Frequently Asked Questions

Real Answers for Real Home Sellers in Niceville, Shalimar & Fort Walton Beach

What is Uber Realty?

Uber Realty is a licensed Florida real estate brokerage (License #BK3035506) offering 1% and 2% commission listing services in Niceville, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach. Founded in 2007 by broker Jim Whatley, we've helped over 500 families save more than $2 million in commission costs while providing full MLS listing services, professional marketing, and expert negotiation. We offer two service levels: "Done For You" (2% full-service) and "Done With You" (1% with seller involvement).

How much does it cost to sell a house with Uber Realty?

Your listing commission is either 1% or 2% of the sale price, depending on which service level you choose. On a $500,000 home, that's $5,000 (1%) or $10,000 (2%) compared to the typical $15,000-$18,000 listing fee charged by traditional brokerages. Both service levels include full MLS listing, professional photography, pricing strategy, and complete negotiation support from listing to closing.

What's the difference between "Done For You" (2%) and "Done With You" (1%)?

Both services include the same core strategy, MLS listing, professional photography, pricing analysis, and expert negotiation. The 1% "Done With You" option is digital-first with more seller involvement in coordination tasks like managing showing access through automated systems. The 2% "Done For You" option includes more in-person support, hands-on vendor coordination, and traditional full-service experience. The only difference is how involved you want to be in the day-to-day coordination.

How much money can I save selling with Uber Realty?

On a $500,000 home sale, you can save $5,000 to $13,000 in listing commission compared to traditional 3% listing fees. Beyond commission savings, our pre-listing inspection strategy typically helps sellers avoid $2,000-$8,000 in last-minute repair credits and concession creep. Total avoidable losses on a typical $500K sale range from $17,000-$23,000 when you factor in inspection surprises, rushed repairs, days-on-market pricing drag, and closing cost concessions.

Do I have to pay a buyer's agent commission in Florida?

No. Seller-paid buyer agent compensation is not required by law in Florida and is fully negotiable. However, most buyers will ask you to contribute toward their buyer's broker fee as part of the transaction negotiation. This request becomes another negotiation point, similar to repairs, closing costs, and price. We develop a strategy based on your neighborhood, price range, and current market demand, then negotiate to protect your net proceeds.

Should I get a pre-listing inspection before selling my home?

Yes, in most cases. A pre-listing inspection (typically $400-$600) shifts leverage back to you by revealing issues before buyers discover them. This gives you time to get competitive repair bids, decide what to fix strategically, and price accurately instead of reacting under deadline pressure. Pre-listing inspections typically prevent $2,000-$8,000 in last-minute buyer credits and rushed repair costs while reducing deal-killing surprises during escrow.

Why do you charge less than traditional real estate agents?

We charge 1-2% instead of 3% because we run a leaner operation focused on protecting seller equity rather than funding high overhead. We use modern tools, digital-first workflows, and strategic systems that eliminate unnecessary costs without cutting the services that matter: MLS exposure, professional marketing, expert pricing, and skilled negotiation. The work that protects your money stays. The overhead that doesn't gets cut.

How do you determine the right price for my home?

We price using three factors: comparable sales analysis (recent closed sales in your neighborhood), property-specific adjustments (upgrades, condition, lot features), and current buyer behavior patterns in your exact market. We don't inflate prices to win listings, and we don't guess. We price homes to sell within your timeline while maximizing your net proceeds, using the same data-driven approach we'd use if it were our own home.

Do you handle negotiations with buyers?

Yes. Negotiation is where your equity gets protected or lost, and we approach it strategically. With training from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School and 19+ years of transaction experience, we know which points matter for your bottom line and which are noise. We negotiate offers, inspection repairs, appraisal challenges, and closing costs with one goal: protect what you keep at closing.

What areas does Uber Realty serve?

We serve Northwest Florida including Niceville (Bluewater Bay, Rocky Bayou, Swift Creek, Magnolia Woods), Shalimar (Poquito Bayou, Lake Lorraine, Shalimar Pointe), Fort Walton Beach (Elliott Point, Kenwood), plus Crestview, Navarre, and Destin. We specialize in military relocation services for families stationed at Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field.

Do I have to fix up my house before listing?

Only what protects your equity. We conduct a pre-listing walkthrough focused on issues that buyers and inspectors will flag: items that could kill deals, trigger financing problems, or lead to large credits. We skip cosmetic upgrades that don't return value and focus on strategic repairs that prevent bigger losses later. No fluff, no unnecessary spending.

What does your listing process look like?

Our process follows seven phases: (1) Set pricing strategy and seller goals, (2) Conduct pre-listing inspection and plan strategic repairs, (3) Capture professional photography, drone footage, and 3D walkthrough, (4) Launch listing on MLS and syndicate to major real estate portals, (5) Coordinate showings and gather buyer feedback, (6) Present and negotiate offers to protect your net proceeds, (7) Manage inspections, appraisals, repairs, and closing coordination. You'll know what's happening at every stage with no surprises.

What makes Uber Realty different from traditional agents?

We price homes to sell, not to win listings. We tell the truth about market conditions even when it's uncomfortable. We focus on protecting your net proceeds through pre-listing inspections, strategic pricing, and skilled negotiation rather than inflating prices or disappearing after the sign goes up. We operate with the same care we'd use if selling our own home, and we explain exactly how you'll keep more money at closing.

Can you help if I'm selling by owner (FSBO)?

Yes. If you're attempting a For Sale By Owner transaction but need support with pricing, contracts, negotiations, or closing coordination, we can provide limited consulting services. You maintain control while avoiding common FSBO pitfalls like pricing errors, contract mistakes, or negotiation vulnerabilities. No pressure to convert to full listing services.

What's included in your professional marketing?

All listings include professional photography, MLS listing with full syndication to Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and other major portals, custom property descriptions, pricing strategy, and showing coordination. Drone photography and 3D virtual tours with floor plans are included when they add strategic value for your property type and price point. Marketing decisions are based on what sells your home, not what looks impressive in a presentation.

How long does it typically take to sell a house in Northwest Florida?

Market timing varies by season, price range, and property condition. Currently in Northwest Florida, well-priced homes in good condition typically receive offers within 15-45 days. Overpriced homes or those with deferred maintenance can sit for 90+ days and require price reductions. Our pricing strategy focuses on reducing days-on-market risk by pricing accurately from day one based on recent comparable sales and current buyer demand.

Who is Jim Whatley?

Jim Whatley is the founder and principal broker of Uber Realty LLC, licensed in Florida since 2007 (License #BK3035506). With 19 years of real estate experience and over 500 transactions, Jim specializes in military PCS relocations and downsizing services. He completed the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School and applies those principles to protect seller equity through strategic pricing, pre-listing inspections, and skilled negotiation.

Where can I see reviews or talk to past clients?

You can find verified reviews on our Google Business Profile and Facebook page. We're also happy to connect you directly with recent sellers we've helped in your neighborhood. With 500+ transactions since 2007 and over $2 million saved in seller commissions, we have extensive client references available. No scripted testimonials, just real sellers who can speak to their actual experience and closing statements.

What if I have more questions?

Call or text Jim directly at (850) 499-2940. No phone trees, no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a real conversation about your situation, your timeline, and whether our approach makes sense for you. We're here to help you make an informed decision, whether you work with us or not.

Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.