FAQ

1. How is Fixed Rate Properties different from other Full Service Real Estate Companies?

The main difference between Fixed Rate and other Real Estate Companies is that we provide a level of service above and beyond what traditional "full service" companies typically do while charging much more reasonable rates. We are a fully licensed Real Estate Brokerage company with the California Department of Real Estate, and members in good standing with the San Francisco Association of Realtors, Re InfoLink, BAREIS, and the Bay East Association of Realtors.

FOR SELLERS: We offer commission rates as low as 1.5% for our end while handling everything from Listing to Close of Escrow. We’ll list your home on MLS and top internet sites, place a high-profile sign on your property, create an address specific website to showcase your home – ex: www.139-welshstreet.com - show the property, advertise it, do Open Houses, cooperate with other Agents with interested Buyers, handle all the negotiations and paperwork, and represent your interests all the way through the process of selling your home. But it doesn't stop there. Because we recognize that the offering price and positioning of a property for sale is key to maximizing the return on your investment, we also do exhaustive research both online and in the field to make sure your property gets sold as quickly as possible and you don't leave any money on the table. Commissions are paid from the proceeds of the sale – there are no upfront fees or charges.

A recent example – 139 Welsh Street in San Francisco. Two other units sold in this building earlier in the year, but they took almost 60 days to sell. Fixed Rate not only got an offer on this property in a little over two weeks, but we’re saving the Seller approximately $6000 - $8000 in commissions over what other companies charge.

FOR BUYERS: We take care of everything from viewing to closing – paperwork, negotiations, liaison with contractors and/or inspectors, coordinating escrow with the title company, staying in touch with your lender to make sure the loan process goes smoothly, and anything else we need to do to make sure the deal gets done properly and on time. And once the deal is done we rebate 20% of our commission direct to you to spend as you wish.

A recent example – We helped a first time buyer with the purchase of a new condo in the Outer Sunset. We not only negotiated the price $80,000 below asking, but a credit for $5000 toward closing costs and a loan that was 5/8% lower than they were able to get on their own. When the deal was done we delivered a Commission Rebate check for $4800.

2. Does Fixed Rate really charge as low as 1.5% commission for Listing my home?

In a word, yes. Our fee for Listing any owner occupied or vacant single family home, condo, loft, or TIC, is 1.5% of the total sales price with two minor exceptions:

• There is a $7500 minimum fee for our services - this means that if your residence is less than $500,000 the fee will end up being slightly more than 1.5%. Given that a typical Listing commission on a $500,000 dwelling would still be about $15,000, with the average home price well over that in many areas you're going to save a lot of money.
• We charge 2% for handling tenant occupied and Two - Four Unit buildings - there is typically a lot more work involved – more reports, coordinating with tenants, etc… (Rates for five + unit buildings are negotiated on an individual basis)

All commissions are paid to Fixed Rate through escrow. There are no up front costs or hidden charges.

3. Does Fixed Rate really Rebate 20% of their commissions to all of their Buyer Clients after close of escrow?

Again, the short answer is yes. When you hire us to represent you in the purchase of your new home, we will represent your interests, negotiate on your behalf, be available to answer questions every step of the way from offer to closing, AND rebate you 20% of our commission on any piece of property that we represent you as Buyer's Agent at Close of Escrow. You spend it how you wish. No hidden fees or costs. No exceptions.

Our Buyer Rebate Policy is much more than a clever marketing program. We recognize that today’s Buyers are much more savvy about Real Estate than they used to be, and with public access of the MLS available to anyone with an Internet connection Buyers make our job a whole lot easier. We think you should be rewarded accordingly.

4. Do I List my home for the same price since it costs less?

We leave that up to the individual Seller. Many Sellers choose to keep the price at the same level as comparable properties to enjoy the savings offered by Fixed Rate. Some choose to spend those savings on Staging their home, or discount the offering price as inducement for a quicker sale.

5. How can Fixed Rate offer Full Service AND such great rates?

• Home Prices have risen astronomically in the last few years, but the work involved in Listing/Selling a home has not. We did the math.
• The Internet and other new technologies have made the process of Listing and/or Buying homes much easier than it used to be, and Fixed Rate has chosen to pass those savings on to the consumer.  
• Buyers are typically more informed about the process and more involved in identifying target homes for their Agent/Broker. We acknowledge this reality by rebating a portion of our commissions.
• Volume – because our rates are so reasonable, we stay busy and that also helps keep our rates down.