I will never forget …. It was February 16, 2012 when I accepted my first Flat Fee Listing.  I was equally nervous as was my prospective client.   Getting my client to whip out the check book to pay the upfront portion of the flat fee was in fact challenging and amusing.   The wife totally got it (the husband did too) still there was to say at least a tad of apprehension.  We had signed all of the paper work, shared coffee, discussed the future of the old golf course everything had been addressed and signed, the last thing left was for the husband to write the check.    Yes, he shrugged his shoulders, took a big gulp, he wrote the check.  The transaction went smooth as pie it was on the market for 26 days and sold for a little more than 97% of listing.  From this client I have already received 3 wonderful referrals. 

We were equally appreciative of the opportunity that my Flat Fee Plan offered both sides.  I learned I did not mind a bit working for less (virtually the first time in my career) so long as there was a clear written agreement that discussed expectation level and time spent.  I designed the Flat Fee Plan as a result of the horrific buyer’s market of 2010 and 2011 where most sellers had little equity.  I remember going on 13 listing appointments where I chose to walk out the door without the listing.  I knew that I could not net the seller what the seller had to net and still get paid.  In none of the cases did the seller go and list with someone else.  There simply was not enough equity. 
Click on this link to see my 5 Star Rating from this my first Flat Fee Listing!
http://members.har.com/Realtor-Agent-Rating/process/dispSurveyResults.cfm?ratingkey=28BA365B-24C7-42E5-9DF1-1A527A0E14B2

No sooner had I designed the plan the market turned; it turned fast and hard moving from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market.  By the end of 2012 I was pretty much done offering the Flat Fee Plan. 

Now the opposite problem is upon us; with a total shortage of inventory in Clear Creek ISD for homes priced under $400,000 – for a short time and and so I can load up on a few listings I am offering the plan again.

The Flat Fee Listing is a full service listing with a few Rules, Limitations and Boundaries.

Seller’s if you are willing to do the tiniest little bit of work yourself you can save thousands.

The picture in this blog is one of my favorite pictures from my first flat fee listing - yes I use a professional photographer.

http://www.debbierussell.com for pricing info on Flat Fee