Frequently Asked Questions
Don't see your question? Email help@www.theflatfeeagent.com
What is The Flat Fee Agent?
Is The Flat Fee Agent a licensed brokerage?
The Flat Fee Agent is a real estate service model operated by a licensed Texas real estate agent. All real estate services are provided under eXp Realty LLC, a licensed brokerage, in compliance with state law.
Does The Flat Fee Agent have licensed real estate agents?
Yes, some of the best in the industry who are eager to help you get your home sold.
What is the MLS?
The MLS (or Multiple Listing Service) is a real estate database that is used by brokers and agents to list properties for sale. It is a way for buyers and sellers to find each other and to see what is available on the market. The MLS also provides information on recent sales, trends, and prices.
The MLS is an important tool for real estate professionals, and is an essential tool for anyone interested in buying or selling a property.
Can I put my home on the MLS myself?
The MLS is a database of homes for sale that is only accessible to real estate agents and licensed brokerages. This means that if you want to list your home on the MLS, you will need to find a real estate agent or brokerage who is willing to work with you.
Technology and brokerage-based MLS participation gets you into the MLS quickly.
Can I cancel my listing with Flat Fee Agent?
We get it — life happens, and plans can change.
If you decide to pause or cancel your listing before your home is under contract, just let us know.
Please note that the upfront fee, which covers expenses like photos, sign, lockbox, and listing setup, is non-refundable.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple.
Click the Get Started button and submit your initial deposit to reserve your spot and begin the onboarding process. Once that’s complete, you’ll receive a short property intake form by email so we can gather the details we need.
From there, you’ll be connected with your agent, who will send over a representation agreement and walk you through next steps so they can officially get to work on your behalf.
How long does it take for a listing to go live?
A listing will go live approximately 24 hours after all of the listing information has been completed and pictures have been provided.
If you use The Flat Fee Agent’s free professional photographer the average turnaround time to receive pictures is 4-5 days.
What happens after I complete my listing documents?
Once your listing documents are completed, our team gets to work reviewing and submitting your listing to your MLS. We’ll also ship you a lock box and send a photographer to take pictures of your home.
If there is any additional information that needs to be verified our team will reach out to you by email.
Once the listing is live, you will receive a link to your MLS listing, be able to set up showings, and be able to start receiving offers.
Do I have to pay extra for professional photography?
No, The Flat Fee Agent pays for all photography costs! We will send a professional photographer to your home at any time that works best for you to take professional pictures of your home.
Can I provide my own photos? What are the photo rules?
You can use your own photos, however we highly recommend that you take advantage of the professional photographer provided by The Flat Fee Agent.
Photo Rules:
You may only use original photos that you have taken or have written permission to use.
You may not use:
- Screenshots of photos
- Thumbnails of photos
- Google maps photos
- Photos with yard signs or other contact information in them
- Photos with writing on them
- Photos with watermarks on them
Who shows my home?
The Flat Fee Agent ships you a free digital lockbox allowing buyer’s agents to easily show your home. You can also show your home yourself if you would like.
The lockbox will track anytime it is accessed by an agent and report that information to your designated agent.
How can I keep other real estate agents from calling me to get me to list with them?
When you list with The Flat Fee Agent, we are listed as your broker in the MLS. Agents are not allowed to reach out to solicit your business once you are working with a broker.
If I sell my home through The Flat Fee Agent, where will buyers find my listing?
We list your home on the MLS (the #1 resource for home buyers) as well as every major real estate website, and websites in your area, ensuring buyers see your home.
By selling with The Flat Fee Agent you guarantee the highest exposure for your home.
Where do you post the listing beyond MLS?
Your listing will be posted on every major real estate website including Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of other sites.
Do homes listed by The Flat Fee Agent show as For Sale By Owner on Zillow or Agent listed?
The Flat Fee Agent listings show up as ‘agent listed’ on Zillow,
What commission should I offer to buyer's brokers?
With The Flat Fee Agent, you have the freedom to choose whether or not you want to offer a buyer’s agent commission. Many home sellers still pay a commission between 2-3%, but it’s totally up to you whether you want to offer a commission. You also have the ability to offer a credit to the buyer which can either go towards the buyer’s closing expenses or for the buyer to pay their own agent should they have one representing them.
Do I have to accept an offer from a buyer's agent?
No, you are never obligated to accept any offers from anyone.
I really only want to do For Sale By Owner, can I choose no buyer's broker commission?
You do have the choice to offer no commission to the buyer’s agent. Please note however, the majority of homes listed in the MLS are offering some type of commission or compensation to a buyer’s agent to help increase their chances to sell. Offering no commission to a buyer’s agent could have an affect on the amount of traffic you get to your listing.
How do commissions work with a traditional full service agent?
The amount of the commission can vary depending on the area and the type of home, but it is typically around 6% of the final sales price. So, if you are selling a home for $400,000, the commission would be $24,000. The buyer’s agent would then receive half of that, or $12,000.
How do commissions work with The Flat Fee Agent?
Unlike most traditional agents and brokers, rather than charging a percentage based commission (6% is what we most commonly see in Texas), The Flat Fee Agent charges a low flat rate no matter what the final sales price is. On top of The Flat Agent fee, you are free to choose whether or not you would like to offer a buyer’s agent commission and how much that would be. Most of our sellers choose to invest their savings on the listing side and offer a commission to the buyer’s agent to help drive traffic to their listing.
Does The Flat Fee Agent provide me with Seller's Disclosure forms?
Yes, Flat Fee Agent provides the disclosure forms that you are required to provide to buyers. You can fill and sign them electronically.
Will I ever pay more than the flat fee?
No. Your chosen package fee is agreed to upfront and does not increase based on price, commission offered, or negotiations.
Can I use my own title and closing company?
Technically, yes. However, The Flat Fee Agent partners with trusted title companies designed to help you maximize your profits and ensure a smooth closing process.
What if I have questions?
We’re Here to Help!
The Flat Fee Agent has a dedicated support team available 7 days a week via chat, email, or phone. Our team is ready to assist you from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Central Time).
Email: Info@theflatrateagent.com
Phone: 713-775-7116
Can I list more than one property for sale?
Yes, you can list as many properties for sale as you want using The Flat Fee Agent.
Is the listing fee paid upfront or at closing?
The Flat Fee Agent clients will be billed a flat upfront fee that covers non broker services to get the process started. The rest of the fee is paid at closing when your property sells.
If you are a real estate investor or seller with multiple properties, contact our sales team for deeply discounted pricing.
Can I list land for sale?
Yes, The Flat Fee Agent can list land or lots for sale.
How often can I make changes to my listing?
You can make changes for free to your listing as often as you would like through your Flat Fee Agent.
Can my buyer fee really be $0?
Yes. In many transactions, the seller offers buyer-agent compensation that may fully cover the flat fee — meaning you may owe nothing at closing.
What happens if the seller offers buyer-agent compensation?
Yes. In many transactions, the seller offers buyer-agent compensation that may fully cover the flat fee — meaning you may owe nothing at closing.
Do you rebate or credit the buyer if the seller pays more?
Our model focuses on cost certainty, not variable rebates. The flat fee reflects the value of professional representation and ensures your maximum cost is known upfront.
Are you ready to sell your home the modern way?
Get your home listed fast and start receiving offers.