Thinking About Using a Low Commission Real Estate Agent?
When selling your home, it’s easy to be tempted by a cheap real estate broker who promises lower commission rates and fast results. After all, who wouldn’t want to save money? But here’s the truth many sellers in Lexington, High Point, Winston-Salem, and Kernersville learn the hard way: cheap brokers often cost you far more than they save.
Let’s break down why discount real estate brokers fail sellers, what corners they cut, and how working with a full service real estate agent like Mantle Realty can actually net you more money and peace of mind.
The Real Cost of a Low Commission Real Estate Agent
The Triad real estate market is competitive. Your listing agent plays a massive role in how quickly your home sells, how many potential buyers walk through your doors, and what final sale price you land. Cheap brokers tend to offer fewer services. This often includes: No professional photography or video Minimal online marketing exposure No open houses or poorly promoted ones
Limited or nonexistent staging guidance Inexperienced negotiation skills Lack of follow-through with buyer agents and inspections A low commission rate may save you 1–2% up front. But if your home sells for $15,000–$30,000 less than it should—or sits unsold while market conditions change—was it worth it?
💡 Related: How We Help Sellers Win in Today’s Market
The Pros and Cons of Discount Real Estate Brokers
There’s no denying the appeal of discount brokerages. They advertise lower commission fees, flat-rate listing packages, or even offer to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a few hundred bucks. But here’s the problem: you get what you pay for.
Common issues sellers face with cheap brokers include:
Poor Communication: Unreturned calls, unclear timelines, or no updates at all. Lack of Strategy: No plan for marketing, pricing, or navigating the housing market. Few Showings: Weak exposure to buyer networks and limited MLS presence.
Missed Opportunities: Inexperienced brokers often lose negotiating leverage or fail to recognize cash offer tactics. Lower Home’s Sales Price: Lack of marketing, no home selling tips, staging, or buyer engagement often results in fewer offers and weaker terms.
Why Full Service Real Estate Is Worth It
Full service agents like those at Mantle Realty go beyond basic listing services. We help you maximize your return, not just sell your house. That includes: Strategic pricing based on active comps, sold data, and current real estate market trends HD photo + video marketing, drone tours, and social campaigns Hosting and marketing professional open houses Negotiating every term—from price to repairs to closing dates.
Other services sellers sometimes forget that a cheap real estate broker might not help with are utility transfers, title coordination, and staging Handling paperwork and contracts with care and compliance Want to see how we do it? Check out our client experience from real homes sold throughout Davidson, Forsyth, and Guilford counties.
🔗 External Resource: FTC Guide to Buying and Selling a Home
Commission Rates vs. Commission Value
Cheap brokers often highlight low commission rates—but they don’t talk about what’s missing. A traditional agent charging 5–6% commission typically splits that with the buyer’s agent, funds listing materials, and delivers full support. With cheap agents: You may still pay the buyer’s agent 2.5–3%.
You’ll often pay out-of-pocket for marketing There’s no guarantee of responsive service You lose negotiating power on purchase price Bottom line: A discount real estate broker might save you a few thousand on paper—but lose you tens of thousands at closing.
What Level of Service Do You Expect?
Think about this: would you hire the cheapest attorney to handle your lawsuit? Or the cheapest mechanic to fix your brakes? Your home is likely your biggest financial asset.
When you’re listing your home, you need someone who understands not just buying and selling, but pricing strategy, contract deadlines, inspections, and how to attract serious potential buyers. At Mantle Realty, our Triad real estate agents serve as advisors, marketers, negotiators, and advocates.
Why Some Homes Sit on the Market
The top reasons sellers come to us after trying a low commission route: Poor MLS listing quality (no descriptions, bad photos) Little to no traffic or buyer interest Lack of response from the agent after listing Mispriced homes based on bad advice A poorly executed listing doesn’t just delay your sale—it can damage your property’s perceived value. The longer your home for sale sits, the more likely you’ll receive lowball cash offers or price reductions.
Local Matters: Why You Need a Real Estate Agent in Lexington NC and the Triad
Our agents live and work right here in the Triad. We know the buyers searching in your neighborhood, the value of your street, and how to turn your home into a must-see property.
Whether you’re trying to sell your house in the Triad, upgrade to a bigger space, or downsize, having a hyper-local expert means less stress—and more money in your pocket. Ready to meet a local agent? Find an agent near you.
How to Spot a Good Agent vs. a Cheap One
Here are a few questions to ask before signing a listing agreement: What is your average sale-to-list ratio? How many listings have you closed in my area? Do you include professional photography and marketing? How do you attract multiple offers and serious buyers?
Will you host open houses or provide virtual showings? Can I see examples of past listings? Don’t be afraid to compare. A strong agent welcomes the conversation because they know their value.
In Summary: The Risks Aren’t Worth the “Savings”
Choosing a cheap real estate broker might seem like a way to save money, but in most cases, it’s a shortcut to disappointment. Your home deserves a professional who will treat it like a top-tier listing—not a transaction to cut corners on. With Mantle Realty, you get a full service real estate team committed to showcasing your home’s true value and protecting your financial interests from start to finish.
