Full Service Realtors vs. Discount Realtors

A 2006 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, based on more than 7,500 responses to a questionnaire mailed to a large national sample of consumers found a number of interesting stats from the services offered by Realtors.

The statistics show that most sellers prefer full-service brokerage, where professionals handle all aspects of the transaction process from listing to closing, including preparation of the home for sale, pricing, marketing, showing the home, contract negotiations and closing. Limited services are usually provided by “discount brokers” where sellers take a more active role in the process such as showing their homes themselves or preparing the contract. This can be compared to using a “discount surgeon” where the real estate agent preps you and allows you to do the surgery. As uncomfortable as that sounds experience is the important factor, and the numbers show that full service Realtors are preferred for handling what is most people’s largest investment.

The survey finds 83% of sellers use full-service brokerage, 9% limited services and 8% use minimal service, such as simply listing a property on a MLS. The numbers also show consumer satisfaction where the level of brokerage service varies, with 71% of sellers being very satisfied with their full-service experience and another 24% somewhat satisfied. Limited services also received high marks with 76% being generally satisfied; however, 50% of sellers using minimal service were dissatisfied with their experience.

After viewing these numbers it is easy to see that Full Service Realtors provide the greatest potential for a trouble-free move. Make sure to ask what services are provided when interviewing a Realtor to make sure you are truly receiving “Full Service.”