faq
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
How are you different?
Our goal is to match you with the best real estate agents. We ask you about your needs and give you 3 to 5 personalized proposals from the best local agents. Agents that partner with us do not pay us to recommend them, so we select the agent that is the absolute best fit for you.
We know how stressful it can be to sell or buy a home, so we provide a committed advisor to assist you through your entire process. We also provide in-depth profiles on each of our agents, including who they are, marketing materials, services, and online reviews.
I want to sell my home in 3 months, when should I submit my request?
What is the average price for homes in my area?
When should I interview an agent?
What questions should I ask during agent interviews?
What is the proposal?
The personalized proposals you will receive include a comprehensive quote prepared for you by our agents in order to work with you. Because you receive personalized proposals from each agent, you are able to compare proposals to see what works best for you.
Proposals are similar for both buyers and sellers, but are slightly different.
Proposals for sellers include commission savings and services such as, open houses, staging, virtual tours, CMA, and photography. On the other hand, buyers proposals include savings and a rebate when applicable. Both include agent profiles with reviews, statistics, and more.
You will have an advisor to assist you in reviewing each proposal and making the decision that is best for you.
Can I share competing agents’ proposals?
We feel it is best if you do not share agents’ proposals. Agents prefer to not make public the savings they offer to Top Ranked Agent buyers and sellers. The private proposals are meant to allow a competitive nature by having confidentiality regarding savings. As a result, you will get access to those exclusive savings.
View our terms and conditions here.
I currently have a real estate agent, but I want a new one. Can I still submit a request with Top Ranked Agent?
According to the code of ethics, agents are not allowed to engage a seller/buyer that is represented by another agent. If the seller were to reach out to the agent directly, or through Top Ranked Agent, you should not have an issue. The rule is designated a no poaching policy, which is not applicable if the seller reaches out through Top Ranked Agent.
What is a Buyer commission refund and when will I receive it?
A commission refund is a cash incentive, offered by a buyer’s agent, to encourage a home buyer to hire them. Home buyers do not pay any commission fees if working with a real estate agent. The seller is responsible for covering the commission fees paid to both the selling and buying agents.
Your refund amount is dependant upon your purchase price range and how far along you are in your home search. Most buyer’s agents will only issue a refund to the person listed on the deed at the closing of a transaction. At the close of escrow, you need to make sure you disclose this refund to your lender/mortgage broker to make sure there is no issue to receive the credit on your HUD-1 statement.
Where prohibited by law, buyer’s commissions are not available in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee.
Why should I use a Buyer’s Agent?
The advantage to using a buyer’s agent is their ability to first see when listings go live, even before they show up on other real estate websites. These agents also have insider information and know about listings before those listings hit the market. Because of this information, you will know when properties are available, so you can make an offer before other competition enters.
Once you have selected a property, agents are able to help negotiate your offer, schedule inspections, appraise, and help renegotiate your offer if necessary. Agents are available to assist you through your entire process.
Why shouldn’t I call the listing agent?
What is an exclusive buyer agreement?
An exclusive buyer agreement is made between a buyer and a buyer’s agent. In this agreement, the agent is to deliver the best service and the buyer agrees to exclusively work with that agent.
An exclusive buyer’s agreement is not required, but generally results in better service. You can agree to a 24-hour, 7-day, 30+ day term, or any other term you both agree upon.