If you are in the process of selling your home, you have probably heard of UpNest. UpNest links sellers to top real estate agents in their area in record-breaking time, making it easier for sellers to select a real estate broker that suits their needs. Like many discount options out there, Upnest’s focus is on the agent’s commission. Therefore, the pool of realtors you’re being suggested is usually discount agents.
The UpNest system differs significantly from flat fee MLS listing services that essentially list your home on an MLS for a predetermined cost, then enable you to manage the other components of the sale.
UpNest or Flat Fee MLS: Which is Better?
Before you decide to choose one over the other, it’s best to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. This overview should give you an idea of which is better.
UpNest Benefits
Saves Time
With UpNest, you don’t have to spend time finding a real estate agent. You simply go onto their website, insert your details, and the algorithm does all the work for you. From there, you can conduct an interview process with each real estate broker to find one that suits your needs.
Makes Saving Money Easy
On UpNest, everything is laid bare, so you’re able to determine which realtor you want to choose based on a variety of factors, which –– if you want to save money –– could include their commission structure.
UpNest Drawbacks
Mixed Experiences
If you’ve seen Upnest reviews, they’re glowing –– many of them detailing five-star experience. But, since you’re linking with a real estate broker, your experience can differ as thousands of users have experienced absent and disinterested agents who don’t care about the sale.
Little Oversight
Since UpNest links you to realtors, the agreement you sign is with the realtor and not UpNest. As a result, you could find that you’re left paying additional fees that weren’t disclosed on UpNest or dealing with an unprofessional realtor. Unfortunately, since UpNest is a third party, you don’t have recourse when using the site.
Flat Fee MLS Benefits
Endless Choice
In the flat fee MLS realty world, you have countless companies offering different price points and services. This choice makes flat fee MLS companies more invested in improving their services and features –– some standout options include Beycome and Houzeo.
Control
You have complete control of the process when you’re using a flat fee MLS listing service. This means that you can negotiate directly with buyers and settle on an offer that best suits your needs.
Flat Fee Drawbacks
You Have to Do It Yourself
The reason many sellers choose not to use a flat fee MLS realty service is that they don’t want to invest the time. Although many newer services –– like Houzeo and FSBO –– offer state-of-the-art tech that makes an FSBO sale quicker and easier to navigate, you will still need to spend some time on the process and use your own judgment when navigating the offer process.
Although UpNest is a great alternative to finding a real estate agent the old-fashioned way, it pales in comparison to the flat fee MLS realty arena. With flat fee MLSs, you get the cost-saving, control, and ease of use, while having the peace of mind that you have some recourse.
