Hey The Colony, Texas. Shouldn’t Real Estate Commissions Be Lower?

In The Colony Texas, the Internet has made the job of a real estate agent much easier and less time-consuming. Agents don’t have to jump in the car every time something needs to get done. The 6% real estate commission system designed in the 1970’s, is still upheld by many brokerages. More than ever before, representing buyers and sellers is a tabletop business and escalating home prices don’t justify higher commissions. Researching the market is no longer an Easter Egg Hunt where only the agent knows where the homes for sale are. Tools, technology, and rules of fairness have made finding homes, writing contracts, negotiating, presenting, and executing contracts, more efficient than ever before. 

Source: Median and Average Sales Prices of New Homes Sold in United States in 2021. This infographic looks at The outdated 6% real estate commission system designed in the 1970's, still upheld by many brokerages.
Source: Median and Average Sales Prices of New Homes Sold in United States in 2021. Researching the market is no longer an Easter Egg Hunt where only the agent knows where the homes for sale are. Tools, technology, and rules of fairness have made finding homes, writing contracts, negotiating, presenting, and executing contracts, more efficient than ever before.

About The Colony, Texas

The Colony, Texas

The Colony, Texas, is a bustling community that places great emphasis on fostering neighborly relationships and encouraging community involvement. Its idyllic location on the shores of Lake Lewisville is home to the impressive Grandscape development, featuring the largest home furnishings retailer and warehouse in the nation, Nebraska Furniture Mart of Texas. Since opening in 2015, this retail giant has been attracting millions of visitors annually. Visitors to The Colony can also enjoy other attractions such as Topgolf-The Colony, a renowned entertainment destination, and a variety of dining and lodging options.

The community is served by the Lewisville Independent School District, which has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, with many of its schools earning the prestigious “Exemplary” rating from the Texas Education Agency. The Colony has a current population of approximately 45,000, according to the 2020 census. As a suburb of Dallas, it is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers its residents and visitors an abundance of opportunities to experience the best of Texas living.

See What People Are Saying About DFWCityhomes

  • Chitra Nandula
    Chitra Nandula
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Tod gave me phenomenal service as my real estate agent! He kept me informed throughout the process and responded to all my questions instantly. He made selling my house a painless process and I couldn't be happier with the results! I would without a doubt use his services again!

  • Hector Saucedo
    Hector Saucedo
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Professional,educational, trustworthy Todd was careful to make sure we understood the process. He always responded Promptly. His service was exceptional and his experience in the field was a wealth of value.

  • Jon Reich
    Jon Reich
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Tod was professional and available for consult during the whole process. For the price, his services and professionalism cannot be beat!

  • Mi Willis
    Mi Willis
    2017-04-04
    Google

    It was a great way to sale our house with "DFW city homes". We are really Thanks to "Mr.Tod" with his hard work and professionalism!! it was the awesome photographics for the exact description of my beautiful home.We'd love to and strongly recommend to anybody who wants to sell home, especially for as a first time seller like us without worry or hassle. The most great advantage is a saving money for seller's commission!!!

  • Geoff Traeger
    Geoff Traeger
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Tod exceeded our expectations in every way! He essentially provided us with service you'd expect from a good full service agent at an extremely affordable flat rate price. From providing an exhaustive market analysis, to taking gorgeous photos showcasing the home, and then helping us to negotiate through multiple offers the first week our home was on the market Tod did a great job! From beginning to our close, he was responsive and professional. We never once felt like we were receiving cut rate service. Strongly recommend him to anyone in DFW area considering listing their home!

  • Keith Young
    Keith Young
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Todd did an excellent job representing me during the sale of my home. He was very knowledgeable and always available during the entire process. I wI'll definitely recommend him to all my friends and family. It was definitely a five-star experience.

  • Brett Thornock
    Brett Thornock
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Tod and DFWCityHomes are fantastic! We stumbled upon them with a simple internet search and didn't know what to expect but we left being completely blown away by the service/expertise that Tod offered. We have used two other realtors in the past 7 years for other home purchases and were left unimpressed by their assistance. This was not the case with Tod. Tod was knowledgeable in all areas of the real estate process, took really great photos and helped us sell our house in 2 days for more than we were asking. However, his assistance didn't stop there, he made sure everything stayed on schedule and was extremely responsive to all communications from both sides of the transaction. In assisting us with our purchase he was very open to providing his opinion when requested but also allowed us time and space to find the perfect home for us. He never made us feel rushed. The most amazing part of all this is that he offers this service while saving you money at the same time. I just can't imagine there being an agency who can offer you all that Tod and DFWCityhomes does.

  • Gelu Stefan
    Gelu Stefan
    2017-04-04
    Google

    Together we found and purchased the perfect home for us. Tod is an expert but what made the difference was his patience, understanding, knowledge, availability and excellent ease of conversation and information exchange. He was very mindful of our time and he's never been late while spending all the time we needed (and we needed a lot). Unlike other agents Tod will never push you on making a decision. Quite the opposite: he will spend time with you analyzing together whether a particular property is fit for your requirements and offer advice, if you need it. He was there for us and with us all the way to the closing day. We are very grateful for his service. Thank you, Tod!

  • kim phan
    kim phan
    2017-04-04
    Google

  • Todd was a great help in selling our home. He gave us a selling strategy and managed our closing exercise very well. I recommend Todd to experienced sellers that have the ability to manage the showing of their properties themselves. We saved a nice chunk of change with Todd's help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Flat Fee MLS Listing?

In a Flat Fee MLS Listing arrangement, a seller contracts with a real estate broker to list their property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for a flat fee instead of paying the traditional percentage-based commission to the listing agent. This allows the seller to save money on the listing side of the transaction while still getting the exposure and marketing benefits of the MLS.

When sold, the seller is responsible for paying the buyer’s agent commission, which is typically around 2-3% of the sale price. This type of arrangement can be beneficial for sellers who want to save money on the listing side of the transaction and have some experience in real estate transactions, but it is important to note that the seller may need to handle aspects of the selling process themselves.

What is a Buyer Rebate?

When buying a home, the seller pays a buyer agent commission. Our rebate is one-third of that commission paid back to you as an incentive to do business with us. You save a lot of money and can use your rebate for anything you want.

What is a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?

An MLS is a centralized database used by real estate brokers and agents to share information about properties for sale, providing detailed information including the listing price, property features, location, and other important details, and increasing visibility for potential buyers.

The MLS is run by local or regional realtor associations, and offers full market exposure to buyers and sellers, with more than 800 associations across the USA. According to National Association of Realtors (NAR), MLS transactions accounted for about 92% of home sales in 2020. Overall, the MLS promotes transparency and efficiency, making it easier for buyers and sellers to connect and complete real estate transactions.

MLS listings are an essential tool for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. Buyers can use the MLS to search for properties that meet their specific criteria, while sellers can use the MLS to get full exposure to the marketplace, offering their properties to a large audience of potential buyers. Overall, the MLS helps to promote transparency and efficiency and makes it easier for buyers and sellers to connect and complete real estate transactions.

What is a For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

FSBO is a real estate transaction where the seller chooses to sell their property without an agent. The seller assumes responsibilities such as pricing, marketing, negotiating offers, and managing the closing process. FSBO transactions are typically undertaken by sellers who want to save money on real estate commissions or have experience in the real estate industry.

However, FSBO transactions can be challenging as the seller may lack the experience and resources of an agent. It is important for sellers to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to go this route. Working with a reputable and experienced real estate agent or broker can provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the selling process.

What is the difference between a Flat Fee MLS Listing and traditional Realtor® 6% listing service?

A Flat Fee MLS Listing is different from a traditional 6% listing in how the real estate agent is compensated. In a traditional listing, the seller pays a percentage-based commission of typically 5-6% of the sale price to the listing agent, who then splits that commission with the buyer’s agent. In contrast, a Flat Fee MLS Listing involves a flat fee paid by the seller to the agent for listing the property on the MLS, with the commission paid to the buyer’s agent usually specified separately. While the fee structure is the main difference, there are also differences in the services provided.

In a traditional listing, the listing agent handles most aspects of the selling process, while in a Flat Fee MLS Listing, the seller is responsible for some tasks. It is important to research providers and understand what services are included in the fee. Using a Flat Fee MLS Listing can avoid the conflict of interest in dual agency, where an agent represents both the buyer and the seller. Ultimately, the choice of listing service depends on the seller’s goals, preferences, and comfort level with the selling process.

What questions should I be asking brokers and agents?

What are the fees and commissions?
Do you help with pricing strategies?
How will you market my property?
How will you schedule appointments?
What is your track record?
How do you provide representation?
Who is the central point of contact for buyers and buyer agents?
Do you provide transaction and closing assistance?
How long will it take to get my listing in MLS?
How are documents completed and signed?
How do you communicate with me?
Who is the point of contact?
*Some features excluded in the Limited Flat Fee listing Service

What should I do to get my home ready to sale?

The way you sell a home and live in a home are different things. The foremost number one thing to do is, “declutter” counters, walls and rooms. I walk into showings all the time and the garage is stacked floor to ceiling with Tupperware crates of removed clutter. Clean and make attractive all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work and get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords. Make the house smell great.

Should I make repairs to sell my home?

Making repairs leads to a better sales price and a faster sell. It’s not always an easy decision about what to do and how much to spend. Your market analysis and agent should assist you in making repair decisions.

How will I see where my home is shown on the Internet?

It is simple, in considering listing services, enter the property address and Google search some of their active listings. After your listing is live, Google search your property address. You will see all the major sites on the first page. 

We make sure to list your home on a wide range of websites, including Realtor.com®TruliaZillow, and various real estate firms. In addition, we also post your listing on social media platforms such as FacebookTwitterPinterest, and more.

What are the steps involved in selling my home?

Selling a home requires an accurate asking price and understanding of selling options. Homeowners can choose to sell on their own through a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) arrangement, but this can be complex and time-consuming. Many prefer working with an experienced real estate broker or agent, who can provide expertise, guidance, and support throughout the process.

Steps include determining the home’s value, establishing timeline and budget, choosing a listing service, preparing the home for sale, marketing the home, receiving and reviewing offers, negotiating the sale, completing the sale, and moving out. These steps can be complex, which is why many homeowners prefer to work with a brokerage such as DFWCityhomes. Click here to Submit a Request For a Proposal.

What is a REALTOR®?

REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.


Our Track Record

I’m excited to announce that after 18 years of providing dedicated service, our clients have collectively saved over $10,000,000 in commissions! Among these savings are over $1,100,000 for clients who found unrepresented buyers and were able to avoid any selling costs. On top of that, we’ve distributed more than $330,000 in incentive rebates to over 100 satisfied buyers. These remarkable achievements are a true testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective real estate services to our clients.

Tod G. Franklin – Realtor®, Broker, Owner, and multi-million dollar producer at DFWCityhomes

DFWCityhomes is an established and highly regarded Flat Fee MLS Listing Service company in Texas. We have been providing dedicated service for almost two decades delivering personalized service to each client. As the best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service in Texas, we offer affordable and excellent service, while our track record showcases our commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.

Visit our MLS listing comparison chart and Flat Fee MLS Listing Services to see a detailed breakdown of the different plans and their features.

You can Contact Us or call (214)-207-0210 to speak with a Realtor® and find out how we can save you time and money.