Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
People ask us about our 1% low-commission real estate business model all the time. Here are answers to the questions we get most. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Aren't all real estate agents the same?
In a general sense, sure, all agents do the same thing; they list and sell homes for sellers and help find homes and negotiate purchases for buyers
But not all real estate agents approach business the same way.
The Principal Team’s Ultimate Home Selling System focuses on high-quality marketing and client service without high fees. We have engineered our entire approach to serving clients who have a profound preference for ‘the best’ and those who want to have the most respected, qualified and capable professionals representing them. Our goal is to sell your home in a time frame that works for you and at the best price possible. We work hard to expose your property to the largest number of prospective buyers possible and to provide superior service all the time.
How are you different?
Our model is different, but so is our motivation. We want to be the best at what we do – the best possible solution for our clients, our team members and the communities we serve. We think our model lets agents provide the best possible service to our clients and our clients save money. We’re also committed to social responsibility and giving back.
If you charge less, how do you stay in business? Can you even make money?
Our team has created a better, faster and cheaper alternative for our clients, so people who hire us walk away thrilled. Because our clients are so satisfied, the referrals we get help save marketing dollars. Our organic growth has been amazing to watch because we’re getting more referrals, more repeat business and more new business than ever. We’re making a fine living!
Why do you have a "Full Service, without the Fees" model? How did that start?
If you trade stocks, buy music or book travel online, you know you can save big compared to the days before the Internet. While the Internet has made buying and selling homes more efficient, the cost savings haven’t been seen by most consumers. In fact, it still costs around 6% to sell a home. If you’re selling a $600,000 home, that’s $36,000!
Nowadays, agents don’t drive contracts back and forth, clients do much of their shopping online and home prices are much higher. Technology has allowed agents to be more efficient. Does it make sense to charge that much to sell a home? We don’t think so.
The Principal Team offers clients a more modern selling experience and a better alternative. Our team has created a better, faster and cheaper alternative for our clients.
In many transactions, sellers pay 6% of their home’s sales price in commissions; 3% to each agent. When you sell with The Principal Team, you only pay our full service listing agent a 1% commission plus a 2.5% to 3% commission to the buyer’s agent. That’s $15,000 in savings on a $600,000 home.
Our founders come from a background in Web development and Internet marketing. When we started in real estate over 10 years ago, we realized that almost all buyers start their home search online and that the Internet had streamlined the entire buying and selling process. Even though the process had changed, consumers weren’t seeing the benefits. We thought a shake-up in the industry was overdue.
If another agent promises a higher selling price, shouldn't we hire that agent?
An agent may promise a high selling price just to get your business, but that doesn’t mean it’s realistic, especially if you choose an inexperienced agent. You need to look at an agent’s actual, documented track record to see how their promises are kept. Most homes we list sell for between 101% and 105% of the original asking price. We’ll compare our extensive track record against any other agent’s record. And our “Full Service Without the Fees” model allows you to walk away with more money.
Pricing a home too high or too low can be costly for sellers and can cause homes to spend much more time on the market than necessary.
Pricing expertise helps sell homes. We monitor sales prices day to day throughout the Front Range. We know what a home can and will be sold for. We give clients truthful, frank advice on price and then we negotiate “tough” with buyers to get our prices paid.
Doesn't the market determine how fast my home will sell, not the agent?
A hot market can make it easier for inexperienced agents and agents with limited resources to sell properties. However, other agents don’t have the resources we have, like our database of prospective buyers, a dedicated marketing manager whose job is to promote your home to buyers, our track record of success and the strength of our proven Ultimate Home Selling System.
Experience and a successful track record matter, at any time and in any type of market. Here’s why: You not only want your home sold quickly but you want it sold for the most amount of money possible. You want it sold efficiently without disputes, messed up documents or confusion.
You want a smooth and flawless transaction with an agent who’s diligent and knowledgeable of market trends and strategic pricing, and who understands the details of marketing. This is the kind of experience we pride ourselves on delivering to every client.
I don't plan to sell for a few months. When should I talk to a listing agent?
Even if you don’t plan to sell for several months, it’s appropriate to call now to ensure all the details are taken care of and we’re prepared to start marketing your home when you’re ready. Selling a home quickly and for the most money possible takes preparation. The earlier you start preparing, the better off you’ll be.
Call our team leader, David, at 720-408-7409.
Why should I hire you?
Earn thousands more when you sell for one percent
Get a financial advantage with no-hassle guarantees
You’ll have experienced and dedicated professionals working for you
Get direct access to THOUSANDS of buyers in our database
We make every transaction as easy and efficient as possible
Innovative marketing creates more demand for your home
Our track record of success
Five-Star Service Throughout Your Sale
Do you also work with buyers?
We love to work with buyers who are looking to purchase a home anywhere from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. We offer buyer satisfaction guarantees and other incentives that other agents won’t provide. If you’re considering purchasing a home, contact us to get started.