Is it a good idea to use Redfin?
Many home buyers and home sellers in Maryland are asking themselves whether or not they should use Redfin to buy or sell their home. They are worried about whether they'll get the same service or somehow make less money or do more work themselves if they use Redfin.Honestly, Redfin is great. It is not a do-it-yourself service by any stretch. You get the same service or better from Redfin as you do from traditional agents, only cheaper and often more efficiently.
The Pros of Redfin
Redfin Charges You Less To Buy or Sell a Home
If you've done some reading than you know that Redfin is only charging a 1% commission for selling your home in some parts of the USA, including Maryland. This is a huge savings compared to the 3% traditional agents charge. When you use Redfin to help you buy a home, they give you a rebate on part of their commission--so you will save money both buying and selling with them. But really, that's just the beginning of the benefits of using this company.Furthermore, it's going to make you wonder: Why is Redfin charging less money than regular agents, and what really are the differences? Honestly, the traditional agencies should be worried, and they are starting to be.
Redfin Has Salaried Agents
Typical real estate agents work on commission only. If you think about it, that means they don't necessarily have your best interests at heart--and studies have proven this. I know a few agents and they are good people, but even so, they make more money when you spend more money, I am sure this fact affects all of them sometimes.Having an agent that is on salary is great--especially when you are trying to buy a home. They really don't care if you buy a house or not. In fact, Redfin agents get a bonus based on customer satisfaction surveys...so they want you to be happy. They are also encouraged to be honest, and I can tell you based on my experiences with the company that they definitely did share opinions on the homes we visited that I wouldn't have expected from a typical agent.
Redfin Is In
Redfin gives you a few bonus items you may not have included with one of the usual suspect agencies. First off, they give you $250 towards fixing up your home to sell. This could include handymen to make repairs, landscapers, etc. You give them the receipt, they give you up to $250 back.Redfin provides a photographer and a 3-D tour of your home. Most agencies will help you get a photographer. Redfin gets you two, included in their service: One to take traditional photographs, the other to make a 3-D tour and a "dollhouse" view of your home. Both of these help your home standout.
