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 5-6% commission, usually split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent. On a $500,000 house, that's $25,000-$30,000. But here's the crazy part - if that same house is worth $900,000 two years later, they want $45,000-$54,000 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
Uber Realty is challenging the old model:
We charge just 1-2% for listing your home
If the buyer doesn't pay their own agent, we suggest you pay the buyer's broker 2%
Even in the worst case (1% + 2% = 3% total), you save $10,000-$15,000 compared to traditional 5-6%
You get the same MLS exposure and professional service
What Smart Buyers and Sellers Are Doing
If you're selling:
Choose agents based on results and value, not just marketing promises
Focus on getting your home maximum exposure at minimum cost
Keep more of your equity for your next chapter
If you're buying:
Research homes yourself and ask to see everything that fits your criteria
Consider paying your own agent instead of expecting the seller to cover it
Remember: you have the power to choose which homes to view
The Real Math That Changes Everything
On a $500,000 home:
Traditional: 5-6% = $25,000-$30,000
Uber Realty: 1% listing + 2% buyer's agent = $15,000 total
Your savings: $10,000-$15,000
On a $400,000 home:
Traditional: 5-6% = $20,000-$24,000
Uber Realty: 1% listing + 2% buyer's agent = $12,000 total
Your savings: $8,000-$12,000
On a $600,000 home:
Traditional: 5-6% = $30,000-$36,000
Uber Realty: 1% listing + 2% buyer's agent = $18,000 total
Your savings: $12,000-$18,000
The Bottom Line
The real estate industry makes about $100 billion a year in commissions. But smart consumers are choosing efficiency over tradition.
You don't have to pay premium prices for standard services. The best agents deliver results while respecting your financial goals.
The power to change this industry is in your hands. Use it.
FAQ
Q: How does Uber Realty's commission structure work? A: We charge 1-2% to list and market your home. If the buyer doesn't pay their own agent, we suggest offering the buyer's broker 2%. Even paying both sides (3% total), you save significantly compared to traditional 5-6%.
Q: What if buyers expect me to pay their agent? A: We can negotiate this case-by-case. Sometimes buyers pay their own agent, sometimes it's included in the sale terms. Either way, you're saving thousands compared to traditional commission structures.
Q: Do I get the same service for lower commission? A: Yes. Same MLS exposure, same professional photography, same contract negotiation, same closing support. We just don't have the overhead costs that traditional brokerages pass on to you.
Q: How much can I realistically save? A: On a $500,000 home, you save $10,000-$15,000. On a $400,000 home, you save $8,000-$12,000. The savings increase with higher home values.
Q: What was the court case about? A: The NAR settlement changed how buyer agent commissions are handled, requiring separate agreements and potentially reducing overall commission costs for sellers.
Q: Will my home still get proper exposure with lower commission? A: Absolutely. Your home gets full MLS listing, Zillow syndication, and professional marketing. The exposure is identical—you just pay less for it.
Q: Why do traditional agents charge so much more? A: Traditional brokerages have high overhead costs—fancy offices, large support staffs, franchise fees—that get passed on to you. We focus on results, not overhead.
Q: Can buyers really choose any home to see? A: Yes! Professional buyers' agents show their clients all homes that meet their criteria, regardless of commission structure. Good agents work for their buyers, not their own paychecks.
